Orthotists – What Are They and How Do You Become One?

Not many people know what an orthotist is or what they do on a day to day basis. Essentially, these individuals are health care providers who design and fit braces (orthoses) to help provide increased support for various parts of the body. These devices are named after the joint or body part they support. For example, a brace that goes over the ankle to help lift the toes and prevent tripping is called an ankle foot orthosis – AFO. This type of health care provider is part of a health care team who often work with family physicians, specialists, occupational and physical therapists to provide multidisciplinary care for their patients. 

Some common job requirements for an orthotist include but are not limited to:

• Assessing patients to determine their strengths, weaknesses and goals. 
• Taking measurements and shape capturing the extremity or area of the body that requires additional support. This may be a cast or 3D scan of the extremity. 
• Designing an orthosis to accommodate the patient’s needs and goals. 
• Educating regarding proper wear and care of devices and when to seek additional help. 

Becoming an orthotist does take some additional schooling. Once you have graduated from high school, you need to complete an undergraduate degree in a health care or science field (like kinesiology). You then need to complete a post graduate diploma in Clinical Methods in Prosthetics and Orthotics which is offered at two schools in Canada. You are able to apply to George Brown College (GBC) or British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Only a limited number of students are accepted into the program, making it extremely difficult. GBC accepts 8 students every year from anywhere across the country, while BCIT accepts 12 students every other year from MB, AB, SK, and BC. Many clinicians choose to complete a Master of Science (Rehabilitation) with an emphasis on prosthetics and orthotics, which is offered by McMaster University. Once that schooling is finished you are required to complete a residency under the supervision of a certified practitioner. At the completion of your residency, you are allowed to challenge the written and practical board exams to become a certified practitioner. 

If you have any questions about our profession or if you or anyone you know would like to shadow within our facility to learn more about our field, please reach out and we would be more than happy to help.

 

The Custom Orthotics Team (519) 850-4721 | office@customorthoticsoflondon.com | @cool_bracing