As per the 2021 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there is a projected growth of 18% in the prosthetist employment sector over the upcoming decade from 2020 to 2030. This rise in demand for prosthetists has led to an increasing number of students choosing this as their career path. If you are considering a future as a prosthetist, you have landed on the right page. This article will provide insights into a prosthetist's role, typical responsibilities, the path to becoming one, available educational programs, eligibility criteria, potential job opportunities, and more.

Who is a Prosthetist?

A prosthetist is a healthcare specialist dedicated to addressing issues related to bodily dysfunctions. Their role involves creating and crafting medical support devices, known as prostheses, tailored to individual patients. These devices encompass a range of artificial limbs like arms, hands, legs, feet, braces, and various medical or surgical aids. The prosthetist's expertise lies in designing and producing these devices while ensuring accurate measurements and fitting for each patient's unique needs.

How to become a Prosthetist?

Achieving a prosthetist's role typically necessitates attaining a bachelor's degree to gain certification. Conversely, professions related to prosthetists, like fitters, assistants, and technicians, usually do not demand such prerequisites.

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Get a Bachelor’s Degree

Embarking on the journey to become a prosthetist begins with securing a bachelor's degree, a foundation for advancing into a Graduate Program. While there isn't a prescribed major for your bachelor's degree, subjects like science and mathematics are advisable. Additionally, maintaining a solid GPA of 3.0 is necessary to meet the eligibility criteria for pursuing a master's degree. The duration to complete a bachelor's degree typically ranges from 3 to 4 years, contingent on the country of your academic pursuit.

Get a Master’s Degree

Following your Bachelor’s Degree, the next step involves undertaking a Master's program in prosthetics and orthotics. These specialized programs encompass a curriculum featuring subjects such as upper and lower extremity orthotics, prosthetics, spinal orthotics, and the utilization of various materials for fabrication, including plastics. The duration required to complete this comprehensive program typically spans around 2 years.

Complete a Residency Program

Upon completing your Master’s Degree, the subsequent phase involves enrolling in a residency program. This essential training period typically lasts approximately 1 year, allowing you to further refine your skills and knowledge.

Earn the Required License & Certification

Obtaining certification necessitates fulfilling prerequisites, which encompass the successful completion of both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree, along with a Residency Program, coupled with the successful clearance of designated examinations. The stipulations for acquiring licensure and certification as a prosthetist can vary depending on the jurisdiction. Importantly, regardless of the divergent state mandates, prosthetists attain certification universally. This is because certification is a tangible testament to their proficiency and mastery within the discipline. 

Qualities Needed by Prosthetist

Communication skills

Effective communication is vital for a prosthetist, as they must interact seamlessly with the technicians responsible for crafting prostheses, which are medical devices. Additionally, a prosthetist should be able to articulate prostheses' functionality clearly and comprehend each patient's unique requirements.

Detail-Oriented

Exemplifying a high degree of attention to detail is essential for prosthetists, who meticulously document measurements. This precision guarantees the accurate fabrication and fitting of the prosthesis, aligning precisely with the individual requirements of the patient.

Patience

Possessing patience is an indispensable skill within the healthcare realm. For a prosthetist, this attribute is particularly crucial, given the potential need to dedicate extended hours to cater to specific patient needs.

Physical Dexterity

Proficiency in manual dexterity is a fundamental requirement for a prosthetist. Their adeptness at working with their hands is vital, as they might be tasked with crafting prosthetics that encompass intricate mechanical components, demanding a high level of skill and precision.

Problem-Solving Skills

Prosthetists need to embody adept problem-solving capabilities. Their role entails assessing patients' challenges and proactively seeking solutions to restore their functional requirements.

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Career Scope

Prosthetists operate across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, health and personal care stores, doctors’ offices, and hospitals. Below, you can find the average salaries of prosthetists in various countries:

• United States: $70,190 per year (equivalent to INR 52,40,315)
• United Kingdom: £32,306 per year (equivalent to INR 32,83,575)
• Canada: CA$71,165 per year (equivalent to INR 41,84,550)

Top Universities Abroad- Master’s in Prosthetics and Orthotics

The table below mentions the universities along with the master’s program offered:

Admission Requirements

To pursue a master’s degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics at any of the universities above abroad, you need to fulfill the eligibility standards established by the respective country or university. While the requirements can differ, here are the typical eligibility criteria for enrolling in a master's program in Prosthetics and Orthotics:

• A first-class or second-class honors degree (or its international equivalent) in prosthetics and orthotics.
• Verification of English language proficiency can be demonstrated through exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.

English Language Requirements

The minimum English Language Test Score requirements for the indicated countries are provided below:

Documents Required

• Official academic Transcripts
• Passport 
• Visa
• Updated CV/Resume
• English Language Proficiency Test Scores
• Letter of Recommendations
• Statement of Purpose
• Financial Evidence
• TB certificate for UK Universities

How much will it cost?

The typical expense for pursuing an MSc in Prosthetics and Orthotics abroad, in both the UK and the United States, is detailed below:

Cost of Living

The average living expenses for international students in the UK and the United States are below. However, it's important to note that your personal choices and spending habits can influence the actual cost of living. You can utilize Leverage Edu’s Cost of Living Calculator for further insight.

India- Master’s in Prosthetics and Orthotics

Listed below are the institutions offering a Masters in Prosthetics and Orthotics in India:

1. All India Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation – AIIPMR, Maharashtra 
2. Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University – GGSIPU, Delhi
3. Indian Institute of Health Education and Research, Bihar
4. Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University – RTMNU, Maharashtra 
5. Rehabilitation Council of India, Delhi 

Eligibility Requirements

To study master's in Prosthetics and Orthotics in India:

1. You must have obtained a bachelor’s degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics with a minimum of 50%  from a recognized university.
2. You must be registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India.

Typical Job Duties- Prosthetist

• Examine and assess patients to work on their physical needs.
• Recommend improvement through the use of specific prosthetic devices.
• Consider the device's practicality in different environments, such as work, home, and community settings.
• Work in an associated health team or provide advice and feedback to other health professionals regarding patient care.
• Test, revise, and adjust prostheses for functional improvement or increased comfort.