Prosthetist and orthotist

You can do a degree or postgraduate award 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

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/

You could take a Prosthetist and Orthotist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship with an NHS trust.

The level 6 apprenticeship can take around 4 years to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training and academic study at an approved university.

You might be able to do a Prosthetic and Orthotic Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. This would allow you to become a technician, supporting prosthetists and orthotists in their work. You could then take further training to qualify as 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

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

Career Tips

As a prosthetist, you'll design and fit artificial limb, or partial limb, replacements.

As an orthotist, you'll use technology to make devices that aid mobility, correct problems with bones and muscles, and reduce pain.

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 .

As a prosthetist or orthotist, you could:

• find out what patients need and explain treatment options
• take measurements and do scans for fittings
• create personalised artificial limbs and devices, using design software and traditional methods
• check regularly to see that devices are comfortable and working properly
• make adjustments over time, as a patient's body adapts to their new limb or device
• work closely with the technicians, physiotherapists and surgeons
• stay up to date with technological advances and treatments

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