Prosthetist, Orthotist & Ocularist
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Prosthetists and Orthotists assess patient needs and physical abilities; design, fabricate, fit, evaluate and repair prosthetic devices (artificial limbs) and orthotic devices (braces and supports) or supervise these activities; and provide related advice. Prosthetic and orthotic technicians work with prosthetists and orthotists to produce, fabricate and repair prostheses (artificial limbs) and orthoses (braces and supports) that are used to support weakened body parts, correct body defects or replace amputated limbs. (alis)
Ocularists are trained professionals skilled in the art of fitting, painting and fabricating custom ocular prostheses. In addition to creating custom ocular prostheses, and providing long-term care through periodic examinations, an ocularist provides the patient with complete instructions on the care and maintenance of their prosthesis. (American Society of Ocularists)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta-based occupational information
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- Career Explorer by Sokanu (U.S.-based occupational information)
- Orthotic Technician (video) from Techsploration
- What is an Ocularist? - American Society of Ocularists (Canada & U.S.)
- Article: The art of eye making (CNN)
- Discover your Future in Healthcare: Prosthetist and Orthotist (video) - University of Manitoba
Education
The University of Manitoba does not offer training in Prosthetics & Orthotics, or Ocularistry.
Students may complete pre-requisite education at U of M for Orthotics & Prosthetics post-graduate programs at other schools. Please view the links below for program and admissions information. (Note: Beginning September 2020, successful applicants to the program at George Brown College can choose to reside in Manitoba and complete a new Winnipeg-based clinical program with online course delivery.)
Students wanting to become an Ocularist can complete education through the American Society of Ocularists and supervised practical training, or a five-year supervised practical training program under a certified ocularist. Certification by the National Examining Board of Ocularists is usually required. (NOC) Note that a directory of Certified Ocularists can be found through the Canadian Society of Ocularists.
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Exploring Educational Options
Prosthetics & Orthotics:
- Accredited Prosthetic and Orthotic Programs in Canada - listing from MOPA
-
National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (U.S.)
Ocularist:
-
American Society of Ocularists - College of Ocularistry
National Examining Board of Ocularists - certification and registration information
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg Region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for the U.S.
- Collective Agreements - Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals
Professional Associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
- Manitoba Orthotics & Prosthetics Association (MOPA)
- Orthotics Prosthetics Canada (OPC) - formerly the Canadian Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics
- International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics - Canada Society
- American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (U.S.)
- Canadian Society of Ocularists
- American Society of Ocularists
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- OPC's Find a Professional directory (see right menu)
- Regional Health Authorities - Province of Manitoba
- Health Regions in Canada - listings and maps from Statistics Canada
- Members (by province) - Canadian Society of Ocularists
- American Society of Ocularists - international directory
- Facility Directory - American Board Certification of Orthotics, Prosthetics, Pedorthics
- O&P Facilities Directory (search by country) - from The O&P Edge
- Association of Children's Prosthetics-Orthotics Clinics
- American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association Member Directory (companies) - international directory
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
- Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (also search other Regional Health Authority job boards in MB & Canada)
- OPC Classifieds
- American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association - Career Center (U.S.)
- The O&P Edge - Employment Classifieds (U.S.)
- American O&P Association Job Board (U.S.)
Other links
These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience.
- Canadian Prosthetics and Orthotics Journal
- Alignment - magazine from OPC
- The O and P Edge - magazine for prosthetics, orthotics, pedorthics, and allied healthcare professions
- Artificialeyes.net - information on adjusting to life with an artificial eye
- Unsung heroes: Orthotists and Prosthetists - White Coat, Black Art (Podcast)
- The War Amps Association of Canada
- National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics (U.S.)
- American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (U.S)
- American Academy of Orthotics and Prosthetics - YouTube Channel
- Other career videos on Orthotics and Prosthetics:
- Will a robotic arm ever have the full functionality of a human limb?- PBS News Hour
- One Step at a Time: The First Elephant Prosthetics - Great Big Story
-
Beyond bionics: how the future of prosthetics is redefining humanity - The Guardian