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Prosthetist/Orthotist

Prosthetists/Orthotists assess the physical and functional limitations of people resulting from illness and disabilities, and provide prostheses (artificial limbs) and orthoses (supportive devices) to restore function or compensate for muscular and skeletal disabilities, including limb amputation.

Prosthetists/orthotists may work with prosthetic/orthotic technicians and other health professionals.

TASKS

Prosthetists/orthotists may perform the following tasks:

assess and establish clients' needs through physical examinations and standardised tests
assess clients' functional abilities in home, work, educational and leisure environments and recommend appropriate prosthetic/orthotic devices
design, prescribe and fit prosthetic/orthotic devices to meet clients' needs
provide advice to other healthcare professionals regarding patients' problems, needs, progress and any pre-surgical planning
provide gait (walking) training and education relating to the use of prosthetic/orthotic devices
test and adjust the prostheses or orthoses for effectiveness and client comfort
record and report on client progress
supervise support personnel

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

aptitude for technical tasks
good communication skills
enjoy helping people
able to work as part of a team

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a prosthetist/orthotist you usually have to complete a degree at university with a major in anatomy and physiology, followed by a postgraduate qualification in prosthetics and orthotics.

To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, chemistry, biology and physics are normally required.

A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Entry to the postgraduate course usually requires completion of an appropriate bachelor degree.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

On completion of the Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics at La Trobe University (Victoria), graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Prosthetists/orthotists work within major teaching hospitals, rehabilitation centres and private practice. They may also work for commercial companies that design and manufacture devices for people with disability.