Prosthetist-Orthotist Careers

WORK ENVIRONMENT:-

Prosthetist design and robust mock limbs to reinstate those misplaced through amputation or limbs lost at beginning.

Orthotists fits and designs the surgical applications like calipers, braces, splints and neck collars. These can be used to give support to the limbs or the spine to relieve pain, prevent physical condition and aid movement. Orthoses might be damaged permanently by the patients or used momentarily.

As a prosthetist or orthotist you can work with the people who are recovering from a stroke, those with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or cerebral palsy. Your major duties and responsibilities will comprise of:

• reviewing the physical capabilities of the patients earlier than they have an mock limbs or appliance fixed
• planning a appropriate devise using your knowledge of physiology, anatomy, biomechanics, technology and materials
• performing report on checks with the patients to observe how they are dealing with their device
• ensuring the appliance or limbs is functioning properly, and functioning alterations or repairs if required
• explaining a completed design to a technician, who will create the concluding product
• taking size and making use of shape sensing tracings to create a shed to which the prosthesis or orthosis will be fixed

You will work along with other health care professional like occupational therapists (who will be training the patients about how to carry out the everyday activities with the device) and physiotherapist (who will handle the patients exercise regime).

QUALIFICATION, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:-

You will take BSc (Hons) degree for 4 years in Prosthetics and Orthotics, permitted by the Health Professions Council and the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists. The permitted degree course is accessible at the following universities in United Kingdom:

• University of Strathclyde- The National center for Training and Education in Prosthetics and Orthotics
• University of Salford- School of Health Care Professions

You will require 5 GCSEs (A-C) which includes the subjects like Mathematics, Science, English and a science related subject, in addition 3 'A' level which include mathematics, chemistry or either physics or biology.

Check the list of training providers for exact entry requirements as subsequent qualification might also be accepted. For instance, if you don't have science qualification you can take a foundation year.

TRAINING DETAILS:-

Once you get the approved degree, you will combine academic studies with clinical and practical experience. You will learn the subjects like:

• electro technology and material science
• anatomy (the structure of body)
• prosthetic and orthotic science
• physiology (function of body)
• pathology (the nature and cause of disease)
• mechanics and biomechanics

When you finish with you degree, you can concentrate in one area or practice either prosthetics or orthotics or both.

The University of Salford and the University of Strathclyde present a variety of appropriate open-learning postgraduate, skilled Masters and research qualifications. Entry requirements frequently comprise an honor degree in an applicable subject or a substitute specialized qualification.

You will also have right of entry to additional training and short term courses all the way through the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO).

SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE:-

• originality to plan and create devices
• good problem solving and decision making skills
• the ability to understand the patients and their families
• knowledge of physiology, anatomy and biomechanics
• practical and technological skills
• excellent communication skills
• ability to make use of your initiative and work well as a team member
• good information technology skills

SALARY AND OTHER BENEFITS:-

• Preliminary salaries can be around $ 21,500 to $ 27,500 p.a.
• If experienced, you can get between $ 30,000 and $ 40,000.
• Service manager may make up to around $ 70,000.

WORKING CONDITIONS:-

You will generally work from Monday to Friday for more than 37 hours. Recreational or flexible hours might also be accessible.

You will have to work in a professional center of a hospital devoted to the treatment of patients.

DIFFERENT OPPORTUNITIES:-

There is a universal scarcity of graduate prosthetists and orthotists. The profession prospects are brilliant as per the BAPO. United Kingdom courses have an international reputation and you will get job chances abroad, for instance, with manufacturing and service companies, and organization like Red Cross working in societies disturbed by conflict.

You will probably begin your career in a commercial orthotic or prosthetic manufacturing company. You can also work straightforwardly with NHS.

If you are experienced, you can attain the executive position and move into professional clinical area, training or private practice which also includes research and development.

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