Orthotist/Prosthetist

Quick Facts

• Role: Orthotist/Prosthetist in an orthotic-prosthetic clinic within a rehabilitation/extended care setting

Description

Provide appropriate orthotic and/or prosthetic devices and treatment to meet patients’ needs and goals. Perform diagnosis-specific functional clinical examinations, participate in treatment planning with the care team, and ensure devices are fabricated, fitted, documented, and delivered safely. Educate patients and/or caregivers and provide follow-up to support optimal outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Assist in formulating treatment plans using clinical exams (manual muscle-testing, gait assessment, sensory function, cognition, range of motion, joint stability, skin integrity, and compliance).

• Consult with other healthcare professionals and caregivers to support treatment planning.

• Communicate recommended treatment plans (including optional plans) and disclose potential risks/benefits.

• Verify care by documenting patient history, ongoing care, and follow-up using established record-keeping techniques.

• Refer patients to other professionals when intervention is beyond orthotic/prosthetic scope.

• Formulate treatment goals and expected outcomes to reduce pain, increase comfort, enhance function and independence, provide stability, prevent deformity, address cosmesis, and/or promote healing.

• Select appropriate materials, components, and specifications based on patient criteria.

• Prepare impressions/templates for modification or fabrication.

• Assess devices for structural safety and confirm manufacturer guideline compliance before fitting/delivery.

• Complete fabrication after achieving optimal fit.

• Educate/counsel patients and/or caregivers on use and maintenance.

• Develop a follow-up plan for patient needs, including education and ongoing monitoring.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship

• Selective Service registration (for males born after 12/31/1959)

• Proficiency in written and spoken English

• Subject to background/security investigation

• Pass pre-employment physical evaluation

• Complete online onboarding and pre-employment requirements

• Seasonal influenza vaccination participation is required

• Education: bachelor’s degree or higher in orthotics and prosthetics from a CAAHEP-accredited program, or a bachelor’s degree plus a post-graduate orthotics/prosthetics certificate from a CAAHEP-accredited program (foreign equivalents require credential evaluation)

• Current board certification by ABC or BOC as an orthotist, prosthetist, or orthotist/prosthetist; must meet continuing education requirements (technician/pedorthist/assistant/fitter certification does not qualify)

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government includes a comprehensive federal benefits package. Eligibility depends on the position type and status, so confirm the specific benefits offered with the hiring agency.