What Orthotists and Prosthetists Do

Orthotists and prosthetists, also called O&P professionals, design 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.

Duties

Orthotists and prosthetists typically do the following:

• Evaluate and interview patients to determine their needs
• Measure patients to design and fit medical devices
• Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices based on physicians' prescriptions
• Take a mold of the part of the body that will be fitted with a brace or artificial limb
• Select materials to be used for the orthotic or prosthetic device
• Fit, test, and adjust devices on patients
• Instruct patients in how to use and care for their devices
• Repair or update prosthetic and orthotic devices
• Document care in patients' records

O&P professionals may work in both orthotics and prosthetics, or they may choose to specialize in one. Orthotists are specifically trained to work with medical supportive devices, such as braces and inserts. Prosthetists are specifically trained to work with prostheses, such as artificial limbs and other body parts.

Some O&P professionals may construct devices for their patients. Others supervise the construction of the orthotic or prosthetic devices by medical appliance technicians. For more information, see the profile on medical appliance technicians.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition