How to become a Prosthetist?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2021, it has been predicted that the employment of prosthetists will increase by 18% over the next 10 years from 2020 to 2030.  Due to the high demand for prosthetists, many students are opting for this profession. If you’re someone who is planning to build a career as a prosthetist then you’re at the right place. Read on to learn about a prosthetist, typical job duties, how to become one, programs offered, eligibility, job prospects and more.

Who is a Prosthetist?

A prosthetist is a healthcare professional who treats dysfunctional problems of people. A prosthetist designs and counterfeits medical supportive devices i.e. prosthesis that measures and fits for patients accordingly. The devices designed by a prosthetist include artificial limbs such as arms, hands, legs, and feet, braces, and medical or surgical devices.

How to become a Prosthetist?

To become a prosthetist, you typically require a bachelor’s degree to become certified. Other careers associated with that of a prosthetist such as fitters, assistants, and technicians do not often require such requirements. 

Get a Bachelor’s Degree

The first step to becoming a prosthetist is to obtain a bachelor’s degree so you can go further to complete a Graduate Program. There is no specific major you are supposed to focus on while opting for your bachelor’s degree, but science and maths are recommended. Apart from that, you’ll also be required to keep a good GPA of 3.0 to qualify for a master’s degree. It will take around 3-4 years to complete a bachelor’s degree depending upon the country you choose to study in.

Get a Master’s Degree

After completing your Bachelor’s Degree, you must complete a Master’s Degree in prosthetics and orthotics. These programs include courses in upper and lower extremity orthotics and prosthetics, spinal orthotics, plastics and other materials used for fabrication. It will take about 2 years to complete the program.

Complete a Residency Program

After completing your Master’s Degree, you are required to complete a residency program. It will take around 1 year to complete the Residency Program.

Earn the Required License & Certification

To earn a certification, you must have completed a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree, Residency Program and pass specified exams. Requirements to become a licensed and certified prosthetist may vary. A Prosthetist becomes certified regardless of state requirements because certification demonstrates competence in the field. 

Qualities Needed by Prosthetist

Communication skills

A prosthetist must be able to communicate effectively with the technicians who counterfeit the medical devices called prostheses. A prosthetist must also be able to explain the use of prostheses and understand a patient’s needs. 

Detail-Oriented

A prosthetist must be extremely detail-oriented as they are supposed to record measurements to ensure that the prosthesis is fabricated and fit properly according to the patient’s needs.

Patience

Patience is a must-have skill while working in the healthcare sector. A prosthetist may be required to work for long hours for specific patients.

Physical Dexterity

A prosthetist must be good at working with their hands. They may be required to counterfeit prosthetics with complex mechanical parts.

Problem-Solving Skills

A prosthetist must possess problem-solving skills as they are supposed to evaluate their patient’s problems and look for solutions to recover their needs.

Career Scope -Prosthetist

Prosthetists work in various fields such as in the manufacturing industries, health and personal care stores, doctors’ offices, and hospitals. The average salary of a prosthetist in different countries is mentioned below:

Country	Average Salary
United States	$70,190 per annum (INR 52,40,315)
United Kingdom	£32,306 per annum (INR 32,83,575)
Canada	CA$71,165 per annum (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:

University	Country	Program Name
Keele University	United Kingdom	Prosthetics and Orthotics MSc
University of Strathclyde, Glasgow	United Kingdom	Prosthetics & Orthotics MSc
University of Strathclyde, Glasgow	United Kingdom	Biomedical Engineering MSc/PgDip
University of Dundee	United Kingdom	MSc in Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Technology
University of Dundee	United Kingdom	MSc Orthopaedic Science
University of Hull	United Kingdom	MSc Biomedical Engineering
University of Pittsburgh	United States	Prosthetics and Orthotics MSc
University of Washington	United States	Master in Prosthesis and Orthotics
Northwestern University	United States	Master of Prosthetics and Orthotics
University of Hartford	United States	MS in Prosthesis and Orthotics
Concordia St. Paul	United States	Master of Science (MS) in Orthotics and Prosthetics
University of Southampton	United States	Amputation and Prosthetic Rehabilitation (MSc)

Admission Requirements

To study a master’s in Prosthetics and Orthotics abroad in any of the above-mentioned universities, you must first be able to meet the eligibility criteria set by the Country/University. Requirements may vary but here we’ve mentioned general eligibility criteria to study masters in Prosthetics and Orthotics:

1. A first-class or second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in prosthetics and orthotics. 
2. Proof of English Language through Tests such as IELTS TOEFL PTE.

English Language Requirements

The minimum English Language Test Score requirements as per the countries mentioned above is as mentioned below:

Join Leverage Live to score High in English Language Tests such as IELTS TOEFL PTE

Country	IELTS	TOEFL	PTE
United Kingdom	6.5 and above	92 and above	61 and above
United States	7.0	100 or above	––

How to apply?

If you wish to study Master’s in Prosthetics and Orthotics abroad then here’s an easy step-by-step process to proceed with your application process.

1. Call our Leverage Edu student counsellors at 1800 572 000 to shortlist your Masters in Prosthetics and Orthotics program with the help of our trusted AI Course Finder.
2. The experts will then commence your application process through our common dashboard platform where you can witness the status of your application process.
3. The next step is to gather and compile all your documents like SOPs, essays, certificates and LORs and exam scores like IELTS, TOEFL etc.
4. After submitting your application and all the necessary documents, the experts will then start with the application process for accommodation,  student visas, and scholarships/student loans. 
5. It’s now time to wait for your offer letter which can take around 4-6 weeks or more. Post accepting your offer letter, it’s now time to pay your semester fees, get your visa approved, CAS-Letter.

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 average cost of studying MSc in Prosthetics and Orthotics abroad in the UK and United States is as mentioned below:

Cost of studying	Average Tuition Fees per year
United Kingdom	£20,000 INR 20,32,25
United States	US$ 30,000 INR 22,38,600

Cost of Living

The average cost of living in the UK and the United States as an international student is as mentioned below, however, the cost of living depends upon your personal choices and how you choose to spend. Check out Leverage Edu’s Cost of Living Calculator.

Country	Average cost of living per month
USA	$1,000- $1,500(INR 75,519 – INR 1,13,233)
UK	GBP 800 – GBP 1,000(INR 81,791 – GBP 1,02,239)

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 masters 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 recognised 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 practicality of the device 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 if needed.

Are you planning to study abroad but not sure where to start? Call our Leverage Edu experts at 1800 57 2000 for a FREE 30-minutes counselling session today!