Education · 1 of 5
The path
A bachelor's degree, then a master's, then a paid residency, then exams.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
Biology, physics, math and any shop or design class. This job is anatomy and engineering in equal parts.
- 2
Bachelor's degree
4 years
Any major, as long as you finish the science prerequisites: anatomy, physiology, physics, chemistry, statistics and usually psychology.
- 3
Master's degree
About 2 years
A program accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education, which is the recognized accreditor under the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Usually around two years.
- 4
Residency
1 to 2 years
A paid clinical residency of roughly a year per discipline. Doing both orthotics and prosthetics means two.
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Certification exams
After residency
The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics runs a written exam, a written simulation and a clinical patient management exam for each discipline.