Who Provides This Care?

Orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) care is delivered by highly trained healthcare professionals who combine clinical expertise, technical skill, and compassion to help individuals regain mobility, independence, and confidence. These providers work closely with other allied health professionals including physicians, podiatrists, therapists, and patients to design, fit, and maintain specialized orthoses and prostheses.

The O&P Professionals

Orthotists

• What they do: Orthotists are healthcare professionals who design, fabricate, and fit orthoses (braces and supports) to address musculoskeletal or neurological conditions. They help stabilize joints, correct alignment, prevent injuries, and improve mobility
• Examples of care:
  • Fitting a spinal orthosis for scoliosis or post-surgery support
  • Creating custom knee orthosis to reduce pain caused by arthritis
  • Designing and fabricating an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) for a patient recovering from a stroke

Prosthetists

• What they do: Prosthetists are healthcare professionals who design, fabricate, and fit prosthetic limbs for individuals with limb loss or limb difference. They help individuals regain independence, restore mobility, and return to work, recreation, and community life.
• Examples of care:
  • Designing a custom lower-limb prosthesis for an amputee returning to daily activities
  • Creating an upper-limb prosthesis that allows someone to grasp, lift, and interact with their environment
  • Providing training and ongoing adjustments to ensure optimal function and comfort
  • Providing specialized prostheses necessary for physical activity, sport, and exercise 

Certified Prosthetist-Orthotists

• Many clinicians are dual-certified, meaning they provide both orthotic and prosthetic care.
• Licensure or licensed practitioners is a requirement in some states. All clinicians are required to be certified.
• Licensed Certified Prosthetist-Orthotists  evaluate patients, develop treatment plans, design and fit devices, and oversee adjustments and long-term care.

O&P Technicians: Fabricate devices from clinician specifications using materials like thermoplastics, carbon fiber, and metals.

O&P Assistants: Support clinicians with patient care, adjustments, and documentation under supervision.

Certified Fitters: Specialize in specific devices like breast prostheses, orthotic shoes, or mastectomy products.

Education and Credentials

O&P professionals are highly trained and credentialed

• Orthotists and prosthetists must complete a Master’s degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics
• They also must complete a residency program (typically 18 months)
• Certification is granted by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics (ABC) or the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC)
• Continuing education ensures they remain current with emerging technologies, materials, and clinical techniques

O&P professionals are part of a multidisciplinary allied healthcare team that ensures each device is customized, functional, and enhances the individual’s quality of life. The team may include:

• Rehabilitation specialists and case managers who coordinate care and resources
• Physicians and surgeons who prescribe devices or perform procedures
• Physical and occupational therapists who support rehabilitation and training