Careers In Orthotics And Prosthetics Healthcare Specialty

Orthotics and prosthetics is a unique component of the healthcare field that involves designing and fitting artificial limbs, braces, and other devices. Professionals in the field are often referred to as "O&P Practitioners." They work closely with people who have suffered from accidents, injuries, cancer, or other diseases, helping return them to an acceptable quality of life. Although related, orthotics and prosthetics are not the same. Orthotics involves the design and fabrication of external braces (orthoses) as part of a patient's treatment process. The orthotic device helps control weakened or deformed regions of the body including the upper and lower limbs, cranium, or spine. The most common orthotic devices are back braces and shoe inserts needed to live a more comfortable life. Orthotic intervention can be life changing - or even lifesaving - for patients with scoliosis, severe neck injuries, or cerebral palsy. Rather than supporting body parts, prosthetics involves replacing them. A prosthetist designs, creates, and fits artificial limbs on patients who are missing all or part of a limb. Creating a prosthesis requires a unique combination of art and technical skill. The prosthesis itself is much more complex than it may appear. It requires appropriate materials, alignment, design, and construction to match the functional needs of the individual that can vary greatly. Lower limb prostheses typically address stability in standing and walking, shock absorption, and aesthetics. In the case of patients who want to engage in athletic activities, the device must meet even more extraordinary functional needs. Upper limb prostheses are no less complex. You do not know how extraordinary the human hand is until you no longer are able to reach, grasp, and manipulate objects. These devices can aid in the activities of daily living such as eating, dressing, and grooming. They can also be made to address specific occupational challenges such as hammering, painting, or writing. A career in the field of prosthetics and orthotics can be very satisfying, both personally and professionally. Because of the work that orthotists and prosthetists do, patients who could not previously dance, lift everyday objects, or partake in the seemingly simple act of walking now have increased mobility and less pain. The job outlook in this field is excellent! Job opportunities abound throughout the country, and the need for orthotic and prosthetic professionals is increasing rapidly. Nearly 30 percent of the current practitioners are over the age of 50 and will be entering retirement soon. As obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases continue to rise in America, there is more need than ever for people with this special skill set. Further, it is one of the few professions that can boast a 100 percent employment rate. Most people who enter the field choose to remain within it for life. As an O&P professional you can make a difference every day! If you are interested in making a positive impact on people's lives, and entering a rapidly evolving unique health science career where the employment demand is exceptional, you may want to consider orthotics and prosthetics.

When you join the forces of medicine and technology you get the career of prosthetics and orthotics. What prosthetists and orthotists do is create and mold different prosthetics and orthotics to help patients with amputations or any other injuries. Prosthetists and Orthotists allow for the improvement of life and function for any person with an amputation or any other type of orthotic injury. With the baby boomer population growing older and the need for prosthetics and orthotics on the rise, the need for prosthetists and orthotists is growing exponentially; showing one in two hundred people needing of a prosthetic or orthotic in the U.S. What does it take to be a Prosthetist or Orthotist? Readers will discover the profession: from the educational requirements, to the day to day tasks, to the developments in the field, as well as all the different job opportunities. This book will answer all the reader's vital questions when considering being a Prosthetist or Orthotist as a career. Every book in the Careers in Healthcare series gives readers the necessary tools to evaluate pursuing a career in the healthcare profession. Unique to this series are firsthand interviews with professionals aimed to give readers an upfront and close perspective into the daily lives of those currently working in the field. Each title in this series includes color photos throughout, and back matter including: an index and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set

As an O&P professional you can make a difference every day! If you are interested in making a positive impact on people's lives, and entering a rapidly evolving unique health science career where the employment demand is exceptional, you may want to consider orthotics and prosthetics.

The Seventh Edition of the text outlines more than 75 careers and touches on every major facet of the field including a description of the profession, typical work setting; educational, licensure and certification requirements; salary and growth projections and internet resources on educational programs and requirements for licensure and/or certification. In addition, this resource provides a thorough review of the U.S. healthcare delivery system, managed care, health care financing, reimbursement, insurance coverage, Medicare, Medicaid, and the impact of new technology on healthcare services. All chapters are updated to reflect current demographics and new policies.