Essential Information
Orthotic technicians must complete an accredited training program which usually culminates in an associate's degree. To become a certified orthotist (CO) or certified prosthetist (CP), a student must earn at least a Bachelor of Science degree in orthotics and prosthetics. Those with bachelor's degrees in other fields can qualify by earning a 2-year graduate certificate in orthotics.
Associate of Applied Science in Orthotic Technology
An associate's degree program in orthotic technology generally requires approximately two years to complete and includes courses in anatomy and physiology, orthotic and prosthetic equipment, and orthotics courses specific to various parts of the body. Through both classroom and field work, orthotic technician students receive instruction in anatomy, measurement forms, and suspension techniques as they pertain to the spine, lower limbs and upper limbs. Some course topics might include:
- Partial foot and symes prosthetics
- Medical terminology
- Intro to healthcare
- Spinal orthotics
- Professional career strategies
Bachelor of Applied Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics
During the junior and senior years of an orthotics training program, students receive both didactic and rotation-based training which focuses upon clinical experiences. Orthotic course topics include:
- Biomechanics
- Gait analysis
- Material science
- Kinesiology
- Orthotic design principles
- Patient analysis
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Orthotics and Prosthetics
Students with a health-related baccalaureate degree may enter a graduate certificate program to prepare for a career as an orthotist. Students receive similar clinical and classroom training as those within a traditional baccalaureate program. Course topics might include:
- Gross anatomy
- Clinical foundations
- Kinesiology
- Biomechanics
- Spinal orthotics
- Professional issues
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
The BLS states that the employment for orthotists and prosthetists from 2019-2029 is expected to grow 17%, which is much faster than the average. As of May 2019, these professionals make a median annual wage of $68,410. Orthotic technicians, along with other types of medical appliance technicians, are expected to see a 12% increase in job openings from 2019-2029. Their median salary was $40,690 as of May 2019.
Continuing Education
Orthotic technicians are not required to have previous work experience in the field. Certified orthotists must complete a 1-year residency program following completion of their bachelor's degree. The program must be accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE).
For orthotic technicians, completion of an accredited orthotic technician training program fulfills the requirement to sit for the American Board for Certification (ABC) registration exam for Orthotic Technicians. Orthotists must hold at least a bachelor's degree and complete their year of residency before qualifying for appropriate ABC certifying examination. Professional certification is required by many employers. Some states also have licensing requirements for orthotists which require certification and transcripts confirming successful completion of education and residency.
Many educational opportunities are available to orthotists and orthotist technicians online through local seminars and through treatment update workshops. The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) sponsors an annual symposium that incorporates instructional courses and clinical techniques training. Local AAOP chapters also offer regular educational sessions to members. Orthotists and orthotist technicians may join a variety of professional organizations to obtain career support, continuing education and networking opportunities.
Although many orthotists are employed by hospitals, some choose to work as contractors. These orthotists are recommended to learn business management skills in order to succeed. Orthotist technicians can later take further training to become orthotists.
Accredited training programs for orthotic technicians award associate's degrees, while bachelor's degree programs prepare students to work as certified orthotists and prosthetists. Following this, aspiring orthotists may choose to complete a graduate certificate program.
