Orthotists and Prosthetists

High School

If you are interested in becoming an orthotist or a prosthetist, take college preparatory classes in mathematics, biology, physics, and chemistry. These classes will familiarize you with basic anatomy and the properties of various materials. Computer science courses will prepare you to use computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing technology for making mechanical drawings and blueprints. Shop classes or sculpture classes that teach you how to work with metal, plastic, or wood will familiarize you with the materials and processes the orthotist or prosthetist uses in creating braces or artificial limbs.