Orthotists and prosthetists design and fabricate medical supportive devices and measure and fit patients for them. These devices include artificial limbs (arms, hands, legs, and feet), braces, and other medical or surgical devices.
Orthotists and prosthetists held about 8,300 jobs in 2014. Most work in offices, where they meet with patients, and then fabricate orthotic and prosthetic devices.
Orthotists and prosthetists need a master's degree and certification. Both orthotists and prosthetists must complete a residency before they can be certified.
The median annual wage for orthotists and prosthetists was $64,430 in May 2015.
Employment of orthotists and prosthetists is projected to grow 23 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. The large aging baby-boom population will create a need for orthotists and prosthetists, because both diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which are the two leading causes of limb loss, are more common among older people.
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for orthotists and prosthetists.
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Learn more about orthotists and prosthetists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations. |
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