How long does the training take?

Typically about six years of study in total, then an internship or residency, often one to three years. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do orthotists and prosthetists make?

The US median is $81,110 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree for this work?

Yes — a degree is the usual way in.

Where can you train for this work?

24 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

🎓 My University View

Home › Careers › Orthotists and prosthetists

Orthotists and prosthetists: pay, training and the programs that lead there

Healthcare (clinical) · SOC 29-2091

$81,110US median pay, 2025

+12.9%Projected growth, 2025–35

700Openings per year

DegreeUsual way in

How you get in

A degree is the usual way in.

Master's degree
Internship/residency
Work in: orthotists and prosthetists

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Orthotist/Prosthetist	CIP 51.2307	18
Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering	CIP 51.2312	7

See the 24 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does the training take?: Typically about six years of study in total, then an internship or residency, often one to three years. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do orthotists and prosthetists make?: The US median is $81,110 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree for this work?: Yes — a degree is the usual way in.
Where can you train for this work?: 24 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

Related careers in Healthcare (clinical)

Registered nurses · Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses · Pharmacy technicians · Nurse practitioners · Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians · Psychiatric technicians · Dental hygienists · Medical records specialists