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Overview of the role

Designing and manufacturing custom made devices to meet specification such as artificial limbs and spinal bracing

Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education logo

Prosthetic and orthotic technician

Details of standard

Occupation summary

This occupation is found in the NHS or independent companies contracted to supply a service to the NHS, or companies that provide a private service direct to individuals.  Some technicians work in a department based in a hospital environment or within a manufacturing unit away from a hospital base.

The broad purpose of the occupation is design and manufacture custom-made devices to meet the specification / prescription determined by the Prosthetist/ Orthotist.

In prosthetics this is an artificial limb (prostheses), in orthotics it can be a range of devices from diabetic footwear to spinal bracing (orthoses).

Prosthetic and Orthotic Technicians use the specification/ prescription provided to make devices that aid movement, correct deformity and relieve discomfort for adults and children. These devices are designed to replace, support or improve the functioning of a limb or the spine. They will have an understating of the clinical conditions that they may provide devices for, which can include scoliosis, polio, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, musculoskeletal injury and cerebral palsy. Some patients who use the devices created may have congenital conditions such as being born with a limb missing or a limb or spine that has not formed fully; others may have lost a limb through trauma from being in an accident or during military service; and others may have lost a limb or part of limb due to disease as a result of their health condition, e.g. diabetes. Prosthetic and Orthotic Technicians are  highly skilled individuals who will be able to work with many different types of materials and processes to manufacture the required devices using the appropriate materials and technologies. They  work with a very high attention to detail and to very specific measurements, profiles and moulds as each device is bespoke to the patient, their conditions and functionality. As people’s conditions and requirements change over time and technologies improve or change, they may continue to support patients and adapt/upgrade devices where required. They may also be required to support and supervise junior members of staff, delegating tasks as appropriate.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with patients and their families, the Prosthetist/Orthotist, suppliers and colleagues.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for:

Planning the design and manufacturing of custom-made devices to meet the prescription and timescale and advising if there any issues which may cause difficulty in production of the device.

Providing advice on technical solutions to achieve the goals for the patient to the Prosthetist/Orthotist.

Constructing the device using appropriate materials, and where appropriate, using computer technology for the various stages of customised manufacture and fitting.

Carrying out finishing of custom-made devices.

Providing technical assistance with the fitting of custom-made devices.

Communicating effectively with healthcare professionals and service users.

Working directly with patients requiring mechanical repairs to their devices.

Carrying out repairs and modifications to custom-made devices. 

Entry requirements

Individual employers will set selection criteria. This might include GCSEs, A levels, other relevant qualifications, relevant experience and/or an aptitude test.

Occupation duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 1 Plan the design and manufacturing of custom-made devices to meet the prescription and timescale, advising if there any issues which may cause difficulty in production of the device.

K1 K2 K5 K6 K7 K17

S1 S2 S5 S11

B2

Duty 2 Carry out finishing of custom made devices.

K5 K17

S1 S2 S3 S5

B2

Duty 3 Provide advice on technical solutions to achieve the goals for the patient to the Prosthetist and Orthotist.

K2 K5 K7 K9 K17

S1 S2 S3 S9 S10

B1 B2

Duty 4 Construct the devices using appropriate materials, and where appropriate using computer technology for the various stages of customised manufacture and fitting.

K2 K5 K6 K8 K17

S1 S11

B2

Duty 5 Document informed consent and maintain patient records.

K11 K12 K14 K15

S11 S15 S17 S18

Duty 6 Provide technical assistance with the fitting of custom made devices.

K1 K2 K5

S3 S9 S15

B2

Duty 7 Adapt communication when dealing with healthcare professionals and service users.

K8 K9 K12

S4 S9 S10 S14 S15

Duty 8 Work directly with patients requiring mechanical repairs to their devices, carrying out repairs and modifications to custom-made devices where needed.

K1 K7 K8 K9 K11

S2 S3 S4 S9 S12 S15

B1

Duty 9 Work within your scope of practice and as part of the team, supporting and supervising colleagues as required and escalating concerns to the current person

K4 K10 K11 K15 K16 K17 K19 K21

S4 S6 S14 S15 S20 S21

B1 B2 B3

Duty 10 Maintain governance and safety measures in the workplace, e.g., risk assessments, safeguarding.

K3 K4 K7 K12 K13 K14 K15 K17

S2 S4 S6 S7 S8 S11 S12 S13 S15 S16 S17 S18 S19

B2 B3

Duty 11 Use and maintain machinery identify problems and report defects.

K3 K4

S7 S8 S11 S19

Duty 12 Take responsibility for personal development and commit to lifelong learning.

K16 K18 K19 K20


KSBs

Knowledge

K1: The basic structure and function of the human body and function of the musculoskeletal system relevant to prosthetics and orthotics and required for the role. There will also be an understanding of the main conditions that lead to the use of prosthetic or orthotic devices such as Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis and Cerebral Palsy. In particular features of conditions such as neuropathy and phantom limb pain which may directly affect the wearing of devices. Back to Duty

K2: The structure and properties of materials and their appropriate application to prosthetic or orthotic hardware and clinical practice; a range of modelling techniques; how to measure and adjust a model. Back to Duty

K3: How manufacturing machinery and equipment works and how to maintain it to a high standard at all times, when and where to report faults; quality control and how it applies in prosthetic or orthotic design and delivery. Back to Duty

K4: Record the relevant manufacturing details in line with department/company’s policies; your responsibilities and duties; the limits of your competence and authority and why it is important to work in ways agreed by your employer. Back to Duty

K5: The patient, measurement, material and component information required to manufacture the device that has been requested. Back to Duty

K6: Computer aided design technology relevant to the manufacturing of related devices. Back to Duty

K7: Equality, diversity and inclusion legislation; how to treat people with dignity and respect; understanding how disability affects and influences prosthetic and orthotic management; the requirement to adapt practice to meet the needs of individuals dealing with emotional needs due to a range of circumstances and experiences. Back to Duty

K8: Recognise how communication affects engagement of an individual and to be able to apply a range of communication techniques; taking into account an individual’s emotional state, age, capacity, learning and physical ability, culture, ethnicity and religious beliefs. Back to Duty

K9: Ways to assist the communication requirements of individuals; including recognising the need to use interpersonal skills to encourage the active participation of individuals. Back to Duty

K10: The limits of own prosthetic or orthotic technical practice and when to seek advice. Back to Duty

K11: Informed consent and how to secure it across the age range and in line with cognitive ability; the importance of providing individuals with information that allows them to make informed decisions and safely manage their condition and supplied devices. Back to Duty

K12: How duty of care, medical ethics, safeguarding of adults and children apply to own practice. Back to Duty

K13: Health and safety legislation, policies and procedures; ways to assess risks that ensures safety and security of the prescribed device. Back to Duty

K14: How to maintain confidentiality and apply the principles of information governance. Back to Duty

K15: The importance of managing records and data in accordance with legislation, protocols local procedures and best practice. Back to Duty

K16: The need to participate in training, supervision and mentoring. Back to Duty

K17: Quality guidelines and device design principles that apply to individual devices; incident reporting and escalation. Back to Duty

K18: The need to keep skills and knowledge up to date and the importance of career-long learning; the value of reflection on practice and the need to record the outcome of such reflections Back to Duty

K19: Models and theories of support and supervision and how to safely delegate in line with legal and professional guidelines. Back to Duty

K20: The consequences of own actions, attitudes and behaviour Back to Duty

K21: How to assess and reflect upon own capabilities and limitations Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Manufacture the prescribed device using manual and computer aided technologies and correct materials to agreed timescales. Back to Duty

S2: Ensure the devise is fit for use and purpose and complies with the manufacturer/department/company quality assurance and legal requirements. Back to Duty

S3: Test that the device is working correctly and modify if required. Back to Duty

S4: Support patient/carer to maintain the device and check for breakages and faults. Back to Duty

S5: Check that the completed device meets the prescription provided. Back to Duty

S6: Act within the limits of own competence and authority. Back to Duty

S7: Use and maintain manufacturing machinery to carry out duties. Back to Duty

S8: Identify problems with the manufacturing machinery and report any defects. Back to Duty

S9: Provide on-going support to prosthetists and orthotists and in some instances patients\ carers. Back to Duty

S10: Apply a range of communication interventions and interpersonal skills to support individuals receiving prosthetic or orthotic care. Back to Duty

S11: Utilise IT systems to read and record information, and where appropriate using IT systems as part of the manufacturing process. Back to Duty

S12: Work safely and within competency level. Back to Duty

S13: Undertake risk assessments using a range of techniques Back to Duty

S14: Work collaboratively in partnership with other team members, individuals and carers. Back to Duty

S15: Obtain informed consent for prosthetic or orthotic care within your scope of practice. Back to Duty

S16: Safeguard individuals, including vulnerable adults and children. Back to Duty

S17: Safeguard confidential information relating to individuals at all times. Back to Duty

S18: Maintain records that are fit for purpose that comply with employer’s protocols and process them accordingly. Back to Duty

S19: Comply with local and national standards regarding reporting of medical device failures and incidents. Back to Duty

S20: Work as part of a team, seek help and guidance when you are not sure, escalate concerns in a timely manner to the correct person. Back to Duty

S21: Support or supervise colleagues as required, delegating well- defined tasks appropriately. Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Be respectful of others their beliefs, culture, needs, values and privacy. Back to Duty

B2: Takes ownership of work. Back to Duty

B3: Puts safety first for themselves and others. Back to Duty


Qualifications

English and Maths

Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

Professional recognition

This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:

  • The British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO) for Technician Associate


Additional details

Occupational Level:

3

Duration (months):

18

Review

Status: Approved for delivery
Level: 3
Reference: ST0632
Version: 1.1
Date updated: 13/10/2021
Approved for delivery: 7 November 2018
Route: Health and science
Typical duration to gateway: 18 months
Typical EPA period: 3 months
Maximum funding: £6000
LARS Code: 370
EQA Provider: Ofqual

Find an apprenticeship

Contact us about this apprenticeship

Employers involved in creating the standard: Opcare, Steeper, Blatchford, Crispin Orthotics Ltd, Peacocks, Halo Medical, Ortho Europe, Taycare, Trust Orthotics, Trulife

Version log

Version Change detail Earliest start date Latest start date Latest end date
1.1 Funding band, standard and end-point assessment plan revised. 08/10/2021 Not set Not set
1.0 Retired 07/11/2018 07/10/2021 Not set

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