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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)

£24,907 Starter

to

£44,503 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
  • 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

Apprenticeship

You can get into this career through a prosthetist-orthotist degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of medicine and dentistry
  • customer service skills
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • 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
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As part of your role, you may:

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

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

L3 Access to Higher Education Diploma - Science

  • Provider: TELFORD COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2020

Access to HE Science

  • Provider: BOURNEMOUTH AND POOLE COLLEGE, THE
  • Start date: 07 September 2020
  • Location: Poole
Find courses near you

JobsIn the United Kingdom

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