Your prosthetist is the medical professional who makes and fits prosthetics (artificial limbs) for those with limb loss. They offer a range of prosthetic devices, from upper extremities to lower limbs, designed for the lifestyle and needs of each individual client.
You’ll typically find a prosthetist in settings such as Hospitals, Rehabilitation Centers (Inpatient or Outpatient), Private Practices, and Health Centers.
In this blog, we will cover the following questions:
- What does the prosthetist do?
- What qualifications do you need to make prosthetics?
- Do prosthetists go to medical school?
- How many years does it take to be a prosthetist?
What does the prosthetist do?
During your appointments with your prosthetist, you can expect them to perform the following tasks:
- Analysis of your condition and needs for the right prosthetic
- Measuring or making molds of the area of your body requiring a brace or prosthetic
- Creating prosthetic devices based on your dimensions and needs
- Informing clients about the proper use and care of their prosthetic
- Modifying, repairing, or replacing prosthetic devices as needed
What qualifications do you need to make prosthetics?
To practice, prosthetists must have a master’s degree in prosthetics from an accredited program. They must also complete one year of residency training in their particular field. Then, the prosthetist must obtain a license and certification, depending on the state’s requirements.
Do prosthetists go to medical school?
A master’s degree in orthotics and prosthetics is the minimum requirement for entry-level positions in the field, the most common degree program being a Master’s in Prosthetics and Orthotics (MSOP), which takes about two years to complete.
How many years does it take to be a prosthetist?
To become a prosthetist, one would have to get an undergraduate degree, a master’s, and then at least a year of residency in the field. This could take about seven years or so, at least
Prosthetists Who Care at Pongratz
Many individuals on our team know what it’s like living with limb loss and understand the importance of overcoming the challenges along the way.
Our prosthetists will support you along the way in acquiring and learning your prosthetic, customized for optimal comfort and functionality for your particular lifestyle.
Our services include:
- Upper Extremity Prosthetics
- Lower Limb Prosthetics
- Pressure Garments for Burns
- Plagiocephaly Cranial Bands
- Mastectomy
- Pediatric Orthotics
- Custom Orthotics
Contact our team today to learn how we can serve you.
