Prosthetist and orthotist
Prosthetists and orthotists use the latest technology to create devices that help patients move without pain.
- Potential salary
- £32,000 starter to £48,000 experienced per year
- Typical hours
- 37 to 40. Working pattern: days / nights / weekends on shifts.
- Career area
- Health and care
- Where they might work
- You could work at a health centre, at a client's home or in an NHS or private hospital.
- A typical task
- work out what a patient needs before a device is made or fitted
- Subjects that may help
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- Typical route
- You can do a degree in prosthetics and orthotics.
- Interest area used here
- Health and laboratory science, Making, fixing and working outdoors
What you might do
- work out what a patient needs before a device is made or fitted
- discuss treatment plans with physiotherapists and surgeons
- work with technicians to make the final product using computer software
- check that the appliance or limb is comfortable and working properly
- check how a patient is coping with their device and make changes or repairs if needed
Could this suit me?
Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.
- knowledge of biology and how the body works
- 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
More skills
- knowledge of psychology
- the ability to work well with your hands
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Routes into this career
University route
- You can do a degree in prosthetics and orthotics.
- Your degree must be approved by the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists and the Health and Care Professions Council .
- 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
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
University courses that could lead to this career
These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.
- Prosthetics and orthotics
Direct qualifying route. An approved degree is the usual registration route.
Apprenticeship or vocational route
- You could take a Prosthetist and Orthotist Level 6 Integrated Degree Apprenticeship to become a prosthetist and orthotist.
- You could start by taking a Prosthetic and Orthotic Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. This would allow you to become a technician, supporting prosthetists and orthotists. After this, you may be able to move onto the level 6 degree apprenticeship to progress to a prosthetist and orthotist.
- 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
- equivalent entry requirements
- guide to apprenticeships
Career progression
- With experience, you could:
- manage a team of prosthetists and orthotists
- specialise in a certain area, such as sports injuries, diabetes injuries or children's prosthetics
- teach trainee prosthetists and orthotists
- move into researching and developing new products
Registration and requirements
pass enhanced background checks
Subjects that may help
Subject guidance
- 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
- 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