"When patients come in, they are in a vulnerable and frustrating time of their lives, looking for solutions that will help restore their independence and empowerment. As a licensed orthotist and prosthetist, listening is one of my most important job skills. It is how I support my patients in feeling more confident and, in many cases, regain mobility.

Once they are referred to our office, we collaborate to create a plan for their care, establish expectations, and review devices suited for them. After the molds and impressions are made, each device is cut, shaped, and molded to meet our patients' needs. During the fitting appointment, we get to see the relief and excitement from our patients. Then, we observe them using the devices to ensure they are comfortable and mimic a normal range of motion, making any tweaks or adjustments as needed. Helping people regain mobility and feel more confident is what makes my job so incredible!"

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Job Description

SOC Code: 29-2091

Orthotists and Prosthetists design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.*

*Source: This information is based on O*NET™ data. O*NET is a trademark registered to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

Top Job Skills:

• Evaluate patients
• Mathematical Skills
• Word processing
• Troubleshooting
• Consult with patients

General Work Activities:

• Mental Processes
  • Design medical devices or appliances
• Interacting With Others
  • Instruct patients in the use of assistive equipment
  • Supervise medical support personnel
  • Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment
  • Train medical providers
• Information Input
  • Collect medical information
  • Examine patients to assess general physical condition
  • Measure the physical or physiological attributes of patients
  • Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues
• Work Output
  • Adjust prostheses or other assistive devices
  • Fabricate medical devices
  • Present medical research

Source: SC Works Online Services (SCWOS)

*All data is factual, but names, Images, and quotations have been adapted to protect the Identity of employees and businesses.

Job Statistics

 

Examples of Workforce Areas with Job Openings

• Greenville
• Worklink
• Upstate
• Upper Savannah

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area.

Examples of Employers with Job Openings

• Cranial Technologies
• Prisma Health

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area

Related Occupations

• Audiologists
• Medical Appliance Technicians
• Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
• Physical Therapists
• Paramedics

NOTE: All data based on state averages. Information may vary depending on region, experience, and specific employment situation. Last Updated: 2025

Learn More with SCWOS

SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) is the state’s largest job database and provides all of South Carolina's job postings from all major sites, including Monster and Career Builder, in one resource. SCWOS has thousands of positions listed by employers all over the state. To access SCWOS, visit jobs.scworks.org.

Find in-depth breakdowns of occupational statistics such as necessary job certifications, job skills and abilities, current job openings, overview of general work activities, and more by visiting O*NET.org.