Role Characteristics
- Assess people to understand their problems and determine how a medical device can help improve their movement and quality of life
- Assess joint range of movements and muscle strengths
- Create a treatment plan and agree goals going forward which may include a prosthesis (artificial limbs) or orthosis (brace)
- Prescribe, measure, engineer and design a prosthesis, orthosis and footwear to meet the needs identified
- Fit people with their prosthesis/orthosis
- Work with other health care professionals to deliver the best care
Skills
- Decision-making
- Empathy
- Operating equipment
- Using technology
- Communication
- Working under pressure
Day in the life
Watch this video to find out more about life as an Orthotist.
Routes into this role
Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.
- Maths and English skills
- GCSEs
- An apprenticeship
- Undergraduate degree
- Degree apprenticeship
- Foundation degree
- BTEC, T-Level or A-Levels
How to become
To become a Prosthetist and Orthotist, you will need a degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics. There are many ways to access university level education and you can explore lots of current opportunities in the section below.
You might:
- Study GCSE's, A Levels, BTECs, or T Levels – useful subjects might include Biology, Physics, Maths, Design Technology, Health and Social Care, or Applied Science. Explore some current opportunities below.
- Complete an Access to Higher Education course – a college course designed for adults who want to access higher education but don’t have the traditional requirements like A Levels.
- Complete a Foundation course – a year-long university course designed to prepare you for studying Prosthetics and Orthotics or a related healthcare profession if you do not have the required qualifications or grades to go straight into a degree.
You will then be ready to study at a university level. This can include:
- Studying an undergraduate degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics.
- Complete a Degree Apprenticeship – gain experience in the workplace while also studying a qualification in Prosthetics and Orthotics, where available.
Alongside education, you may also want to build some relevant work or voluntary experience in healthcare settings, rehabilitation services, engineering environments, care services, sports and fitness settings, or patient-facing support roles and think about developing your communication, problem-solving, empathy, creativity and practical technical skills.
To work in this role, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Where can this role lead
From your role as a Prosthetist and Orthotist, you could continue helping people improve their mobility, independence and quality of life by specialising in areas such as Children and Young People's Services, Rehabilitation, or Musculoskeletal Care.
You could also specialise in supporting people with movement, rehabilitation and long-term health conditions as a Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, or Podiatrist.
Your assessment, problem-solving and patient-centred care skills as a Prosthetist and Orthotist would also translate well to sideways moves such as a Medical Engineering Technician or Health Trainer.
Location
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Hospitals
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Community Settings
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Peoples Homes
Working hours
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Weekdays
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Weekends
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Part Time
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Full Time
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Flexible Hours
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Casual Hours
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Nights
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Overtime
Opportunities
Leeds City College Health and Social Care courses
- Organisation
- Leeds City College
Virtual work experience
- Organisation
- Aspiring Allies
Volunteering in Health and Care
- Organisation
- Volunteering Opportunities
BSc Clinical Technology
- Organisation
- University of Bradford