Employment Opportunities

As an O&P professional you can make a difference every day! Job opportunities abound throughout the country, and the need for orthotic and prosthetic professionals is increasing rapidly.

Where would you work?

Orthotists and prosthetists work in a variety of settings:

• Private practice
• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Specialty clinics and home health settings
• Nursing homes

What percentages of graduates get employed?

Currently 100% of O&P program graduates find employment and most chose to make it a lifelong profession.

What salary can I expect to earn?

According to the 2009 (based on 2008 data) American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) Operating Performance & Compensation Report, average compensation (base salary, bonus and commission) based on the following job titles is:

• $95,667 for an American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC) Certified Orthotist/Prosthetist with an average of 15 years experience.
• $48,214 for an ABC Registered Technician is with an average of 11 years experience.
• $38,581 for a Fitter is with an average of six years experience.
• $37,007 for a National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) Resident is with an average of one year experience.

*Note: Compensation varies based on many factors, e.g., geographical location, years of experience, inclusion or exclusion of fringe benefits. Salary information for assistants was not included in the survey.

For a listing of residency sites by states go to: www.ncope.org