Wellbeing

Prosthetist and orthotist

Prosthetists and orthotists use the latest technology to create devices that help patients move without pain.

Annual Salary

£30,000 to £53,000

Working hours

37 to 40 a week

You could work: days / nights / weekends; on shifts

3.8%
Future employment

There will be 3.8% more Prosthetist and orthotist jobs in 2029.
In your local area

What's it all about?

Day-to-day tasks

Your duties will depend on whether you work as a prosthetist, an orthotist or a mix of both.

As a prosthetist, you'll create and fit artificial limb replacements.

As an orthotist, you'll use technology to correct problems with nerves, muscles and bones.

Prosthetic and orthotic tasks

In a role with a mixture of prosthetic and orthotic work, you'll typically:

  • 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

Working environment

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

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

University

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.

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
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
  • university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
Apprenticeship

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.

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
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

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.

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

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

  • knowledge of medicine and dentistry
  • 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
  • knowledge of psychology
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
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