Exploring a career in prosthetics and orthotics
Prosthetics and orthotics has a wide range of job roles for you to consider. Each job role has a range of career paths for you to explore. The resources on this webpage act as an introduction to the wonderful opportunities a career in prosthetics and orthotics can offer you.
Resources
We are encouraging our prosthetists and orthotists, support workers and technicians to share the posters in their services and display where appropriate. Please see the posters listed below:
How To Start Your Career In Prosthetics And Orthotics
The traditional route of becoming a Prosthetist/Orthotist is to study an undergraduate degree, currently available at Strathclyde University or the University of Salford.
There is also a Masters Level course allowing HCPC registration, which is now also available at Keele University, and a 3-year Apprenticeship programme with the University of Derby.
Some courses may be eligible for NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF) | NHSBSA which is funding to support eligible healthcare students. All information regarding this funding can be found here: NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF) | NHSBSA
Visit our Places to Study page for more information on the courses available:
If you have any questions about starting a career in Prosthetics and Orthotics, please contact us below:
How do I become a Technician or a Support Worker?
Employers advertise for Prosthetic/Orthotic Technicians and Support Workers in their local areas and some attend local schools, colleges, and careers events. There are also sometimes adverts via NHS jobs. Some of the roles include access to the apprenticeship to further develop your qualifications. You will need to ask specifically about this when you are looking at individual roles. Visit our Technician and Support Worker page for more information.
Prosthetic and Orthotic Technician Apprenticeship Route
The University of Derby offers a Level 3 Prosthetic and Orthotic Technician Apprenticeship, which provides students the opportunity to qualify as a Prosthetic/Orthotic Technician.
Prosthetist/Orthotist Apprenticeship Route
Derby University also offers a Degree Apprenticeship at Level 6. The programme provides students an opportunity to qualify as a Prosthetist/Orthotist after three years.
For other information please consider visiting the following sites:
I see the Difference – Careers Site
Health Careers
Step into the NHS
UCAS
BBC Bitesize – Prosthetist
BBC Bitesize – Orthotist

Could you be a Prosthetist/Orthotist? Visit our Human Library below to see what career paths are available.

BAPO are thrilled to introduce a series of interviews with industry leaders on their career journeys.
Please take the time to visit our YouTube channel and view the playlist.
These videos were produced by the I See the Difference Campaign. To see more about this campaign and P&O click https://www.iseethedifference.co.uk/

Please take the time to watch some of the webinar and video resources available showcasing the prosthetic and orthotic professions.