Orthotist/Prosthetist

Remote

💊 Health

Orthotists and Prosthetists are health care professionals who specialize in designing and constructing medical supportive devices according to physician prescriptions. Although these professionals sometimes work in both specializations, Orthotists specifically develop medical supportive devices, such as spinal or knee braces, while Prosthetists develop prostheses, such as artificial limbs or other body parts. A physician will diagnose a patient and develop a treatment plan prescription for the Orthotist or Prosthetist to follow. The Orthotist or Prosthetist then evaluates the unique and detailed needs of the patient to design and fabricate an orthotic or prosthetic device that addresses these needs while also reducing pain and providing increased comfort, mobility and stability.

What does a Orthotist/Prosthetist do?

Orthotists and Prosthetists, or O&P Specialists, design and create medical or surgical devices, such as artificial limbs, and fit them to patients. Their duties include interviewing patients and assessing their needs, designing and fabricating orthopedic and prosthetic devices based on patient needs and physician prescriptions, and supporting patients by providing use instructions and device repair and maintenance.

Responsibilities

A Orthotist/Prosthetist should be able to fulfill various duties and responsibilities. The following are some duties and responsibilities a Orthotist/Prosthetist should be able to execute:

Orthotists and Prosthetists are health care professionals who specialize in designing and constructing medical supportive devices according to physician prescriptions. Although these professionals sometimes work in both specializations, Orthotists specifically develop medical supportive devices, such as spinal or knee braces, while Prosthetists develop prostheses, such as artificial limbs or other body parts. A physician will diagnose a patient and develop a treatment plan prescription for the Orthotist or Prosthetist to follow. The Orthotist or Prosthetist then evaluates the unique and detailed needs of the patient to design and fabricate an orthotic or prosthetic device that addresses these needs while also reducing pain and providing increased comfort, mobility and stability. Designing and fabricating orthopedic and prosthetic devices based on patients’ measurements and physician prescriptions
Interviewing and assessing patients to identify unique needs and briefing on treatment plans
Measuring or taking impressions of a patient’s body to design a brace, artificial limb or other supportive device with attention to physiological function and health
Constructing prosthetics or orthotics by hand or supervising construction by medical appliance technicians
Providing patients with device use and maintenance instructions
Providing ongoing care and repairing or adjusting devices as treatments progress

Required Skills

A competitive Orthotist/Prosthetist will have certain skills and qualifications, including:

Technical skills to be able to design orthotics or prosthetics with the appropriate materials, measurements and components
Detail-oriented for precise patient assessments and device design and fabrication
Communication skills to communicate with physicians and technicians on construction and device prescriptions as well as with patients with instructions on how to use devices
Physical stamina and dexterity to work with precise tools and perform physically demanding tasks including examining patients and working with equipment
Interpersonal skills to work patiently and empathetically with patients who need additional sensitivity or attention
Analytical and problem-solving skills to carefully assess patients’ needs and develop individualized treatment plans

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