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Orthotists and Prosthetists

The short answer

This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to hold steady over the next decade, with about 40 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.

How much AI could touch this job

Less exposedband 2 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a quarter of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

This job is in the second least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.

AI can help with or automate about 40% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Maintain patients' records.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  2. Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices, based on physicians' prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  3. Confer with physicians to formulate specifications and prescriptions for orthopedic or prosthetic devices.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  4. Update skills and knowledge by attending conferences and seminars.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  5. Research new ways to construct and use orthopedic and prosthetic devices.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Fit, test, and evaluate devices on patients, and make adjustments for proper fit, function, and comfort.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Instruct patients in the use and care of orthoses and prostheses.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Examine, interview, and measure patients to determine their appliance needs and to identify factors that could affect appliance fit.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Select materials and components to be used, based on device design.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Repair, rebuild, and modify prosthetic and orthopedic appliances.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Physical Therapists

    Very similar work
    +12% pay1,011 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 12% more—$103,479 vs your $92,117 here.

    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires a doctoral or professional degree.

    Getting ready typically takes more than four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Medicine and Dentistry
    • Psychology
    • Therapy and Counseling
    • Oral Expression

    New skills to build

    • Static Strength
    • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Physician Assistants

    Similar work
    +80% pay1,935 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 80% more—$165,381 vs your $92,117 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a master's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes more than four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Medicine and Dentistry
    • Psychology
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Reading Comprehension

    New skills to build

    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Nurse Anesthetists

    Similar work
    +258% pay88 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 258% more—$330,017 vs your $92,117 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a master's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes more than four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Medicine and Dentistry
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Psychology
    • Education and Training

    New skills to build

    • Chemistry
    • Biology
    • Mathematics
    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Sociology and Anthropology