Orthotists/Prosthetists

Individuals who fit and prepare orthopedic braces or prostheses for patients who have disabling conditions that affect their limbs or spines or who have total or partial loss of one or more limbs. They confer with physicians to formulate specifications and prescriptions for orthopedic and/or prosthetic devices; examine, interview and measure patients to determine their appliance needs and to identify factors that could affect appliance fit; design orthopedic and prosthetic devices based on physicians' prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients; 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; and repair, rebuild and modify prosthetic and orthopedic appliances. They may also research new ways to construct and use orthopedic and prosthetic devices; show and explain orthopedic and prosthetic appliances to health care workers; and train and supervise orthopedic and prosthetic assistants and technicians, and other support staff.