How Do I Become a Prosthetist?

There are four steps required to become a prosthetist: post-secondary education, certification, work experience and obtaining a position as a prosthetist. A prosthetist is responsible for creating and fitting replacement body parts. Replacement or prosthetic limbs are a combination of metal, plastic and molded silicon or rubber designed to mimic the body part in both appearance and function. Common prosthetic devices include arms, legs and breasts. The first step to become a prosthetist is to gain admission into the prosthetist program. There are a very limited number of schools offering this program and the number of spots available is quite restricted. Qualifications include a high degree of manual dexterity, ability to work with multiple materials and interpersonal skills. Many people who decide to become a prosthetist have received artistic training in sculpture or fine art. This background provides the necessary skills in perspective, creating a three-dimensional object from ...  more