TRAITS

for Success

creative

excellent hand-eye coordination

problem-solving skills

work independently

good communication skills
 
rosthetists and orthotists design and create artificial limbs
(external prosthetic devices) for persons with deformity or
weakness of the limbs, spine or skull.  These creative professionals are
capable of finding solutions for each patient's unique physical impairment. 
Orthotists fit corrective shoes, support braces, and strengthening devices to
assist in rehabilitation.  Designing, making, and adjusting artificial limbs are
the challenges of the prosthetist.  They also make a special type of prosthetic
arm that uses the patient's own muscle stimulation to make it move in a more
life-like manner.  New technology, lightweight materials, the use of
computer-aided design, and opportunities in research and teaching make this
a career with many exciting possibilities.
 
Average Starting Salary $49,000   
 
Work Environment
Government agencies
Hospitals
Privately-owned facilities
Rehabilitation centers
Research and design laboratories
Self-employed
Universities
 
Academic Requirements
A college preparatory diploma is
recommended.  Prerequisite courses
in math, physics, chemistry, psychology
and human anatomy and physiology
are required to enter an educational
program in prosthetics and orthotics.
Completion of one of the following
education programs leads to a career as a
prosthetist and orthotist:
a bachelor's degree in orthotics and
prosthetics, a bachelor's degree
 
 
 
and a post-graduate certification
in orthotics and/or prosthetics,
or an entry-level master's degree
in orthotics and prosthetics.
 
Licensure, Certification and
Registration
Licensure is required  through the
Georgia Composite State Board of
Medical Examiners.  After one year of
experience under a board certified
practitioner, candidates may complete
a test and become certified by the
American Board for Certification in
Orthotics and Prosthetics.  This
organization grants certification as a
Certified Orthotist (CO), Certified
Prosthetics (CP), and Certified
Prosthetist-Orthotist (CPO).
 
Professional Organizations
American Academy of Orthotists
   and Prosthetists
(703) 836-0788
www.oandp.org
www.opcareers.org
 
American Board for Certification
   in Orthotics and Prosthetics
(703) 836-7114
www.abcop.org
 
National Commission on Orthotic
   and Prosthetic Education
(703) 836-7114
www.ncope.org
 
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Master's Degree

  
Georgia Institute of Technology  
   
   
 
Table of Contents

Georgia Statewide AHEC Network

www.gahealthcareers.org     

1512 W. 3rd Avenue ▪ Albany, GA  31707 ▪ 229-439-7185 ▪ FAX 229-888-5154

www.sowega-ahec.org

© Southwest Georgia Area Health Education Center and related affiliates

website by Majestic Pages