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Orthotist/Prosthetist

Orthotists make braces or devices to aid or correct skeletal injuries or problems. Prosthetists make artificial limbs for those who have suffered amputations through illness or injury.

Tasks & duties

Orthotists and prosthetists may do some or all of the following:

follow a prescription for the device or limb required
examine the patient and take the necessary measurements
make a plaster cast of the limb or abnormality
make the device or limb and supervise its construction, or select a commercially made product and adjust for the patient
fit the device or limb to the patient
instruct the patient on the use and care of the device or limb
carry out repairs

Skills & knowledge

Orthotists and prosthetists need to have:

knowledge of the human body and how it functions
knowledge of different cultural and religious beliefs about the body
good model-making skills
sewing skills
problem-solving and maths skills
skill in working with a wide variety of materials, including plaster, wood, steel and rubber
excellent communication skills

An understanding of mechanics is also useful.

Entry requirements

To become an orthotist or prosthetist you need a BSc in Orthotics and Prosthetics. As this degree is not offered in New Zealand, you must travel overseas for training.

The closest tertiary institutions that offer orthotic and prosthetic training are:

La Trobe University in Melbourne
University of New South Wales in Sydney

The University of Strathclyde in Scotland is the main English-speaking university in the world that specialises in orthotics and prosthetics.

Different entry requirements for orthotist/prosthetist clinician and orthotist/prosthetist technician

Clinical orthotists and prosthetists have a degree specialising in orthotics and prosthetics. They work across a broad range of specialisations and deal with patients as well as work in the laboratory constructing orthoses (brace supports) or prostheses (artificial limbs).

Orthotist and prosthetist technicans are not university-educated. They work with the clinical orthotists and prosthetists in the laboratory in a support capacity to the clinicians.

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. Useful subjects include biology, physics, maths and English.

Training on the job

Orthotists and prosthetists are expected to undertake continuing education each year as a requirement for gaining accreditation from the New Zealand Orthotics and Prosthetics Association.