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Prosthetist-orthotist

Alternative titles for this job include

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

Average salary (a year)

£25,654 Starter

to

£45,838 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

days / nights / weekends on shifts

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How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a prosthetist-orthotist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You can do a degree in prosthetics and orthotics, 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

College

You could do a college course like a T level for Prosthetic and Orthotic Technicians.

This would give you the skills and knowledge to apply for technician level posts. It may be possible to move on from a technician level role to do a degree or degree apprenticeship to become a prosthetist or orthotist.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

More Information

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:

  • prosthetic and orthotic technician advanced apprenticeship
  • prosthetist and orthotist degree apprenticeship

With experience you may be able to progress from a prosthetic or orthotic technician role to either a degree course in orthotics and prosthetics or a degree apprenticeship.

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 orthotists you'll use aids to correct problems with nerves, muscles and bones.

You will:

  • assess patients' needs before an artificial device is made or fitted
  • discuss treatment plans with health professionals like physiotherapists and surgeons
  • take measurements and use computer modelling to produce prosthetic or orthotic designs
  • work with technicians to make the final product
  • fit surgical appliances (orthoses) like braces, blades or special footwear
  • check that the appliance or limb is comfortable and working properly
  • make adjustments or repairs
  • follow-up on patients to see how they are coping with their device

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 progress to a management post or move into a specialist clinical area like:

  • sports injuries
  • diabetes
  • neurological conditions
  • working with children

You could also move into teaching, or a research and development post.

Current opportunities

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Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a prosthetist-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: 13 September 2021
  • Location: Manchester
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