Six reasons to study Prosthetics & Orthotics

1. A rewarding career that improves lives

Imagine having an appointment with a patient who is unable to walk, and you help them to leave the session walking. This is what a prosthetist or orthotist is capable of.

A career in this area will see you working with people from various backgrounds and giving them the support they need to live a better life.

2. It’s a specialised degree

Currently, only two UK universities offer degree courses in Prosthetics & Orthotics. But just because it’s rare doesn’t mean it isn’t important.

An Honours degree approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is the only way to work professionally as a prosthetist or orthotist in the UK. Choose this degree, and you’ll acquire specialised skills that are in need across the country.

3. Room for creativity

It’s an ideal course and career for those who are practical as well as imaginative. The area is exciting as technology is advancing, and you could play a part in coming up with new ways to support people better.

4. Practical experiences

Courses involve a mixture of theoretical, practical and clinical learning. Expert tutors teach through hands-on methods. You’ll spend time in placements working alongside industry professionals, gaining meaningful experiences with real patients.

5. Learn with cutting-edge facilities

University facilities tend to be industry-standard, giving you the training needed for a career as a prosthetist or orthotist. This could include milling machines with robot arms or video gait analysis systems.

6. Job opportunities

Many graduates enter work with the NHS or a company that is contracted to the NHS. You could work in a hospital or other clinical facility or continue with academic research. As your career evolves, you could become a senior clinician, a clinical manager or a specialist in a specific area.

Qualifications are widely recognised in Europe and throughout the world, meaning there may be opportunities for working overseas too.