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Orthoptist
How to become an orthotist
To become an orthotist in the NHS, you must complete a pre-registration undergraduate degree programme approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
What is an orthotist?
Orthotists work with people of all ages and specialise in the use of splints, braces, or special footwear. These devices, called orthoses, can reduce pain or increase a person's mobility and independence.
Orthotists design, manufacture, and fit orthoses by combining their knowledge of human biology with engineering principles.
Starting your career as an orthotist
Choosing subjects at school
To get on a course that could lead to a career as an orthotist, useful school subjects include:
- Biology
- Maths
- Physics
- English
- Engineering Science
Speak to your guidance teacher or careers adviser about subjects offered at your school.
Work placements and volunteering
You may find it helpful to get some healthcare experience by doing a work placement or volunteering. You’ll get training, increase your knowledge, and learn new skills. This could help you when applying to college, university, or a new job with NHSScotland.
Education and training pathway
To become an orthotist, you’ll need to complete a Prosthetics and Orthotics undergraduate degree programme at SCQF level 10. Most universities accept a wide range of qualifications, giving you the option of applying directly from school or going to college first.
At college, you could do an HND in Engineering Systems at SCQF level 8.
Widening access
Widening participation supports adult learners who want to go to university. If you’re an adult with few or no qualifications, you could get into higher education through the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP). Many universities also provide access programmes to help you get the degree entry qualifications you need.
Pre-registration undergraduate degree programme
In Scotland, the University of Strathclyde offers a four-year pre-registration undergraduate programme in Prosthetics and Orthotics. The programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council and the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics.
Find out more about the course content and how to apply.
Registering with the Health and Care Professions Council
The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) sets education, training, and professional practice standards for all allied health professions, including orthotists.
After graduation, you must register with the HCPC. You can then apply as a newly qualified orthotist for vacancies in the NHS.
Get to know the role
As an orthotist, you’ll provide aids to address problems or deformities of a patient’s nerves, muscles, or bones.
You'll assess your patient’s condition to design and fit orthoses to aid movement, stop deformities from progressing, or relieve discomfort.
Orthotists treat people from head to toe for a variety of problems, including:
- foot and ankle injuries
- knee pain
- sports-related injuries
- foot drop
- limb or spinal deformity
Using measurements, casts, digital imaging, computer-aided design, and computer-aided modelling, you’ll design and fit surgical appliances such as:
- insoles and footwear
- braces
- callipers
- neck collars
- splints
Working with orthotic technicians, prosthetists, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists, you’ll provide advice to make sure patients receive appropriate rehabilitation and aftercare support.
Typical tasks could include:
- assess a patient's needs
- take measurements
- fit and adjust stock and custom devices
- use the latest techniques and technologies to design orthoses
- explain designs to orthotic technicians so the final product can be produced
- follow up with patients
- carry out assessments to make sure devices function properly
- make adjustments or repairs if needed
- work with technicians to design, manufacture and adapt complex orthoses
- supervise students and healthcare support workers
You’ll need these skills:
- caring
- collaborating
- communicating
- problem-solving
- curiosity
- resilience
- critical thinking
- motivating others
Orthotists work with other healthcare professionals, including:
- orthotic technicians
- physiotherapists
- occupational therapists
- prosthetists
- doctors
- nurses
- other orthotists
You could work in:
- hospital outpatient clinics
- hospital inpatient wards
- workshops
- private clinics
- schools
Behind the scenes with an orthotist
Discover our 360-degree videos to see how orthotists assess and measure patients. This is the start of a process where they design and fit orthoses that support movement, prevent deformities from worsening, or relieve discomfort.
You'll meet Mel, Head of Paediatric Orthotics, at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. Mel feels privileged to help children and their families at what can be a difficult time in their lives. He said, "Seeing the positive impact our hard work has on these patients and families is the best part of my job.”
Learning and development
During your career, you'll have to keep your skills and knowledge up to date with continuing professional development (CPD).
The following professional bodies provide CPD activities, including courses, conferences, and seminars where you can exchange ideas and update skills:
- British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO)
- International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO)
You’ll need to renew your registration with the HCPC every 2 years. This includes making a personal declaration that you have done the following:
- Practised as an orthotist since your registration or last renewal.
- Met the HCPC standards of proficiency.
- Met the HCPC standards for CPD.
Find out more about registration renewals.
Career progression
With training and experience, you may choose to specialise in a particular area of practice, such as:
- sports injuries
- working with children
You could also progress to senior and specialist orthotist roles. As head of an orthotics and prosthetics service, you would be responsible both for a team of staff and for managing a budget.
There are also teaching and research opportunities.
Support and inspire future orthotists
As a registered orthotist, you'll be encouraged to support students on placement and become a practice educator. You’ll provide training opportunities and support the learning, supervision, and assessment of students. These responsibilities will contribute to your professional development.
Professional bodies
When you become a qualified orthotist, you must register with the HCPC to work in the NHS. You can also join the following professional bodies:
You can be an AHP
Discover the range of AHP careers you can choose in the NHS.
Allied health professions
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