What Does a Prosthetist Do?
A prosthetics education prepares someone to design, create and fit artificial limbs. The work of a prosthetist is similar to the work of an orthotist, someone who makes and fits orthopedic braces. As a result of their similarities, a prosthetics education is usually combined with orthotics into one degree program. A master's degree in orthotics and prosthetics is required to work as a prosthetist, along with a 1-year residency. During this education and training, students learn about various types of devices and get clinical experience. After completing these requirements, they can take the national certification exam. In some states, a license is required.
| Required Education | Master's degree in orthotics and prosthetics |
| Other Requirements | 1-year residency and national certification exam; some states require licensing |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 17% for orthotists and prosthetists |
| Median Salary (2019)* | $68,410 for orthotists and prosthetists |
Sources: * U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
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How to Become a Prosthetist
In order to become a prosthetist, individuals need to complete a number of steps. The first step is to fulfill the education requirements for a prosthetist, which is centered around the completion of a master's degree in orthotics and prosthetics and the completion of a residency. The next steps involve receiving certification in prosthetics and obtaining licensure in the state in which one wishes to practice, but these steps vary from state to state based on differences in certification and licensure rules across the country.
Prosthetics Education Requirements
Orthotics and prosthetics education requirements underwent a number of important changes in recent years. Due to these changes, accredited programs are only found at the master's degree level today. A master's degree in orthotics and prosthetics as well as hands-on training is required for those who wish to practice as prosthetists. A Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics is now the standard degree which must be attained before one can become a practicing prosthetics.
While prosthetics education used to include options for a bachelor's degree or certificate program, entry-level master's programs are now the norm and are required to become a prosthetist. This change occurred because of a decision by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE), the accreditation board for orthotist and prosthetist education programs, which made this decision after consultation with clinical experts and educators in prosthetics and orthotics in 2007. Since 2012, all accredited prosthetist education programs have been required to be at the master's level, and these changes have resulted in the Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics. These changes were made due to modern advances in science and technology and the resulting increase of responsibilities for today's prosthetists.
Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics is usually a 2-year program which is offered to students who have already completed a bachelor's degree along with the required bachelor's coursework. Courses required in these master's programs include such topics as:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Neuroscience and neuroanatomy
- Prosthetics and orthotics materials,
- Prosthetic management of upper and lower limbs
- Gait pathokinesiology
- Histology
- Research
These programs prepare students to work with a broad range of clients in the field of rehabilitation, and they also combine clinical knowledge and experience with the technical abilities required of orthotists and prosthetists. After the completion of such a master's program, a 1-year NCOPE-approved residency is still required, and these residencies often take place in hospitals or rehabilitation centers. This should be followed by successful completion of the American Board of Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics (ABC) national certification exam. Some states also require a license or a certificate, as will be seen in the next section.
Prosthetist Licensure and Certification
Licensure and certification requirements for orthotists and prosthetists vary significantly from state to state. According to the American Board of Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics (ABC), more than half of the states in the United States do not have laws requiring a specific state licensure or certification in order to practice as an orthotist or a prosthetist. States like California have no laws on this matter; however, the California Department of Health Care Services does require Orthotists to have ABC certification or certification from the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC). Other states, like Texas and Pennsylvania, require orthotists and prosthetists to attain an official state licensure before practicing. Other requirements are found in Mississippi and North Dakota, which both require official certification but do not offer or require state licenses.
Prosthetist Salary Info and Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows important information about employment as orthotists and prosthetists, which includes a very positive job outlook. According to BLS predictions, orthotist and prosthetist jobs are expected to grow by 17% from 2019 until 2029, a rate which is much higher than the average for all job types in the United States. As of 2019, the BLS reports that the median pay for orthotists and prosthetists is $68,410. Data from the BLS also shows that California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Florida, and New York are the top 5 states for orthotists and prosthetists in terms of total employment, and mean wages range from $63,640 to $86,610 in these states.
