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Prosthetist and orthotist

Alternative titles for this job include

Prosthetists and orthotists make devices to replace or support lost or damaged limbs, so patients can move more easily and do everyday tasks.

Average salary (a year)

£32,000 Starter

to

£48,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40

You could work

days / nights / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

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

University

You can do a degree or postgraduate award 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 Degree Apprenticeship with an NHS trust.

The level 6 apprenticeship can take around 4 years to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training and academic study at an approved university.

You might be able to do a Prosthetic and Orthotic Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. This would allow you to become a technician, supporting prosthetists and orthotists in their work. You could then take further training to qualify as 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

Career tips

As a prosthetist, you'll design and fit artificial limb, or partial limb, replacements.

As an orthotist, you'll use technology to make devices that aid mobility, correct problems with bones and muscles, and reduce pain.

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 biology and how the body works
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • maths skills
  • 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

As a prosthetist or orthotist, you could:

  • find out what patients need and explain treatment options
  • take measurements and do scans for fittings
  • create personalised artificial limbs and devices, using design software and traditional methods
  • check regularly to see that devices are comfortable and working properly
  • make adjustments over time, as a patient's body adapts to their new limb or device
  • work closely with the technicians, physiotherapists and surgeons
  • stay up to date with technological advances and treatments

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • move into a senior role and manage a team of prosthetists and orthotists
  • specialise in a certain area, such as military veterans' rehabilitation or children's prosthetics
  • teach and mentor trainee prosthetists and orthotists
  • work in research and develop 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

Access to HE Diploma (Allied Healthcare)

  • Provider: Riverside College Halton
  • Start date: 01 September 2027
  • Location: WIDNES

Health and Social Care

  • Provider: DOWNEND SCHOOL
  • Start date: 01 September 2027
  • Location: Bristol
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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