Orthotist/Prosthetist

Job Overview

This Orthotist/Prosthetist role focuses on designing, fabricating, and fitting custom orthopedic braces and prosthetic limbs. You'll work directly with patients to assess their needs, taking measurements and making adjustments to improve mobility and comfort. The work happens in clinical settings around Detroit, MI, often in collaboration with physicians and physical therapists. It's a field where technical skill meets patient care, and every case is a bit different.

Duties & Responsibilities / JobXi / Detroit, MI

• Evaluate patients by reviewing medical histories and conducting gait analyses. You'll assess range of motion, strength, and functional limitations to determine the right device.
• Take precise measurements and plaster casts or use 3D scanning technology to capture limb geometry. This data drives the design process.
• Design and modify orthotic or prosthetic devices using CAD software. You'll select appropriate materials like thermoplastics, carbon fiber, or silicone based on patient activity levels.
• Fabricate devices in the lab using tools like vacuum formers, grinders, and sewing equipment. You'll make adjustments during trial fittings to ensure proper alignment and comfort.
• Train patients on wearing, donning, and maintaining their devices. You'll provide follow up care and make necessary repairs or modifications over time.
• Document all patient encounters thoroughly, including device specifications, adjustments made, and progress notes for insurance and clinical records.

Requirements / JobXi / Detroit, MI

Education & Certification: A master's degree in orthotics and prosthetics from a CAAHEP accredited program is standard. You'll need board certification (ABC or BOC) to practice independently. State licensure is required in most locations, including Detroit, MI.

Experience: Clinical residency of at least one year is typical before working independently. Some employers prefer candidates with two or more years of post residency experience, but new graduates are often considered for training roles.

Skills: You should be comfortable with manual fabrication tools and CAD software. Good spatial reasoning helps when shaping devices. Patient interaction requires patience and clear communication ; you're explaining technical concepts to people who may be anxious or in pain.

Physical Demands: The job involves standing for long periods, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Fine motor skills are critical for assembly work. You'll also need to assist patients with mobility during fittings.

What It's Like in This Role / JobXi / Detroit, MI

You'll split time between a patient exam room and a fabrication lab. The lab can get noisy with grinders and vacuum pumps running, and you'll work with adhesives and solvents that require proper ventilation. Clinics in Detroit, MI typically operate Monday through Friday, but some offer evening or weekend hours to accommodate patient schedules. Caseloads vary ; you might see 4 to 8 patients per day, with fabrication and paperwork filling the rest. Team dynamics lean collaborative: you'll consult with referring physicians regularly and may work alongside physical therapists during gait training sessions. The pace is deliberate rather than frantic ; rushing a fitting leads to poor results.

Why You'll Like This Opportunity

The work carries real meaning. You're restoring function for people who've lost limbs or struggle with mobility, and that's not something every job offers. Employers in Detroit, MI range from large hospital systems to small private practices, giving you options to find a culture that fits. Many clinics offer continuing education stipends to keep up with new materials and techniques. There's also flexibility in scheduling ; some positions offer compressed workweeks or the ability to take fabrication work home. For those who want to advance, you can move into clinical specialization, lab management, or even device design with manufacturers.

Schedule & Work Type

Full time positions are most common, typically 40 hours per week. Part time roles do exist, especially in smaller clinics. Remote work is not feasible for the hands on aspects of this job, but some documentation tasks can be done from home. On site presence is required for all patient care and lab work. Shifts generally fall during standard business hours, though some facilities offer extended hours on select days.

How to Apply

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Equal Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.