Starting your career
Choosing subjects at school
To become an orthotic support worker, you need a good standard of education. There are no entry requirements, but useful subjects include:
- Science
- Engineering Science
- English
- Maths
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a good way to start your career in healthcare.
Modern Apprenticeships
A Modern Apprenticeship in Healthcare Support (clinical) is appropriate for people interested in working in a healthcare support role.
Find out more about apprenticeships at apprenticeships.scot.
Work placement
If you’re at school or thinking of changing career, doing a work placement could help you when applying to college, university or for a job in healthcare. You’ll learn new skills, improve your knowledge and discover what it’s like to work in the health service. Find out how to apply for work experience with the NHS. Previous experience in engineering or manufacturing would be useful.
The role
As an orthotic support worker, you'll use the orthotist's designs and specifications to make orthoses using the most suitable materials. You will also be responsible for maintaining and repairing them.
You’ll work with people of all ages with a range of conditions including:
- arthritis
- stroke
- cerebral palsy
- spina bifida
- scoliosis
What you’ll do
Your main tasks include:
- manufacturing, maintaining and repairing orthotic devices
- supporting and developing manufacturing processes to meet quality standards
- making sure work areas and equipment are maintained and kept clean
- ordering materials and equipment
You’ll also be expected to keep up to date with the latest manufacturing techniques and technologies.
Top skills
You’ll need these skills:
- caring for people
- communicating with people
- design skills
- motivating people
- problem-solving
- relationship-building
As an orthotic support worker, you’ll need to have good practical skills and some knowledge of IT and CADCAM.
Who you’ll work with
You could work with:
- occupational therapists
- nurses
- podiatrists
- doctors
- physiotherapists
Working environment
You could work in:
- hospitals
- private clinics
Useful information
To work as an orthotic support worker in NHSScotland, you’ll need to:
Did you know?
The word orthotist comes from the Latin root ‘Ortho’ which means to straighten.
Learning and development
When joining the NHS, you will work through the Mandatory Induction Standards. These standards are designed to help you work safely and must be completed within the first 3 to 6 months of employment. They will also support you in your first steps as a new healthcare support worker.
You may also be encouraged while in the post to work towards further education qualifications. These may include:
Getting experience as a healthcare support worker can be very helpful if you decide you want to go to university to study to become a registered orthotist.
