165 O&P professionals have a master’s degree in orthotics and prosthetics, and they have passed a certification exam administered by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC). O&P professionals may specialize in both orthotics and prosthetics, or only one of these fields. To be certified in both fields, candidates must complete one year of residency in each specialty and pass the required ABC exams. Orthotists and prosthetists meet with patients to evaluate their needs, measure patients for custom design and fitting of medical devices, and design their patients’ devices and repair or update them as needed (Figure 4.41). They also instruct patients in the proper use and care of their devices. O&P professionals are employed in small, private offices or in larger medical facilities, and they often work in the shops where orthotics and prosthetics are made. Planning for a Health-Related Career Research the career of an orthopedic surgeon, a radiographer, or an orthotist/prosthetist. Alternatively, select a profession from the list of related career options. Using the internet or resources at your local library, find answers to questions such as the following: 1. What are the main tasks and responsibilities of the career you are researching? 2. What is the outlook for this career? Are workers in demand, or are jobs dwindling? For complete information, consult the current edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the US Department of Labor. This handbook is available online or at your local library. 3. What special skills or talents are required? For example, do you need to be good at biology and chemistry? Do you need to enjoy interacting with other people? 4. What personality traits do you think are needed to be successful in this job? For example, a career as a surgeon requires directing other people. Are you comfortable with giving directions to others? 5. Does this career involve a great deal of routine, or are the day-to-day responsibilities varied? 6. Does the work require long hours, or is it a standard, “9-to-5” job? 7. What is the salary range for this job? 8. What do you think you would like about this career? Is there anything about it that you might dislike? Related Career Options • Family practitioner • Magnetic resonance (MR) technologist • Orthotist/prosthetist • Physical therapist • Physician assistant • Podiatrist • Surgical nurse fotoliza/Shutterstock.com Figure 4.41 Orthotists may use a digital foot scan to provide the basis for custom shoe insoles. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.