Orthotists and Prosthetists

Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.

Tasks Include:

Examine, interview, and measure patients to determine their appliance needs and to identify factors that could affect appliance fit.
Fit, test, and evaluate devices on patients, and make adjustments for proper fit, function, and comfort.
Instruct patients in the use and care of orthoses and prostheses.
Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices, based on physicians' prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients.
Maintain patients' records.
Make and modify plaster casts of areas to be fitted with prostheses or orthoses to guide the device construction process.
Select materials and components to be used, based on device design.
Confer with physicians to formulate specifications and prescriptions for orthopedic or prosthetic devices.
Repair, rebuild, and modify prosthetic and orthopedic appliances.
Construct and fabricate appliances, or supervise others constructing the appliances.
Train and supervise support staff, such as orthopedic and prosthetic assistants and technicians.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Projections Quick View:

Virginia: +19.7%

National: +15.1%

Education

Master's Degree

Job Zone:

Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Income Range:

Highest ($50,000 and up)

Median Earnings:

National

$78,100.00

State

$71,830.00

Regional

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Description

Career Cluster:

Health Science

Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Education

Required Level of Education

Master's Degree = 90%
Bachelor's Degree = 5%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master. = 5%

Related Work Experience

Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 52.38%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 23.81%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 14.29%
None = 4.76%
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 4.76%

On-Site or In-Plant Training

Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 26.32%
Up to and including 1 month = 21.05%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 21.05%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 15.79%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 10.53%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 5.26%

On-the-Job Training

Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 42.86%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 19.05%
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 9.52%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 9.52%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 9.52%
None or short demonstration = 4.76%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 4.76%

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

Examine, interview, and measure patients to determine their appliance needs and to identify factors that could affect appliance fit.
Fit, test, and evaluate devices on patients, and make adjustments for proper fit, function, and comfort.
Instruct patients in the use and care of orthoses and prostheses.
Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices, based on physicians' prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients.
Maintain patients' records.
Make and modify plaster casts of areas to be fitted with prostheses or orthoses to guide the device construction process.
Select materials and components to be used, based on device design.
Confer with physicians to formulate specifications and prescriptions for orthopedic or prosthetic devices.
Repair, rebuild, and modify prosthetic and orthopedic appliances.
Construct and fabricate appliances, or supervise others constructing the appliances.
Train and supervise support staff, such as orthopedic and prosthetic assistants and technicians.
Update skills and knowledge by attending conferences and seminars.
Show and explain orthopedic and prosthetic appliances to healthcare workers.
Research new ways to construct and use orthopedic and prosthetic devices.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

Publish research findings or present them at conferences and seminars.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Tools and Technology

Tools Include:

Hex keys (Allen wrenches)
Anvils
Power sanders (Belt sanders)
Bending machines (Bending irons)
Cast cutters or saws (Cast cutters)
Cast cutters or saws (Cast spreaders)
Power saws (Circular saws)
Hammers (Claw hammers)
Milling cutters (Computer numerical controlled CNC milling machines)
Deburring equipment (Deburring tools)
Desktop computers
Calipers (Digital calipers)
Protractors (Digital protractors)
Digital camcorders or video cameras (Digital video cameras)
Scanners (Digitizers)
Power drills (Drilling machines)
Masks or accessories (Dust masks)
Electromyography EMG units or accessories (Electromyography EMG testers)
Files
Pressure indicators (Force platforms)
Goniometers
Power grinders (Grinding machines)
Files (Half-round files)
Rasps (Hand rasps)
Tongs (Holding tongs)
Sewing machines (Industrial sewing machines)
Laboratory safety ovens (Infrared laboratory ovens)
Laboratory mechanical convection ovens (Laboratory air circulating ovens)
Notebook computers (Laptop computers)
Levels (Laser levels)
Scanners (Laser scanners)
Medical exam or non surgical procedure gloves (Medical examination protective gloves)
Medical tape measures (Medical measuring tapes)
Personal computers
Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers (Personal digital assistants PDA)
Pipe vises (Pipe clamps)
Power buffers
Power drills
Power planes (Power planers)
Power sanders
Rulers (Precision rulers)
Electro pneumatic transducers (Pressure transducers)
Punching pliers (Revolving punch pliers)
Goggles (Safety goggles)
Utility knives (Scarpas knives)
Shears
Medical staff isolation or surgical masks (Surgical masks)
Tablet computers
Power routers (Trautman routers)
Pipe or tube cutters (Tube cutters)
Reamers (Tube reamers)
Utility knives
Vacuum molding machines (Vacuum molding systems)
Vacuum molding machines (Vacuum presses)
Power routers (Variable speed routers)
Alignment jig (Vertical transfer jigs)
Welders
Bench vises (Workshop bench vises)
Heat guns (Workshop heat guns)
Lathes (Workshop lathes)

Technologies Include:

Accounting software

Intuit QuickBooks software

Computer aided design CAD software

Alibre Design
Autodesk AutoCAD software
Infinity CAD Systems AutoSculpt
Ohio Willow Wood OMEGA Tracer System
Polhemus FastSCAN
Seattle Systems Shapemaker
Vorum Research Corporation CANFIT-PLUS

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

Data base user interface and query software

Microsoft Access

Electronic mail software

Email software

Graphics or photo imaging software

Computer graphics software

Internet browser software

Web browser software

Medical software

American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association CodingPro
Artsco OrthoPro Complete
Futura International O.P.S.
Gait analysis software
Gez Bowman THE O&P HUB
MedePresence
MedEvolve eCeno
OPIE Practice Management Suite

Presentation software

Microsoft PowerPoint

Spreadsheet software

Microsoft Excel

Word processing software

Microsoft Word

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Special Requirements

For More Information, Contact:

American Academy Of Orthotists And Prosthetists
526 King Street
Suite 201
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703.836.0788
Fax: 703.836.0737
http://www.oandp.org/

The American Board For Certification In Orthotics And Prosthetics
330 John Carlyle Street
Suite 210
Alexandria, VA 22314703836
Phone: 703.836.7114
Fax: 703.836.0838
http://www.abcop.org/
[email protected]

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Additional Resources

International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics
U.S. National Member Society
1650 King St., Suite 500
Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: (703) 836-7114 Fax: (703) 836-0838

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Knowledge

%	Subject	Description
89.25	Customer and Personal Service	Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
82.50	Medicine and Dentistry	Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
73.75	Design	Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
73.75	Therapy and Counseling	Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
71.50	English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
71.25	Psychology	Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
70.25	Mechanical	Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
70.00	Education and Training	Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
68.75	Production and Processing	Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
66.75	Administration and Management	Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
65.50	Engineering and Technology	Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
63.00	Physics	Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
63.00	Computers and Electronics	Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
62.50	Administrative	Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
55.00	Biology	Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
52.50	Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Skills

%	Subject	Description
75.00	Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
75.00	Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
75.00	Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
75.00	Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.
75.00	Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
68.75	Service Orientation	Actively looking for ways to help people.
68.75	Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
68.75	Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
68.75	Social Perceptiveness	Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
59.50	Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
56.25	Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
56.25	Coordination	Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
53.00	Instructing	Teaching others how to do something.
53.00	Operations Analysis	Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
53.00	Learning Strategies	Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
53.00	Time Management	Managing one's own time and the time of others.
50.00	Mathematics	Using mathematics to solve problems.
50.00	Persuasion	Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
50.00	Operations Monitoring	Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
50.00	Quality Control Analysis	Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Abilities

%	Subject	Description
75.00	Oral Comprehension	The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
75.00	Written Comprehension	The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
75.00	Oral Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
75.00	Problem Sensitivity	The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
75.00	Deductive Reasoning	The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
75.00	Inductive Reasoning	The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
75.00	Near Vision	The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
72.00	Written Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
72.00	Visualization	The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
68.75	Information Ordering	The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
65.50	Speech Clarity	The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
65.50	Speech Recognition	The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
59.50	Category Flexibility	The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
56.25	Fluency of Ideas	The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
53.00	Originality	The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
53.00	Selective Attention	The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
50.00	Arm-Hand Steadiness	The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
50.00	Manual Dexterity	The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
50.00	Finger Dexterity	The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
50.00	Control Precision	The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
50.00	Far Vision	The ability to see details at a distance.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Work Activities

%	Subject	Description
87.50	Documenting/Recording Information	Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
87.00	Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
87.00	Assisting and Caring for Others	Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
84.50	Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
78.75	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
78.50	Working with Computers	Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
77.50	Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
77.50	Processing Information	Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
77.50	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
76.25	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
76.25	Thinking Creatively	Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
76.25	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
73.75	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
73.75	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
72.50	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
71.50	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
71.25	Performing Administrative Activities	Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
69.00	Communicating with People Outside the Organization	Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
65.75	Scheduling Work and Activities	Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
65.50	Controlling Machines and Processes	Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
64.25	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
63.25	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
62.00	Handling and Moving Objects	Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
60.00	Analyzing Data or Information	Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
59.50	Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
59.50	Training and Teaching Others	Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
59.50	Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
58.75	Monitoring and Controlling Resources	Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
57.25	Performing General Physical Activities	Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
56.00	Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
56.00	Developing and Building Teams	Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
56.00	Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
55.25	Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
54.75	Coaching and Developing Others	Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
52.75	Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
52.50	Developing Objectives and Strategies	Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
51.25	Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment	Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Work Styles

%	Subject	Description
92.75	Dependability	Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
91.75	Integrity	Job requires being honest and ethical.
90.50	Attention to Detail	Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
88.00	Concern for Others	Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
87.00	Cooperation	Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
78.50	Self-Control	Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
78.50	Analytical Thinking	Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
77.50	Adaptability/Flexibility	Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
75.00	Stress Tolerance	Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
73.75	Independence	Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
72.50	Achievement/Effort	Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
72.50	Persistence	Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
71.50	Innovation	Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
70.25	Initiative	Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
65.50	Leadership	Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
57.25	Social Orientation	Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Work Values

%	Subject	Description
83.33	Relationships	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
83.33	Independence	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
77.83	Achievement	Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
77.83	Working Conditions	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
72.17	Support	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
61.17	Recognition	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Work Context

%	Subject	Description
100.00	Electronic Mail	How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
98.00	Telephone	How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
98.00	Face-to-Face Discussions	How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
93.40	Physical Proximity	To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
92.40	Frequency of Decision Making	How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
91.00	Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets	How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
90.40	Contact With Others	How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
90.40	Freedom to Make Decisions	How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
89.60	Exposed to Contaminants	How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
88.60	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled	How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
87.60	Exposed to Hazardous Equipment	How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
85.80	Time Pressure	How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
83.80	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate	How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
83.80	Structured versus Unstructured Work	To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
83.00	Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls	How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
82.00	Work With Work Group or Team	How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
82.00	Letters and Memos	How often does the job require written letters and memos?
80.00	Responsible for Others' Health and Safety	How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
78.00	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results	What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
77.20	Deal With External Customers	How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
76.20	Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable	How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
75.20	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results	How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
73.40	Exposed to Hazardous Conditions	How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
73.40	Exposed to Disease or Infections	How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?
71.40	Level of Competition	To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
68.60	Spend Time Standing	How much does this job require standing?
68.40	Coordinate or Lead Others	How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
66.60	Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings	How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?
63.80	Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People	How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
60.00	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks	How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
57.20	Frequency of Conflict Situations	How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
56.20	Consequence of Error	How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
53.40	Spend Time Sitting	How much does this job require sitting?
52.40	Spend Time Walking and Running	How much does this job require walking and running?
51.40	Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection	How much does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?
50.40	Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling	How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Overall Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Job Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Examples
- These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Earnings Benefits*

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
United States	$42,020.00	$78,100.00	$98,160.00
Virginia	$44,930.00	$71,830.00	$88,250.00

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
Alexandria/Arlington	No Data	No Data	No Data
Bay Consortium	No Data	No Data	No Data
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	No Data	No Data	No Data
Central VA/Region2000	No Data	No Data	No Data
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	No Data	No Data	No Data
New River/Mt. Rogers	No Data	No Data	No Data
Northern Virginia	$61,400.00	$80,860.00	$119,700.00
Piedmont Workforce	No Data	No Data	No Data
Shenandoah Valley	No Data	No Data	No Data
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

* Earnings Calculations:

Regional Earnings:
   Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
   Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.

National and State Earnings:
   Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
   Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Employment Projections

USA: 2023-2033

Virginia: 2022-2032

Regions: 2020-2030

	Current	Projected	% Change
United States	9,100	10,400	+15.1%
Virginia	229	274	+19.7%

Region	Current*	Projected	% Change
Alexandria/Arlington	No Data	No Data	No Data
Bay Consortium	No Data	No Data	No Data
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	No Data	No Data	No Data
Central VA/Region2000	No Data	No Data	No Data
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	No Data	No Data	No Data
New River/Mt. Rogers	No Data	No Data	No Data
Northern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
Piedmont Workforce	No Data	No Data	No Data
Shenandoah Valley	No Data	No Data	No Data
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

* - Estimated

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Related Occupations

The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:

Careers in Therapeutic Services Pathway:

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Orthotists and Prosthetists

View Videos

CareerOneStop Video

View Video & Transcript on CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop Health Science Videos
Overview
Occupations

The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet291)

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Military Training

The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:

Not Occupationally Qualified, General
Orthopedic Services
Physical/Occupational Therapy Services

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center. (Using onet291)

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Proficiency Ratings

These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.

Proficiency	Rating
Documenting/Recording Information	4.5
Making Decisions and Solving Problems	4.5
Assisting and Caring for Others	4.5
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	4.5
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	4.0
Working with Computers	4.0
Getting Information	4.0
Processing Information	4.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	4.0
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	4.0
Thinking Creatively	4.0
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	4.0
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	4.0
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	4.0
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	4.0
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	4.0
Performing Administrative Activities	4.0
Communicating with People Outside the Organization	4.0
Scheduling Work and Activities	3.5
Controlling Machines and Processes	3.5
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	3.5
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	3.5
Handling and Moving Objects	3.5
Analyzing Data or Information	3.5
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	3.5
Training and Teaching Others	3.5
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	3.5
Monitoring and Controlling Resources	3.5
Performing General Physical Activities	3.5
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	3.0
Developing and Building Teams	3.0
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	3.0
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	3.0
Coaching and Developing Others	3.0
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	3.0
Developing Objectives and Strategies	3.0
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment	3.0
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment	3.0
Selling or Influencing Others	3.0
Staffing Organizational Units	3.0
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	2.5

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Titles

American Board Certified Orthotist (ABC Orthotist)
Artificial Limb Fitter
Board Certified and Licensed Orthotist/Prosthetist
BOC Orthotist/Prosthetist (Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification Orthotist/Prosthetist)
Certified Orthotic Fitter
Certified Orthotist (CO)
Certified Prosthetist (CP)
Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist (CPO)
Licensed Certified Orthotist
Licensed Prosthetist
Licensed Prosthetist/Orthotist (LPO)
Orthopedic Assistant
Orthopedic Mechanic
Orthotic/Prosthetic Practitioner
Orthotics Assistant
Orthotics Clinic Manager
Orthotist
Orthotist/Prosthetist
Pedorthist
Prosthetics Assistant
Prosthetist
Upper Extremity Prosthetics Clinical Director

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Related Schools

Alabama State University
Baylor College of Medicine
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
California State University-Northridge
Casper College
Century College
Concordia University-Saint Paul
Eastern Michigan University
Framingham State University
Francis Tuttle Technology Center
Hudson Valley Community College
Johns Hopkins University
Kennesaw State University
Loma Linda University
NHTI-Concord's Community College
Northwestern University
Oakland University
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology
Southern Connecticut State University
Spalding University
Spokane Falls Community College
St Petersburg College
University at Buffalo
University of Hartford
University of Maryland, Baltimore
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Western Michigan University
Wichita State University

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)