Orthotic & Prosthetic Specialists
Comprehensive Sites
ISeek: Orthotic and Prosthetic SpecialistsVisit this link to discover how orthotic and prosthetic specialists design and fit surgical supports and artificial limbs. Connect on the tabs at the top of the page to review work activities, or access the career video to see a specialist at work. Additional links include certification information and details on jobs and wages.
National Institutes of Health: LifeWorks, Orthotist and ProsthetistClick on the tabs at the top of this page to learn about job activities, needed education, skill and interests, and more information on becoming an orthotic or prosthetic practitioner. You will find recommended high school courses, licensing information, and other sources of information that are important to know if you are considering this career. Details on accredited programs and masters degrees are also provided as a service of the National Institutes of Health Science Works program.
O & P CareThe public link at this offers an overview to better understand the work of orthotic and prosthetic specialists. Find out about credentialing and licensing in this field, and find links to important organizations.
OandP.comSections of this page provide the latest news, the latest developments in equipment, and practice management resources. This global site for orthotics and prosthetics offer answers from an expert on your questions, an industry review, and connection to a free trade subscription.
OPCareers.orgDiscover how professionals evaluate and fabricate custom artificial limbs and supports and how you can become part of this field. A link at the left lets you in on how to enter the profession, with additional resources found on educational pathways, programs, and scholarships. The “Profiles of the Profession” lets you read about several specialists in the field and how they got started on their career paths.
Occupational Titles
Artificial Limb Fitter
Mechanic, Orthopedic
Orthopedic Assistant
Orthotics Assistant
Orthotist
Prosthetics Assistant
Prosthetist
Accredited Academic Programs
American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists: EducationThe Academy’s online learning center provides practitioners with continued education programming. You can also find certificate development, scholarships, video education, and plenty of online courses in the field of orthotics and prosthetics.
National Commission on Orthotic & Prosthetic EducationIntended to ensure educational standards, the commission provides a list of schools at this page, with specializations in the fields of orthotics and prosthetics. Find out about directed study, fitter education, reports and studies, and resident training.
Salary Levels
PayScale: Orthotic and Prosthetic TechnicianFind the median hourly rate by years of experience for a prosthetic or orthotic technician from this site. Additional information is available on median salary by employer type.
PayScale: OrthotistThe chart at this site illustrates the salary of an orthotist according to years of experience, you can find additional information on median salary by employer type, and narrow in by company size, degree earned, experience, and skills.
Professional Organizations
American Academy of Orthotists and ProsthetistsThe American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists is dedicated to promoting professionalism and advancing the standards of patient care in orthotics and prosthetics. Learn about professionals in this field, what it takes to get started in this career, and how you get licensed as a professional. You will find important publications, as well as educational links and recommended readings.
American Orthotic & Prosthetic AssociationServing the field for more than 50 years, this organization works to advance the professional and treatment with orthotics and prosthetics. The online almanac gives you top advice from experts in the field and provides a variety of industry news. Learn how the orthotic and prosthetic professional works within the healthcare system and how this organization advocates for its members standing in the healthcare community.
National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and ProstheticsThe organization presents its position on key initiatives in the field of orthotics and prosthetics, working for healthcare reform and the advancement of the profession for the benefit of patients. Students currently enrolled in accredited programs can join and find out how to make their contributions to optimal patient wellness.
Orthotic and Prosthetic Technological AssociationCutting edge information on the field of orthotics and prosthetics is found at this site, including news and articles about the industry and technological advances. Access O & P facilities, products, a calendar of educational events, software, and the tools you may need for managing a professional practice.
Job Opportunity Sources
American Academy of Orthotic & Prosthetic Association: Advance Your CareerCreated to help professionals connect with new employees, this site offers an online board dedicated exclusively to the orthotics and prosthetics profession. Post an anonymous resume, access new jobs, and create a personal job alert to match you with the best positions.
O & P CareersAs part of a national recruitment campaign, this site includes a career awareness video, employment opportunities, profiles of professionals, and tips to help students get the most out of their “job shadowing” experiences.
Licensing & Certification
American Academy of Orthotics and Prosthetics: Licensure ToolkitThe licensure toolkit of this professional organization is a comprehensive guide to aid individual interested in learning obtaining credentials in the field. Up-to-date information and a blue print for state licensure initiative are offered.
American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and PedorthicsSetting professional standards, this organization describe stringent educational requirements, residency programming, certification examinations, and continuing education requirements for professionals in the field. Click on licensure to find out about testing procedures and other rules and documents surrounding the profession.
ISeek: Orthotic and Prosthetic Specialist LicensingClick on 16 certifications related to this career, and connect directly to certification board home pages and academies.
Publications
Journal of Prosthetics & Orthotics Online LibraryA complete orthotics and prosthetics knowledge base is available this online library, with guides on practice, research, and findings from conferences. Link to back issues of a professional journal, available at no cost, and read all about the techniques and treatments that these professionals create.
Career Videos
American Academy of Orthotics and ProstheticsListen to a presentation from a professional organization in the field. Hear about making the impossible possible in the lives of people wanting to walk again. Certified prosthetists, orthotists, and technicians talk about the opportunities and introduce you to rewards of the profession. Listen to the educational components, including computer design, anatomy and physiology, and biomechanics, as well as the personal qualities and expertise needed in this career. These professionals will also tell you exactly what they love about their jobs.
