How to Become an Orthoptist

Orthoptists treat muscle imbalances of the eye that cause problems with proper binocular vision and eye movement.  This is a relatively little-known occupation, but one that is immensely rewarding. Employment prospects are excellent.  Most orthoptists work with children, because binocular disorders are normally found and treated at a young age.  Many patients come to the orthoptist with strabismus -- where the eyes appear crossed -- or amblyopia -- commonly known as "lazy eye".  Orthoptists work in a variety of settings -- in hospitals, university medical centers, or private clinics.  They often work with and under the supervision of opthamologists, doctors who specialize in diseases of the eye. 

Orthoptists, together with opthamologists, develop treatment plans for patients that may include exercises, surgery, or drugs.  The orthoptist trains the patient in eye exercises.

Orthoptists earn around $50,000 per year.  Certified orthoptists are almost guaranteed employment, as jobs outnumber qualified applicants.

To become an orthoptist, you will need a bachelor's degree, preferably in a scientific subject area, followed by specialized training.

1. Determine if this is the right field for you.  Do a self-assessment.  Do you like working with children?  Do you see yourself working with patients who may have disabilities that extend beyond vision impairment?  If so, you can further explore this field through the American Association of Certified Orthoptists.

2. Obtain a bachelor's degree in science.  Check Peterson's online or in your library for a suitable program.

3. Obtain post-bachelor's training in orthoptics.  This is done by a 24-month fellowship in an accredited orthoptics program, capped by written and practical exams.    The American Orthoptics Council has a list of these.  There are fellowship programs in California, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Wisconsin, as well as four Canadian provinces.

The Highest Paying Allied Health Job is...

...Anesthesiologist Assistant, with a starting salary of $95,000 to $120,000, according to the American Medical Association.

Some other high paying medical jobs that don't require an MD, along with their starting salary ranges:

Pharmacist.  $77,390 to $106,410.

Physician's Assistant.  $76,232 to $89,987.

Audiologist. $62,000 to $73,000.

Perfusionist. $60,000 to $75,000.

Source: American Medical Association: Health care career income ranges.  Accessed May 2010.

How to Become a Kinesiotherapist

Kinesiotherapists apply principles of physical exercise to increase the mobility, stamina, and strength of people who have physical limitations, and those who require extensive physical conditioning.  Kinesiotherapy is the study of human movement.  It is considered an allied health profession, much like medical assisting or pharmacy.  Kinesiotherapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, medical centers, sports medicine centers, schools, universities, and centers for the disabled, among others.  They help people become more mobile (ambulatory), help them maximize the use of prosthetic devices,  learn to drive and work, and with other functions related to physical movement.  Training in kinesiotherapy includes physical education, nutrition, anatomy, human growth & development, therapeutic movement, and psychology.  The average starting salary for a kinesiotherapist is around $36,000, but experienced kinesiotherapists can earn much more, depending on location and type of facility.  Job prospects are excellent, with an aging population and the desire to remain active and working late in life.


1. Decide if this is the right career for you.  A good place to start your exploration is the American Kinesiotherapy Association website.  To decide if you want to become a kinesiotherapist, you might also want to contact a working kinesiotherapist to arrange an informational interview.

2. Obtain a bachelor of science degree from a program accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).  You can find these programs on the CAAHEP website, or in the annual American Medical Association (AMA) publication, "Health Care Careers Directory."  Your education will include an internship.

3. Get registered.  Once you have graduated, you can become certified by the American Kinesiotherapy Association.  This registration, which includes an examination, carries many benefits to you, as a working kinesiotherapist.

Lesser Known Allied Health Careers

Everyone knows that allied health is a booming field, even with a recession. But some allied health jobs are well-kept secrets.  Here are some promising careers that are under the radar (meaning more opportunity for you!)

Paraoptometric. Like a paramedic, except that the paraoptometric works with optometrists.  How to Become a Paraoptometric.

Health Informatician.  Informaticians work with data in the healthcare setting.  Like computers? You may want to become a health informatician.

Healthcare Reimbursement Specialist. This job is all about making sure that insurance companies and agencies pay their fair share. How to Become a Healthcare Reimbursement Specialist.

Radiologist Assistant. This is one of the higher-paying allied health jobs. Radiologist Assistants, well, they assist radiologists! They perform many radiology tasks under supervision.  Check out this guide on becoming a radiologist assistant.