Job Summary:

The Prosthetist-Orthotist will be responsible for the provision of prostheses (artificial limbs) to people who have partial or total absence of a limb, and orthoses (supportive devices) to people with musculoskeletal disabilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• May supervise prosthetics/orthotics assistants.
• May supervise laboratory activities and fabrication of appliances.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Examines patient and evaluates needs resulting from disease, traumatic injury, or congenital problems.
• Assists physicians in pre-surgical planning and in the formulation of prescriptions for prostheses or orthoses to prevent or limit disability or restore mobility.
• Takes measurements, designs, selects materials, and fabricates appliances.
• Performs fitting including static and dynamic alignments.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of appliance for patients needs; makes necessary adjustments to ensure proper fit, function, and quality of workmanship.
• Maintains patient records and instructs patients in proper use of prosthesis and orthopedic devices. Provides specialized guidance concerning operation of devices for physical therapists and family members.
• Provides periodic adjustments and evaluations of patient progress.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient (ranging from newborn to geriatric).

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in prosthetics and orthotics.
• Certification by the American Board of Certification (ABC) in Orthotics and Prosthetics.
• At least one year of additional clinical experience after training is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of standing, bending, kneeling and reaching.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.
• Frequent exposure to chemicals, bloodborne pathogens, and patient body fluids.