Additional information

body or mind	Body
Field	Medical Field
Boss or Team	Team
Communication	Good Communicator
Work With	People
Math & Science	Maths & Science
Study Length	Prepared to Study for Years
Environment	Either Alone or In a Busy Environment

Orthotist and Prosthetist

Orthotists and prosthetists are healthcare professionals who help people dealing with muscle and bone-related conditions.

Orthotists help with making and fitting custom orthoses (external devices like splints, braces, calipers, shoe inserts, etc.) to body parts that have been weakened by an injury, illness, or disorder.

Orthotists may provide a wide range of orthotic services including foot orthotics, ankle-foot-orthotics, and knee orthotics.

Prosthetists, on the other hand, help with creating and fitting custom prostheses or artificial legs and arms for people who have lost limbs to illnesses or injuries.

How to be an Orthotist and Prosthetist in South Africa

Get the Required Qualifications

Depending on the specific career path you wish to take, you will typically need the following qualifications to become an orthotist and prosthetist in South Africa:

Certificate (National Senior Certificate /NC(V). Depending on the specific requirements of the educational institution)
Diploma (National Diploma in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics)
Bachelor’s Degree (Bachelor of Technology in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics)

Demonstrate Competence in the Required Subjects

Different educational institutions may have different admission requirements; however, you will typically be required to demonstrate competency in the following subjects:

English
Mathematics
Physical Science
Biology or Physiology

Accumulate Years of Relevant Study and Experience

Orthotists and Prosthetists in South Africa typically study for 3-4 years.

Find Relevant Employment Opportunities

Orthotists and prosthetists in South Africa typically work in hospitals, private health clinics, and community health centres.

Find More Information from Relevant Regulatory Bodies

To find more information about orthotists and prosthetists in South Africa, contact the South African orthotics and prosthetics Association.