Orthotist

As an orthotist you manufacture and fit aids that make everyday life easier for people. You make bandages insoles prosthetics and splints that support the body and give people their mobility back. The training makes you a skilled worker who combines craft technology and care to help the individual.

Your day alternates between workshop and customer contact. You meet people who need aids take measurements and impressions and understand what their body specifically needs. At the workshop you shape sew and build the aid and adjust it until it fits perfectly. You follow up adjust and ensure the customer can move better and with less pain.

• 01You learn to manufacture bandages, insoles, and prosthetics.
• 02You become good at taking measurements and impressions of the body
• 03You learn to customize aids precisely for each individual.
• 04You understand body movement and anatomy
• 05You become strong in both craftsmanship and customer contact
• 06You learn to work with many different materials.

You start with a basic course at a vocational college and then find an apprenticeship at an orthopaedic company or clinic, where you enter into a training agreement. The programme alternates between school periods and practical training in the workshop, and you earn a wage while you are an apprentice.

As an orthotist you can work in orthopaedic companies at hospitals or in your own clinic. You can specialise in for example prosthetics or podiatric aids and take further education that gives more responsibility within the orthopaedic professional area.

“A well-fitted aid is not noticed – but the freedom it gives makes all the difference.”