26 Bones.
33 Joints.
10,000 pounds of pressure for each mile on one foot.
That’s how complex your feet are. In addition to this information, your feet have to be in complete harmony with 19 muscles and 107 ligaments for you to be able to walk precisely. Amazing, isn’t it? Knowing what you know now, it’s no wonder that orthotics technicians are in demand. If you would like to help people with foot issues, you may want to learn how to become an orthotics technician.
What are orthotics and prosthetics?
Orthotics and prosthetics are similar career disciplines in so far as these both focus on the lower parts of the extremities that need artificial limbs, splints and braces. However, the practice of orthotics focuses on the injuries and genetic flaws of the foot and the physiological and cosmetic rehabilitation needed for someone to walk normally. The orthotics practitioner works with a team of rehabilitation specialists to nurse your feet back to health. Part of this team is the orthotics technician.
What is an orthotics technician?
An orthotics technician is in charge of measuring, constructing and maintaining what is technically called orthoses or correction aids for shoes that are worn by people with ankle-foot orthosis (AFO).
What kinds of material do orthotics technicians work with to make orthoses?
Aside from the educational aspect of this profession, these medical technician jobs require skill at making orthoses from polymer and prefabricated mold while applying biomechanical and kinetic properties into the process. They make custom orthotics, including orthotic inserts and even orthotic shoes.
What kind of education and training is required to work as an orthotics technician?
- Complete your high school education or its equivalent GED or General Educational Development which means passing five mandatory subjects: writing, reading, social studies, science and math.
- Enroll in college. Complete a bachelor’s degree in orthotics.
- Apply for a one-year residency program. This one-year residency program should be accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic & Prosthetic Education (NCOPE). It is imperative for you to become a part of this program so you can learn more than the basic skills required to practice orthotics.
- Pursue mandatory education. Also known as continuing education, this is essential to your growth in the field of orthotics.
- Get your certification. The certification to practice is required by the American Board for Certification (ABC) in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics and will entail a series of examinations to determine your skill and educational proficiency.
What kind of personality will fit into this job title?
Naturally, you would have to be into health care as your industry of choice. Second, you must like meeting and working with people. Third, you must be skilled with your hands as well as have the attention to detail when creating orthoses.
What is the salary range for an orthotic technician?
For as long as you are certified and have earned impressive residency experience, you can earn more than $60,000 annually. For those who are into their period of residency, the average annual salary is at $28,000.
This type of medical technician works in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, but they can also establish their own private practice if they desire to better their earning potential.