What to expect from a career as an Orthotics and Prosthetics Technician
An orthotics and prosthetics career is a rewarding one, as you’ll get to help hundreds of people with physical disabilities improve their lives through the use of an orthotic or prosthetic device. Orthotics and prosthetics programs at Ontario colleges teach you not only the mechanics of creating and fitting these
If you’re interested in helping people recover from injury or work with their disabilities through a career in orthotics and prosthetics, here’s what you need to know.
Orthotics and Prosthetics Courses
There are two types of orthotics and prosthetic programs open to students, with slightly different areas of focus:
- Orthotics and Prosthetics Technician Programs. Technician programs focus on the tools, materials and technical skills necessary to build prostheses (artificial limbs) and orthoses (braces and splints). Courses will include kinesiology,
biomechanics and rehabilitation to give students an understanding of the body’s movements and repair mechanisms, but the majority of course matter focuses on the different types of prosthetic and orthotic devices. - Clinical Methods in Orthotics Programs. Clinical methods in orthotics programs build on the skills learned in technician programs. Students continue to develop their techniques in making and fitting prostheses and orthoses, but will have the opportunity to gain clinical experience as part of the program, and focus more directly on patient interaction,
care and rehabilitation.
One twist on prosthetics as a career path is to take it to the stage. Prosthetics are also a part of special effects training in many Ontario colleges technical theatre programs. Students learn to sculpt and cast prosthetic models of limbs and to create facial prosthetics.
General Orthotics and Prosthetics Program Requirements
Ontario college orthotics and prosthetics technician programs typically require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, which includes a grade 12 English credit and senior math and biology credits. Clinical methods programs will require completion of a diploma or degree in the health sciences field.
Orthotics and Prosthetics Jobs
Orthotics and prosthetics professionals are generally employed at hospitals, rehabilitation
Ontario Colleges Offering Orthotics and Prosthetics Programs
Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of orthotics and prosthetics programs at Ontario colleges.
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