Best-Kept-Secret Career: Orthotist/Prosthetist

By Marty Nemko

Posted: December 11, 2008

Snapshot: These careers are related: the orthotist fabricates and fits custom-designed orthopedic braces. A prosthetist designs, creates, and custom-fits artificial limbs—from eyes to feet.

Getting there: This career requires a combination of science, hand skills, patience, and increasingly, a master's degree. Demand is projected to be high.

Learn more: American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists Career Brochure

Visit HR departments at any Children's hospitals

When I worked with special-needs children, I often helped arrange appointments and follow-up visits wuth the Orthos at local children's hospitals and the local shriner's hospital (Scottish Rite). They were terrific and worked closely with the OT's and PT's. Try looking at those locations in your area.

Pam of TX @ Oct 31, 2009 19:33:37 PM

help finding a job

I have completed the technician training and have not been able to find a job. I agree that O/P is a very fascinating field and I would love to put my studies and hard work to work any suggestions would be appreciated.

David Stevens of MI @ Oct 30, 2009 20:27:32 PM

Mr.

I am a CPO (Certified Prosthetist Orthotist) and also a lecturer at our University. There is a world wide shortage of us, especially here in Africa. All our students have jobs when they finish studying and there are currently no unemployed CPO'S in the whole of South Africa. It is an exciting and extremely rewarding career and I can honestly say that in my 22 years of O&P, I have yet to be bored in this career. You have to have good marks in Maths, science and biology to get into the course and you have to be a dynamic helpful person with good people skills. Good luck if you want to become an Orthotist Prosthetist!

Courtney Snyman @ Oct 14, 2009 03:31:23 AM

Add Your Thoughts
About You

advertisement

U.S. News Rankings & Research

Best Places

Search for the perfect place for you and your family.

Best Careers

Careers that offer strong outlooks and high job satisfaction.

Car Rankings & Reviews

Make an informed choice when shopping for your next car.

advertisement

Slide Shows

The 10 Best Places to Find a Tech Job

IT service jobs—in engineering and in software services—have fared well in this economy.

advertisement

Subscribe

U.S. News Digital Weekly

A weekly insider's guide to politics and policy — in a multimedia, digital format. 52 issues for $19.95!

U.S. News & World Report

6 months of U.S. News & World Report's print edition for only $15. Save up to 67% off the cover price!