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Prosthetist-orthotist

Prosthetists and orthotists care for people who need an artificial limb or a device to support or control part of their body.

Average salary (a year)

£22,000 Starter

to

£68,500 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become a Prosthetist-orthotist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course

University

You'll need to take a three or four-year BSc (Hons) degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics, approved by the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists and the Health and Care Professions Council.

The approved degree course is available at two universities in the UK:

If you're a UK resident you'll have your tuition fees paid for you and you may also be able to get a grant, depending on your financial circumstances. For more information, go to the NHS Business Services Authority website.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English, maths and a science
  • 3 A levels including maths and either biology, physics or chemistry

More information

More information

Further information

You can get more information and advice on careers in health care from Health Careers. 

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of medicine and dentistry
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • you will be expected to know how to use a computer and tools to benefit this job.

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

  • designing and fitting surgical appliances (orthoses) like braces, callipers and splints
  • working with people recovering from a stroke, those with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or cerebral palsy
  • assessing a patient's needs before they have an artificial limb or appliance fitted
  • taking measurements and using computer modelling to produce a design of the prostheses or orthoses
  • explaining a finished design to a technician, who will produce the final product
  • carrying out follow-up checks with patients to see how they are coping with their device
  • making sure the appliance or limb is functioning properly, and is comfortable
  • carrying out adjustments or repairs

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

With experience, you could progress to a management post or move into a specialist clinical area. You could also move into teaching, or a research and development post.

Training 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

Access to Science Level 3

  • Provider: Kensington and Chelsea College
  • Start date: 10 September 2019
  • Location: London

Pre-Access to Science & Nursing

  • Provider: COLLEGE OF WEST ANGLIA
  • Start date: 02 September 2019
  • Location: King's Lynn
Find courses near you

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