Some
commonly asked questions are:
• What do orthotists / prosthetists do?
Prosthetists and orthotists custom-make and fit prostheses (artificial limbs) and orthoses
(braces).
• What is an orthotist?
Orthotists are allied health professionals who provide care to patients with disabling
conditions of the limb and spine by designing, fabricating and fitting the patient with an
orthosis, a custom made brace.
• What is a prosthetist?
Prosthetists are allied health professionals who provide care to patients with a partial
or total absence of a limb by designing, fabricating and fitting the patient with a
prosthesis, an artificial limb.
• What is an orthotic/prosthetic technician?
An orthotic/prosthetic technician fabricates orthoses and prosthesis under the guidance of
and in consultation with the orthotist or prosthetist.
• Are there other opportunities in O & P?
Yes. Opportunities are emerging for Mastectomy fitters and Orthotic and Prosthetic
assistants. Mastectomy fitters fit and assist patients in choosing the appropriate breast
forms. O & P assistants take patient information during evaluations, cast patients,
and assist practitioners in a variety of other capacities.
• What courses should be taken in high school to better
prepare one for a career in O & P?
In addition to a well rounded course load in the arts and humanities, students should take
courses in biology, physics, chemistry, and computer science.
• Are there job related experiences for a high school
student?
Job related experience in an O & P facility for high school students is limited but
many practices encourage interested students to volunteer several hours of their time.
This will a give the student a first-hand peak at the nature of this very rewarding
profession.
• What training (college, apprenticeship, etc.) would
you recommend after high school?
Students either can earn a bachelor’s degree in O & P from an accredited program,
or can, subsequent to earning an undergraduate degree in another major, complete a
certificate program. Students interest in becoming technicians can attend a
technician’s program at select community colleges or can become an apprentice at an O
& P facility.
• After completing the educational requirements in O
& P how does one earn certification?
The American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) grants three
credentials: CO-Certified Orthotist; CP- Certified Prosthetist; CPO-Certified
Prosthetist/Orthotist. In addition to the educational requirements listed above,
practitioners must complete a one year residency for each discipline and must subsequently
pass a rigorous written examination, written simulation, and a three day clinical
examination. Certified practitioners renew their credentials every five years by
meeting continuing education requirements.
• What are the opportunities for advancement in this
field?
Depending on the practitioner’s skills, motivation, and the demand for O & P
services, individuals can rise to manage a practice, buy into a partnership or open their
own O & P practice. Likewise, technicians can advance to manage the day-to-day
operations of an O & P laboratory.
• What “rewards/sacrifices” might you make for
this career?
The rewards of working with people and helping them regain lost function are many and too
numerous to list here. As with many health careers, dedicated individuals can expect
to work long hours and be on-call.
• What is the outlook for this career for the future?
As with many allied health professions the demand for CPOs is growing. Currently,
there over 3,000 certified orthotists and prosthetist in the United States.
Opportunities exist in private practice, hospitals and government agencies.
• Are there O & P journals/publications I can
subscribe to?
Yes. The Journal of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics, Journal of
Prosthetics and Orthotics and The O & P Almanac are just three of many available
publications.
• Where can I obtain additional information about career
opportunities in orthotics and prosthetics?
Interested individuals should contact; The American
Board for Certification (ABC) in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc. 1650 King Street,
Suite 500 Alexandria, VA 22314-2747 (703) 836-7114.
Check out
http://www.opcareers.org/
We wish you much
success in your career endeavors!
Call us if you have
additional questions at 631 473 8668 or E-mail
M. H. Mandelbaum Orthotic & Prosthetic Services, Inc.
116 Oakland Avenue, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
(631) 473-8668, Fax (631)473-8691
Email: info@mhmoandp.com |
