Career Description

Orthotists and prosthetists make and fit devices that help people move. A certified prosthetists makes and fits devices that replace the arms or legs of patients who lost them through injury or disease. A certified orthotists designs and fits braces like surgical supports and corrective shoes. Both may use computers to create the devices and tools, like hammers, drills and saws, to manufacture prosthetics.

Academic Requirements

This career requires a master’s degree in prosthetics and orthotics, which includes a combination of classroom and clinical training. These programs don’t usually require a specific undergraduate major but they may require completion of math and science classes.

Professional Organizations