A Dynamic Career

If you are reading this blog, you probably have a connection to the field of prosthetics and orthotics. While many are familiar with the services provided by practitioners at OPC, we suspect that most people have never considered the benefits of working in this field. With students returning to school and many families beginning to engage in discussions about possible career choices with their student, we wanted to take the opportunity to introduce Orthotics and Prosthetics as a career.

Currently Orthotics and Prosthetics is the only certification program that can tout 100% job placement upon completion. Employment opportunities are currently available in all 50 states and abroad for qualified individuals. The aging population combined with lifesaving advances has experts projecting the need for Orthotist and Prosthetists to increase 25% within the next 10 years. Job security is not an issue in this high demand and growing profession!

Orthotics and Prosthetics is a profession that requires compassion, creativity and technological savvy. Every patient presents with a unique set of needs and issues. The practitioner has the opportunity to devise and manufacturer a solution thus creating a positive change in that individual's life. It is often said that O&P is the only field where patients can enter the office in a wheelchair and leave walking.

O&P professionals work in a variety of settings, including but not limited to hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities. Prosthetists with 15 years experience earn on average $96,000 a year. For those who are interested in manufacturing devices and are not inclined to provide direct patient care, the average salary for a technician is $48,000.

Although practitioners and fitters are desperately needed in all 50 states, university and certification programs are limited. Currently there are only eleven O&P accredited Practitioner programs in the United States. Information about the individual schools offering programs can be found here.

At OPC, we are passionate about both patient care and our profession. We are eager to see our field expand to meet the growing needs of our patient population. Whether you are simply exploring your options or if you are interested in a career in O&P, we would love the opportunity to discuss this expanding and dynamic profession.