Orthotics & Prosthetics

Scholarships Are Currently Available!

Orthotist and Prosthetist are healthcare professional who designs and fits medical devices like braces and artificial limbs to help people move better and live more comfortably. They work with patients to understand their needs, take measurements, and create custom devices. Important traits for this job include being detail-oriented, creative, and good at problem-solving. They also need to be compassionate and able to communicate well, as they often work closely with patients to ensure the devices fit perfectly and work effectively. This career is rewarding because it allows professionals to make a significant impact on people’s lives by improving their mobility and independence.

Salary Range

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• $75,000 – $106,000/ year
  • Orthotist Salary in Nevada | Salary.com

Education & Timeframe

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• Start Your Journey: Bachelor’s Degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field Duration: ~4 years
• Advance Your Expertise: Master’s Degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics or a related field Duration: ~2 years
• Gain Experience: Internships or work experience in orthotics and prosthetics clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private practices. Stay current with the latest techniques, materials, and technologies in orthotics and prosthetics.

Scholarship Opportunities

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• The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Nevada Health Workforce Pipeline Grant (NHWPG) will focus on providing funding opportunities that are intended to disseminate financial relief and incentivize individuals to pursue careers in a variety of health-related fields. The expected outcome for these funds is to support and expand the opportunity to increase the number of qualified and competent professionals in the health workforce to improve the overall health of our communities. For more information, please contact Ryan Mills at rmills@health.nv.gov.

Academic Institutions

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• Truckee Meadows Community College, Reno:
  • Biology, AS | TMCC
• College of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas:
  • Biomedical Equipment Technician, AAS | CSN
• University of Nevada, Reno:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering| UNR
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas:
  • Department of Mechanical Engineering | UNLV

Additional Information

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• Orthotists and Prosthetists: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Orthotist & Prosthetist: Who They Are & What They Do | ClevelandClinic

Career Choices & Growth

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Explore ways to upskill and specialize within this field:

• Other Potential Careers
  • Allopathic Medicine
  • Plastic Surgery
  • Physical Therapy
  • Therapeutic Recreation Specialist – DHHS
• Other Career Pathways
  • Physicians & Surgeons
  • Rehabilitation & Recovery
  • Allied Therapies – DHHS