Animal Orthotist Career Profile
- Career Name - Animal Orthotist
- Category - Health / Specialists
- Skills Required - Life skills 40% - Career skills 60%
- Basic School Subjects - Biology, Science, Language
- Minimum Required Education - Doctorate Degree
- Species Worked With - Insects, Arachnids, Worms
- Kind of Interaction with Animals - Direct
Do you want to work as an animal orthotist?
READ: This page helps you to read about the career and the info you need to decide on whether this is indeed the career you want to follow.
RESEARCH: Learn about the skills required and minimum subjects to enter this career, as well as the places where you can study further after school.
PREPARE: If you want to plan and prepare for your career, then join the OZT Community! Members have access to tools while chatting with other students and experts from around the world. Prepare to be amazed!
CAREER MENTORS
UPDATED:
20 August 2024
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What is an Animal Orthotist?
An animal orthotist designs, develops, fits, and manufactures orthoses (braces or splints) that support or correct musculoskeletal deformities and/or abnormalities of an animal’s limbs.
Animals that need orthoses may have severe injuries, fractures, arthritis, spinal cord injury or problematic growth of a limb.
Closely related career
A career very closely related to that of an orthotist, is an animal prosthetist. Instead of creating braces or splints to help limbs heal properly, they design and create artificial limbs to replace specific limbs (such as a leg) which an animal might have lost.
Career Categories
The animal related careers are organized into categories. Here are the categories in which an animal orthotist can be found:
- Animal Health
- Specialists
History?
Evidence exists of orthotic and prosthetic limbs being applied as far back as 2500 BC
Covering Costs?
The best and most cost effective method to create devices is through 3D printing
What does an Animal Orthotist do?
Groups of animals an Animal Orthotist works with
What is the level of Interaction with the Animals?
- Directly - A person works directly with the animals with some form of physical contact at least once every few days
- Indirectly - The career doesn't require direct or physical contact at all.
What does an Animal Orthotist focus on?
An animal orthotist works with other professionals, such as veterinarians and rehabilitators to design and create the best brace or splint to help an animal to heal a problematic limb.
Daily tasks of an Animal Orthotist
- Evaluating clients mobility
- Writing a treatment plan to help improve mobility
- Taking measurements of the body to be able to fit patients with a brace or other supportive device
- Choosing which device will be the best fit for a client
- Fitting devices to a client
- Educating clients and family members on how to use and care for the brace or device
- Maintaining client records
The work Environment of an Animal Orthotist
Work environment and places where an Animal Orthotist can be employed
Environment –
Animal orthotists will work mainly indoors within an office or clinical setup.
Places of Employment –
They are mainly employed by government, private veterinary practices, laboratories, research institutions, academics, zoos and aquariums. They may also start their own private practices.
Average annual salary for an Animal Orthotist
They can earn an average of US$75,000 per year. The salary will also differ from country to country.
Can an Animal Orthotist be promoted?
They do have the opportunity to be promoted within the unit or department, or join a different organization at a higher position. They may also be the owner of their own private practice.
Advancement in the field typically depends on work experience. First-year orthotists often fit their training commitments around other work demands.
The levels of each promotion might differ from organization to organization, but generally are the following:
Intern -> Junior Orthotist -> Senior Orthotist -> Manager
What difficulties do Animal Orthotists face?
They will work with animals that may be scared or hurt and could retaliate by biting or scratching.
They may also work long hours, in difficult conditions, and might need to travel frequently.
Future growth and possibilities in this Career
The future growth of the sector is growing rapidly at around 20% per year.
A good field to go into is to focus only on the design and printing of devices with a 3D printer.
Which Skills does an Animal Orthotist need?
The skills required for a career as an animal orthotist can be divided into two very important groups. The first is the group containing life skills, which are the core skills that are necessary or desirable for full participation in everyday life. The second group is career skills, or the specific skills required to allow a person to enter and operate effectively within a specific career. Some or maybe even all of the life skills can assist in strengthening the career skills, and they might even be the same for specific careers.
Life Skills
- Self-awareness
- Empathy
- Critical thinking
- Creative thinking
- Decision making
- Problem Solving
- Effective communication
- Interpersonal relationship
Career Skills
- Excellent customer service skills
- Good health and physical fitness
- Excellent computer literacy
Which Subjects must I have at School to help me prepare for this Career?
Biology is the most important subject in school to help you gain admission into university.
Science is a foundational subject and required by many colleges and universities for standard admission
Language as a subject is key for you to understand more about communication.
The subjects you choose at school are important as they lay the foundation for further studies at college or university. While still at school, it’s also important to learn more about the animals you will work with, as well as gain some experience.
OZT has a list of various tertiary institutions where you can study further, after school. Each of these institutions also have their own Group page on OZT where you will find the exact subjects they require of you to have passed in school. Keep these requirements in mind, and discuss it with your school, guidance counselor and parents to ensure that you are prepared!
What will I need to Study to become an Animal Orthotist?
Minimum educational requirement
The minimum international requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree. Most do specialize after the Degree towards a more advanced Master’s Degree in Orthotics.
Subject focus
Majors –
The following majors can be taken: biomedical engineering, biology, animal physiology or even animal science.
Short Courses –
Many colleges have excellent short courses in animal rehabilitation.
Subject duration
The duration of a Bachelor’s Degree is between 3 to 4 years. If you want to study further, you may have to add another 2 to 3 years for Masters. Short Courses are usually between a few weeks and a year.
FREE Career Preparation Path
If this is your dream career that you want to pursue, then it’s important to plan the way forward.
Why is planning important?
To ensure that you understand the requirements for your career, and that you are always prepared for the next step on the road towards your dream. A preparation path is like a road map to where you want to be.
Possible Paths:
1. Attend Career Guidance Sessions
- Early Exposure: Participate in career guidance sessions offered by the school or local community to explore the field of animal orthotics and related careers.
- Explore Interests: Discuss with a guidance counsellor to understand how your interests in animals and healthcare can align with a career as an animal orthotist.
2. Research All Possible Careers
- Investigate Related Fields: Research related careers such as veterinary medicine, biomedical engineering, and prosthetics to understand the scope and opportunities within the field of animal orthotics.
- Explore Career Profiles: Look into the daily responsibilities, required skills, and potential employers for animal orthotists.
3. Explore Educational Paths
- Understand Educational Requirements: Learn about the necessary educational paths, including degrees in veterinary technology, animal science, biomedical engineering, or orthotics and prosthetics.
- Consider Technical Schools: Explore vocational or technical schools that offer programmes in orthotics, prosthetics, or veterinary assisting as an entry point.
4. Align High School Subjects with the Educational Path
- Focus on Relevant Subjects: Prioritise courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and anatomy, as these are fundamental to understanding musculoskeletal systems.
- Consider Electives: Take electives like animal science, engineering, or computer-aided design (CAD) to build a strong foundation for future studies.
5. Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Meet Graduation Requirements: Ensure you complete all required credits to graduate, focusing on maintaining a strong GPA in science and math courses.
- Consider Dual Enrolment: If available, take college-level courses in related fields during high school to get a head start.
6. Learn About Animals You Will Work With
- Gain Animal Handling Experience: Volunteer at local animal shelters, farms, or veterinary clinics to gain hands-on experience with different animals.
- Study Animal Behaviour: Learn about the anatomy, behaviour, and care of animals, focusing on those commonly treated by animal orthotists, like dogs, cats, horses, and wildlife.
7. Align Post-School Path with Career Goals
- Choose the Right Path: Decide whether to enter the workforce immediately, pursue further education, or consider entrepreneurship in animal orthotics.
- Explore Options: Investigate entry-level positions in veterinary clinics or orthotic companies, or apply to colleges that offer specialised programmes.
8. Gain Experience Through Volunteering, Internship, Mentorship, etc.
- Seek Internships: Apply for internships or volunteer positions with veterinary clinics, animal rehabilitation centres, or companies specialising in orthotics and prosthetics.
- Find a Mentor: Connect with a professional animal orthotist or a related expert who can guide you through the early stages of your career.
9. Pursue Extracurricular Activities
- Join Relevant Clubs: Participate in science clubs, engineering teams, or animal welfare organisations at school to develop relevant skills and interests.
- Attend Workshops: Enrol in workshops or courses that offer practical skills in CAD, 3D printing, or animal care.
10. Join Professional Associations
- Explore Student Memberships: Join organisations like the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) or the International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy (IAVRPT) as a student member.
- Attend Conferences: Participate in conferences, seminars, and networking events to learn about the latest developments in the field.
11. Gain Specialised Skills
- Develop Technical Skills: Learn CAD, 3D modelling, and materials science, as these are essential for designing and manufacturing orthoses.
- Hone Animal Care Skills: Continue to improve your understanding of animal anatomy, biomechanics, and veterinary care.
12. Network with Professionals
- Build Connections: Attend industry events, join online forums, and participate in professional groups to connect with veterinarians, engineers, and orthotists.
- Seek Advice: Regularly reach out to professionals for advice, job shadowing opportunities, and potential job openings.
13. Enter the Job Market, Finish Tertiary Studies, or Launch a Business
- Pursue Higher Education: If you choose to continue your studies, enrol in a relevant degree programme and seek internships in animal orthotics or related fields.
- Explore Job Opportunities: Apply for entry-level positions in veterinary clinics, orthotic companies, or animal rehabilitation centres.
- Consider Entrepreneurship: If inclined, explore the possibility of starting a business in custom orthotics for animals, using your specialised skills and network.
14. Stay Updated and Pursue Continuing Education
- Commit to Lifelong Learning: Regularly attend workshops, courses, and seminars to stay updated on the latest technologies, techniques, and research in animal orthotics.
- Stay Current on Industry Trends: Follow industry publications, join webinars, and participate in professional development courses to maintain your expertise.
This comprehensive path will equip a high school student with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to pursue a successful career as an animal orthotist.
Possible Combined Career Paths
It is possible to sometimes combine two or more related careers. This normally happens when you study and practice a specific main career, but the knowledge and experience gained also help you to have a paying hobby or secondary income career.
Possible Alternatives (there are a lot more):
Training and apprenticeship
Even though it is important to study to get into some of the animal careers, most of the research and designing skills you will need as an animal orthotist will be acquired through practice. This means that you will learn how to perform some of the daily tasks by actually doing it a few times and learning the steps.
In some cases entry level positions require training sessions even before you are allowed to actually perform your job duties. These sessions are offered by the place of employment, after you have successfully applied.
Join the Animal Orthotists Group in the OZT Community to learn more and even interact with the educational institutions that will help you secure your dream career!
Average level of education of those entering the career
Licenses, Certificate, Registration and Professional Associations
Certain animal careers require some form of legal certification to prove that you can indeed do the work, and work with the necessary equipment.
Certifications might be required in certain countries, and it may help workers establish their credentials and enhance their skills.
Learn more about requirements by joining the OZT Community.
Professional Associations
Where can I study further to become an Animal Orthotist?
All of the above information will help you understand more about the Career, including the fact that there are different paths to take to reach it. But if you are almost done with High School (Grades 11 or 12), you also need to start thinking about further studies, and WHERE you will study.
See the List of Universities, Colleges and Online Training Academies who offer courses towards orthotics.
How do I start to prepare for this Career?
If you do decide on following this career, then OZT can assist you in figuring out a path to prepare, as well as help you to gain further knowledge about the career and the animals you will be working with. We do this by offering you FREE career development tools. There are almost a dozen free tools, but these are the three primary ones:
CAREER PATH PLAN
Use the career path plan above on this profile as an example to follow, or to work out your own path.
COST; Free
ACCESS: Open to visitors and Members
SHORT COURSES
Access easy-to-use short courses to make your career preparation easier! The basic information in each course is free, but the rewards can only be unlocked as an OZT member!
COST; Free
ACCESS: Open to visitors and Members
STUDY GUIDE
Get a supercharged study guide that fits into the career path plan! Now that's really upping your preparation game! Join us for free to gain access!
COST; Free
ACCESS: Members Only
But, if you are still uncertain about choosing this specific career, and even where to start, then have a look at our special series of WHAT NEXT courses (link below). They take you through all of the questions you might have on how to choose the right career, what to do while at and after school, and even how to start your own business.
OR
Join the OZT community and career chat Group
Join us as a special member and learn more about becoming an animal orthotist.
Members of the Platform have special access to:
- Info on the best places where you can study (colleges, universities and online)
- Expertly designed advice to prepare you for the career, and links to places where you can gain valuable experience. For some career experience is necessary, otherwise you wont get the job!
- Top notch info on each of the different species you will work with
- Make friends around the world and share knowledge
- Compete and win points, badges, games, prizes and certificates. Be the best of the best, while you learn and prepare!
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