Orthotist is a vocational training that alternates between school and training in a company. Here you get the entire course explained: basic course 1 and 2, the main course with its school stays, how long it all takes, and what you need to know to get in.

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.

§What do you do in everyday life?

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.

§How do you get started?

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.

§The way forward

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.”