Orthotists and Prosthetists

Orthotists and Prosthetists typically perform the following tasks: • 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. • Maintain patients' records. • Examine, interview, and measure patients to determine their appliance needs and to identify factors that could affect appliance fit. • Select materials and components to be used, based on device design. • Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices, based on physicians' prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients. • Repair, rebuild, and modify prosthetic and orthopedic appliances. • Construct and fabricate appliances, or supervise others constructing the appliances. • Make and modify plaster casts of areas to be fitted with prostheses or orthoses to guide the device construction process. • Confer with physicians to formulate specifications and prescriptions for orthopedic or prosthetic devices. • Show and explain orthopedic and prosthetic appliances to healthcare workers. • Train and supervise support staff, such as orthopedic and prosthetic assistants and technicians. • Update skills and knowledge by attending conferences and seminars. • Research new ways to construct and use orthopedic and prosthetic devices. • Publish research findings or present them at conferences and seminars.