BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Become an Orthotist

By eHow Education Editor

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An orthotist designs and fits corrective braces, inserts and supports for body parts that need straightening or other curative functions. Orthotists work closely with prosthetists, who fit artificial limbs for missing or compromised limbs.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Step1

Prepare for a career to become an orthotist by taking honors or advanced placement high school math and science courses. Since you will measure, make and fit shoe inserts to correct problems and deformities in patients' feet, put emphasis on classes in biology, anatomy, chemistry and physics. Take any medical or health-oriented classes your high school offers. Any shop course, like woodworking or welding, will hone the skills needed to constructs orthoses.

Step2

Complete a bachelors degrees in orthotics. Many accredited medical schools offer orthotics as a major. You will learn how to examine a patient's foot or other limbs to determine the type of appliance needed and make a plaster cast of the area. Then you will design and build the appliance and fit it on the patient, making adjustments as needed.

Step3

Learn how to make leg braces and other individualized aids to assist patients with standing and walking. An orthotist works closely with doctors, therapists and chiropodists. You must know how to interpret prescriptions and keep diligent patient records.

Step4

Obtain a residency at a hospital, clinic, private practice or rehabilitation facility. By working under the supervision of a qualified orthotist, you'll gain experience fitting and counseling patients and increase your skills measuring and designing.

Step5

Acquire certification from the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) as a fitter. This organization sets professional criteria for new and existing orthotists. You must complete a fitter education lab course for official approval by the NCOPE to become a certified orthotist.