Prosthetist

Prosthetists are allied health professionals who design, fabricate, and fit prosthetic devices for clients with muscular and skeletal disabilities, as well as amputees and cancer patients. They may specialise in artificial limbs, splints, braces, callipers, or prostheses that replicate a body part that was lost to cancer — either fabricating the device themselves or adjusting commercially-made products. Prosthetists are sometimes known as Orthostists.

As a Prosthetist you could be holding an initial consultation with a young amputee, taking measurements and making a plaster cast of a limb, making adjustments to prosthetics for a client who has Multiple Sclerosis (MS), teaching a double-amputee how to care for their new prosthetic legs, assessing a client with muscular dystrophy, repairing a back brace, or ordering materials and spare parts from a specialist supplier.

To succeed in this occupation you’ll need the technical skills to design and build prosthetics as well as the interpersonal skills to relate to clients and their families.

Future demand Medium
Average yearly income $62,400
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a prosthetist?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
HLT43021

Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Focus)
Online
18 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Physiotherapy Assistant Occupational Therapy Assistant Allied Health Assistant
Allied Health Professional Occupational Therapist Prosthetist Vision Therapist
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Physiotherapy Assistant Occupational Therapy Assistant Allied Health Assistant Allied Health Professional Occupational Therapist Prosthetist Vision Therapist + 4 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

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Common questions

How much do Prosthetists earn?

The average salary for Prosthetists working in Australia right now is approximately $1,200 per week ($62,400 annually). These are median figures for full-time employees (including new graduates) and should be considered a guide only.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for Prosthetists?

There are currently 410 qualified Prosthetists working in Australia. They are employed by hospitals, community health organisations, and aged care facilities but they also work in private practice. According to the National Careers Institute, this occupation is in very high demand.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become a Prosthetist?

To practice as a Prosthetist in Australia you must obtain a Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics or a Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics. Once you are qualified, it is beneficial to register with the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

How to become a qualified Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist in Australia

23rd December 2024)

What does an Occupational Therapist do?

15th September 2022)

What do massage therapists do?

9th October 2019)

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