Prosthetist and orthotist

Career path and 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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of medicine
• 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

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Biology - Prosthetists and orthotists need a thorough understanding of human anatomy, including how muscles, nerves, and bones work together to produce movement. This knowledge is essential when assessing patients and designing devices that work with the body's natural structure.
• Physics - Prosthetists and orthotists apply principles of forces, mechanics, and materials science when designing devices that support or replace parts of the body. Understanding how loads are distributed and how different materials respond to stress helps them create devices that function safely and comfortably.
• Design and Technology - Prosthetists and orthotists design and build custom devices tailored to individual patients, working through a full design process from assessment to finished product. They use CAD software, 3D printing, and hands-on fabrication skills to create prosthetic limbs and orthotic supports.
• Mathematics - Prosthetists and orthotists take precise measurements of patients' bodies and use calculations to ensure devices fit correctly and distribute forces evenly. They also work with angles, proportions, and biomechanical data when designing and adjusting their products.
• Engineering - Prosthetists and orthotists work at the intersection of engineering and healthcare, applying engineering principles to solve problems of human movement and function. Understanding manufacturing processes, material properties, and mechanical systems is central to developing effective prosthetic and orthotic devices.

Also relevant

• Psychology - Prosthetists and orthotists support patients who may be adjusting to limb loss or living with long-term physical conditions. Understanding how people cope emotionally with major life changes helps them communicate sensitively and support patients through what can be a difficult process.
• Chemistry - Prosthetists and orthotists work with a range of materials including plastics, resins, carbon fibre composites, and silicones. Understanding the chemical properties of these materials – such as how they cure, bond, and react with skin – helps when selecting and shaping them for individual patients.
• Computer Science - Prosthetists and orthotists increasingly use computer-aided design and manufacturing software, 3D scanning, and digital modelling to create precise devices. Some also work with microprocessor-controlled prosthetic limbs that involve programming and configuring embedded systems.
• Physical Education - Prosthetists and orthotists need to understand how the human body moves during everyday activities and sport. Knowledge of biomechanics, gait patterns, and physical performance helps them design devices that allow patients to move as naturally and effectively as possible.