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Prosthetist and orthotist

Alternative titles for this job include

Prosthetists and orthotists use the latest technology to create devices that help patients move without pain.

Average salary (a year)

£27,055 Starter

to

£47,672 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

days / nights / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a prosthetist and orthotist

You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.

University

You can do a degree in prosthetics and orthotics.

Your degree must be approved by the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists and the Health and Care Professions Council.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could take a Prosthetist and Orthotist Level 6 Integrated Degree Apprenticeship to become a prosthetist and orthotist.

You could start by taking a Prosthetic and Orthotic Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. This would allow you to become a technician, supporting prosthetists and orthotists. After this, you may be able to move onto the level 6 degree apprenticeship to progress to a prosthetist and orthotist.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

More Information

Further information

You can get more advice about a career as a prosthetist and orthotist from Health Careers and the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of medicine
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • knowledge of psychology
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your duties will depend on whether you work as a prosthetist, an orthotist or a mix of both.

As a prosthetist, you'll create and fit artificial limb replacements.

As an orthotist, you'll use technology to correct problems with nerves, muscles and bones.

Prosthetic and orthotic tasks

In a role with a mixture of prosthetic and orthotic work, you'll typically:

  • work out what a patient needs before a device is made or fitted
  • discuss treatment plans with physiotherapists and surgeons
  • work with technicians to make the final product using computer software
  • check that the appliance or limb is comfortable and working properly
  • check how a patient is coping with their device and make changes or repairs if needed

Working environment

You could work at a health centre, at a client's home or in an NHS or private hospital.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • manage a team of prosthetists and orthotists 
  • specialise in a certain area, such as sports injuries, diabetes injuries or children's prosthetics
  • teach trainee prosthetists and orthotists
  • move into researching and developing new products

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a prosthetist and orthotist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Radiography; Orthotics and Prosthetics Access to Higher Education Diploma Level 3

  • Provider: The Manchester College
  • Start date: 01 September 2023
  • Location: Manchester

Access to Health & Soc Care Professions - Allied Healthcare Professions

  • Provider: PRESTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 19 September 2023
  • Location: PRESTON
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