Orthotics & Prosthetics

“What is an Orthotist?”

Orthotists work as part of a treatment team to design, fabricate, fit and troubleshoot problems with various types of orthotic devices. Orthoses are usually called braces and can be as simple as an ankle brace which is taken off the shelf and fit within a few minutes or as complex as a scoiosis brace which is custom made to a person’s anatomy and involves many hours of skilled labor to be ready for use. Orthoses can have a number of functions including stabilization, protection, pain relief, immobilization, stretching, and occasionally correction. While there are several ways to become an orthotist, most often they receive specialized training in addition to a bachelors or master’s degree. Orthotists are certified by accrediting agencies, either ABC or BOC.
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“What is a Prosthetist?”

Prosthetists work as part of a treatment team to design, fabricate, fit and troubleshoot problems with various types of prosthetic devices. Prostheses are custom made devices involving hours of preparation, investigation and several iterations to develop an appropriate device. Prostheses are designed to substitute for missing limbs in order to aid in daily activities such as walking. While there are several ways to become a prosthetist, most often they receive specialized training in addition to a bachelors or master’s degree. Prosthetists are certified by accrediting agencies, either ABC or BOC.
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