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Who is a Orthotist and Prosthetist?
Man has, as it were, become a kind of prosthetic God. When he puts on all his auxiliary organs, he is truly magnificent; but those organs have not grown on him and they still give him much trouble at times ~ Sigmund Freud
Orthotists and Prosthetists are healthcare professionals aiding individuals with physical disabilities, whether from accidents or congenital conditions. These specialists, crucial for those facing lifelong disability due to limb loss, provide artificial aids like prostheses and orthotic braces. Though unable to restore full limb function, they offer stability, empowering specially-abled patients to perform daily tasks and navigate life with prosthetic support.
Orthotist and Prosthetist in a Nutshell
Orthotists and Prosthetists are professionals who provide aid to patients with disabilities. They fix them to artificial limbs (prosthetics) and help them to regain stability. There are times when people lose their limbs in an accident. In some other occasions, they are born without a limb or orthopaedic impairment. Orthotists and prosthetists play a crucial role in their lives with fixing them to assistive devices and provide mobility.
Quick Facts for Orthotist and Prosthetist
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Industry
Healthcare
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Average Salary in India
₹31000
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Suitable for
Male, Female
The career of orthotist and prosthetist is suitable for everyone regardless of their gender. People facing difficulty in mobility or victimised by disability are often subjected to lifelong dependency on others. Orthotist and prosthetist help such patients to regain stability and mobility to perform their everyday chores without being dependent on others. They are responsible for fitting artificial limbs known as prostheses and orthoses to patients. Male, female or candidate belonging to any other gender can opt for this orthotist prosthetist career as it does limit one’s capabilities within their gender.
Table of Contents for Orthotist and Prosthetist
What is the role of Orthotist and Prosthetist?
Orthotist and prosthetist are healthcare professionals. They perform several duties along with fixing artificial limbs to help a person with a physical disability to regain strength and stability. Orthotist and prosthetist first perform a detailed assessment of their patients to understand the requirement depending on their physical stability. They oversee muscle development, gait, sensory function, range of motion, joint stability and skin integrity. Orthotist and prosthetist develop a plan to determine their needs and goals. Their work responsibilities revolve around the practices to provide support to their patients by lowering the pain, help them retain comfort, stability and mobility including aesthetics.
Assessment
Orthotist and prosthetists are required to perform an assessment of the patient to determine their medical conditions and functional status. They assess muscle development, gait, sensory function, range of motion, joint stability and skin integrity.
Planning
Orthotists and prosthetists are responsible for developing a plan to address patients’ needs. They determine the goals and work to achieve it. Orthotists and prosthetists focus on reducing pain and giving comfort to patients. And then they provide aid with fixing assistive devices to the patient to regain stability and mobility.
Preparing the device
Orthotist and prosthetists are responsible for preparing the device as per the patients’ requirements. They select an appropriate design, material and components used in the device to ensure optimum strength, durability and functioning. Orthotist and prosthetists assemble and assess the device to align it properly for maximum function and comfort.
Preparing the patient for the surgery
Orthotist and prosthetists prepare the patients for the device with the use of splints and compression garments. They are involved in taking measurements, making impressions and develop templates to accurately fit the device.
Evaluation
Orthotist and prosthetists explain to their patients how to use the device and maintain it. They are responsible for providing ongoing care to patients. Orthotists and prosthetists evaluate and modify the devices according to the optimal fit to ensure smooth functioning.
Types of a Orthotist and Prosthetist
There are various other alternative options for aspirants of Orthotist and Prosthetist careers. We have mentioned below the major career options in the field of orthotist prosthetist.
Massage Therapists: Massage therapists are professionals who perform therapeutic massages on their clients. It is done to improve blood circulation, relaxation, stress relief. It is also helpful for reducing the pain of injuries. Massage therapists work with other professionals such as chiropractors, physicians, psychologists and physiotherapists. They assist them with treatment.
Kinesiologists: Kinesiologists are the professionals who work to improve the efficiency and performance of the human body. They study the factors that affect human movements. They determine the body’ s healing needs and evaluate the changes in the energy evolved from therapeutic procedures.
Physiotherapists: Physiotherapists support patients in rehabilitation. They help them in improving physical mobility and stability. Physiotherapists treat people with disabilities and injuries to help them regain movement and function properly. They are enriched with anatomical and musculoskeletal knowledge.
What is the workplace/work environment of Orthotist and Prosthetist like?
Does Orthotist and Prosthetist require travelling?
Not Likely
Time Pressure
Likely
How to become a Orthotist and Prosthetist?
Steps to become a Orthotist and Prosthetist
For those passionate about enhancing mobility and improving lives, a career as an Orthotist and Prosthetist in India awaits. This guide on How to Become an Orthotist and Prosthetist in India provides essential steps and insights for those dedicated to making a positive impact in the field of orthotics and prosthetics.
What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Orthotist and Prosthetist?
To establish a prosthetics medical career, you must require to gain expertise in several skills. These skills are essential for functioning in orthotists and prosthetists workplace. We have mentioned below major skills that will further help you in progress in your career.
Communication skills: Orthotists and prosthetists have to interact with their patients while assessing them. They have to make their patients comfortable in their presence for which they require effective communication skills. Orthotists and prosthetists are required to clearly speak to discuss the procedure with them and usage of orthoses and prostheses.
Leadership: Orthotist and prosthetist who work independently in their own offices are required to lead a team to generate effective results. They must possess excellent leadership skills. Orthotists and prosthetists should be able to distribute work responsibilities to their staff and manage them effectively.
Organising skills: Orthotist and prosthetist should always be organised. They are required to record the details of the measurements taken from their patients to fix them to the accurate size of orthoses and prostheses. Organisational skills are beneficial for both medical and business settings.
Dexterity: Orthotists and prosthetists must possess physical dexterity. They should be able to work effectively with their hands. They are often required to design orthoses and prostheses including their mechanical parts. A career as orthotists and prosthetists require ability to work with shoe equipment and hand tools. They have to stay bent for a longer period to measure patients.
Popular Online Medicine Courses and Certifications
Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Orthotist and Prosthetist?
Internship Availability
Orthotic and prosthetics interns gain the opportunity to learn from certified orthotics and prosthetists during their internship. He or she provides assistance in evaluating, moulding, or fitting patients with several types of custom and off-the-shelf devices. Orthotic and prosthetics interns are also known as clinical interns. These interns work on supervised projects. Their work responsibilities may include reviewing prosthetic alignment, casting and modifying, evaluating and fabricating foot orthoses. They often review pediatric pathologies and practice gait assessment.
Career Path Progression for Orthotist and Prosthetist
Orthotists and Prosthetists: Orthotics and prosthetics are trained medical professionals who plan, develop, fit and modify orthotic and prosthetic devices. These devices include orthoses braces, artificial limbs such as artificial legs, hands and feet.
Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists provide support to the patients with physical disabilities and help them regain physical mobility and function properly. They train their clients through various exercises involving physical and mental activities to develop motor and sensory perception, and hand-eye coordination.
Pedorthists: Pedorthists are medical professionals who are involved in designing, manufacturing, fitting, and modifying shoes and other devices to lower the pain and provide support to the foot. They follow the instructions of physicians to design the shoe. It involves making clay impressions of the feet, modifying footwear, selecting material and other related tasks.
Demonstrator (Orthotics): As the name suggests, demonstrators are professionals who demonstrate the orthosis braces and other assistive devices. They explain their functions, usage and how to maintain these devices.
Orthotic Fitters: Orthotic fitter is responsible for fitting, dispensing and adjusting the prefabricated orthotic devices. He or she provides aid to patients with disabilities or difficulties in movement. Orthotic fitter provides training and instructions to patients to use and maintain orthoses braces and assistive devices.
Orthotist and Prosthetist Jobs and Salaries
Orthotist and Prosthetist
Permanent
- Average Salary 30000
Job Description
A orthotist and prosthetist is a professional involved in designing, fabrication and fitting of an artificial limb or other devices to patients required to support or replace a patient’s limb completely.
Salary Description
The orthotist and prosthetist salary varies depending on the work experience and skills of the candidate. An orthotist or prosthetist can earn up to a yearly average salary of Rs. 200,000 to Rs. 400,000 per annum. The senior-level prosthetist could earn more than Rs. 500,000 per annum.
Occupational Therapist
Permanent
- Average Salary 30000
Job Description
Occupational therapists are professionals who help patients with disabilities, injuries or other mobility issues to gain stability. They provide training with various exercises and physical and mental activities to regain mobility and perform their everyday chores independently.
Salary Description
The salary of occupational therapist varies depending on the work experience and skills of the candidate. An entry-level occupational therapist with less than a year of experience can earn up to Rs. 300,000 per annum. A senior-level occupational therapist could earn more than Rs. 500,000 per annum.
Certified Pedorthist
Permanent
- Average Salary 55000
Job Description
Pedorthists are medical professionals who design, manufacture, fit and modify shoes and other assistive devices. They specialise in designing and fitting therapeutic footwear for patients as described by physicians.
Salary Description
The salary of a pedorthist varies depending on work experience and skills. An entry level certified prosthetist earns a yearly average salary of Rs. 400,000. A senior level certified pedorthist could earn more than Rs. 900,000 per annum.
Demonstrator (Orthotics)
Permanent
- Average Salary 25000
Job Description
Demonstrators are responsible for demonstrating the functioning of artificial hand, leg, feet or other assistive devices for patients with disabilities.
Salary Description
The salary varies depending on the work experience and skills of the candidate. The size of the organization and area where it is located also affects the salary bars. An entry-level demonstrator (orthotics) could earn more than Rs. 200,000 per annum. A senior-level demonstrator (orthotics) could earn more than Rs. 500,000 per annum.
Orthotic Fitter
Permanent
- Average Salary 15000
Job Description
The orthotic fitter is responsible for fitting and delivering fabricated orthotic devices. He or she formulates a treatment plan and provides follow up care for effective results. An orthotic fitter provides custom-fitted, prefabricated and off-the-shelf orthoses.
Salary Description
The salary varies depending on work experience and skills of the candidate. An entry level candidate with an experience of less than 1 year earns a yearly average salary of Rs. 1000,000. A senior level fitter could earn more than Rs. 300,000 per annum.
What is the job outlook for Orthotist and Prosthetist?
According to the WHO (World Health Organisation) report, 15 per cent of the world’s population has some kind of disabilities. Among these 2-4 per cent are those who face difficulties in functioning. Therefore, 2-4 per cent of the world population requires orthoses and prostheses devices to function. Here comes the role of healthcare professionals orthotist and prosthetists who provide aid to the patients who face difficulties in functioning. According to the census 2011, 2.21 per cent of India’s population is disabled and requires assistive devices and professional care. There is an expected steady job growth in the number of jobs for orthotist and prosthetist in coming up years. There is a vast opportunity for orthotists and prosthetists. Orthotists and prosthetists find opportunities in healthcare companies as trainers, service providers and researchers. They can find jobs in numerous settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centres, multinational and national companies, as well as academic institutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions for Orthotist and Prosthetist
Que. What is the difference between orthotist and prosthetist?
Ans.To understand the difference between the orthotics and prosthetics, we need to understand the difference between orthotics and prosthetics. Orthotics are that assistive equipment which is used for enhancing a person’s limb. While prosthetic devices are used to replace a limb entirely. Similarly, orthotists are those professionals who work with devices that assist a limb or other part of the body. While prosthetists work with those devices used for replacing a person’s limb or other part of the body.
Que. What is the duration of B.O.P. programme?
Ans.The duration of B.O.P. (Bachelor of Orthotic and Prosthetics) programme is 4 years and 6 months. The programme is divided into 8 semesters, each with a duration of 6 months. In the last 6 months, it is compulsory for students to opt for internships in both orthotics and prosthetics each with a duration of 3 months.
Que. What is the average salary of a pedorthist?
Ans.The salary varies depending on the work experience and skills of the candidate. The average salary offered to pedorthist in India is Rs. 6,81904 per annum, according to salaryexpert.com.
Que. What are the top prosthetics colleges in India?
Ans.There are numerous prosthetics colleges in India that offer prosthetics degrees like All India Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mumbai, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi, Pt Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Indian Institute of Health Education and Research, Patna or Government Dental College and Hospital, Hyderabad.
Que. Is prosthetics and orthotics a good career?
Ans.Yes, prosthetics and orthotics can be a rewarding career for individuals interested in healthcare and rehabilitation. It offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people with physical disabilities by designing and fitting custom orthopedic devices. The field is continually evolving, providing job stability and potential for professional growth.
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Did you know?
Fact 1
The oldest known prosthetic was estimated to be 3000 years old. It was found in Cairo, Egypt in 2000. It was a prosthetic toe made of wood and leather.
Fact 2
The feeling of a missing limb attached to the body is known as a phantom limb.
Fact 3
Patients usually get prosthetic when the residual limb is completely healed after the surgery.
Fact 4
The amputation below the knee is the most common type of amputation.
Fact 5
The average estimated date of lasting a prosthetic is 3 to 5 years.
