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To
be a successful Orthotist and Prosthetist you should:
- Possess a desire to help people with disabling conditions.
- Have a strong sense of aesthetics.
- Have good eye/hand coordination and precision.
- Have manual dexterity and patience for minute details.
- Possess mechanical ability, craftsmanship, and sculpting
skills.
- Have good listening skills and the ability to communicate
clearly.
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| What
type of education and/or training do I need?
A bachelor's degree in orthotics and prosthetics, or
a bachelor's degree and a post-graduate certificate in
orthotics and/or prosthetics is necessary to enter this
profession and a one-year clinical residency per discipline. |
| Do
I need a license or certification for this career?
Licensure is not required in the State of Connecticut. |
| Where
can I get more information? American Orthotic
and Prosthetic Association
330 John Carlyle Street
Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314
(571) 431-0876
www.aopanet.org
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| What
is the salary for this career? $48,672-$64,475
(Source: salary.com) |
|
| What
will my job be like? Prosthetists and orthotists
tailor-make artificial limbs and devices for missing body
parts and deformities. These creative professionals are
capable of finding solutions for each patient's unique
physical problem. Orthotists fit corrective shoes, support
braces, and strengthening devices to assist in rehabilitation.
Designing, making, and adjusting artificial limbs are
the challenges of the prosthetist. They also make a special
type of device that uses the patient's own muscle stimulation
to make it move in a more life-like manner. New technology,
lightweight materials, and the use of computer-aided design
make this a career with many exciting possibilities. |
| Where
could I work? An orthotist and prosthetist
may work in rehabilitation centers or privately owned
facilities.
Other workplace settings:
- Laboratories
- Hospitals
- Government Agencies
|
Where
can I get the education and/or training?
- University of Connecticut, School of Allied Health
- Newington Certificate Program, Newington
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