Orthotic Fitter Career Guide

Career Overview

An orthotic fitter is a person who is responsible for the creation, application, and usage of artificial limbs, appendages, and other similar instruments. These instruments will provide opportunity for individuals with disabilities to physically function as normal as possible. The orthotic fitter receives relevant training in order to ensure the proper fitting of the replacements and support aids that are used for people who are physically challenged because of their problems with their bones. These professionals are equipped with creative skills and a sharp mind to be effective in the functioning.

Orthotic fitters are granted certificates by the American Board of Certification (ABC). Once that they are certified, they can give recommendations and prescriptions on the different kinds of orthopedic support like braces and other devices that are meant to give physical support to affected individuals. They have to provide an assurance that the arch supports, plasthetic limbs, and medical braces, among other supportive and functional equipments, are perfectly fitted on the patient. They also make use of various devices to adjust and alter the supportive devices, mold them, and make sure of its perfect fit.

More so, orthotic fitters also engage in constant communication with the patients to be provided with an assurance that they are well-informed about their condition. Their patients will have to go back to them from time to time, basically because these professionals are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the supportive devices.

Job Outlook

Orthotic fitters can work in areas that specialize in the fields of artificial support and replacement of functional devices. They are equipped with the knowledge and skills regarding the development, replacement, and enhancement of devices that can be used in the upper spine, neck, and collar, among others. They also do compression stocking, in which they create and fit pressure gradient hoses for the prevention of any kind of damage to the patient. They create pre-fabricated parts of the human body, which include the limbs, back arms, and hands. They can be employed as professional mastectomy fitters, which will require them to make sure that breast prostheses are properly adjusted and fitted. Additionally, they can also be employed as professional pedorthists, which will require them to create and develop foot wear and other equipments for the lower extremities.

Salary Trends

In 2012, according to National Salary Trend, the average annual salary of orthotic fitters is $80,000.

Educational Requirements

Before, gaining an employment in this field can be possible with just a high school degree. Today, however, there are more stringent requirements. You will be required to have post-collegiate education to successfully build a career in this field. There is a need for you to complete a two-year associate degree from an institution that is accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education. Some of the areas that will be covered in such study will include training in prosthetics, drafting, machine shop, anatomy, and physiology.