Prosthetic and Orthotic Degree Apprenticeship

Prosthetists/ Orthotists are registered healthcare professionals who use evidence- based practice to provide clinical assessment, prescription, technical design and fabrication of prosthetic and/or orthotic devices.

The programme has been developed to reflect key policies shaping the Prosthetic and Orthotic profession, the NHS, Health and Social Care sectors today with the skills and attributes needed within the workforce to deliver care with compassion and skill to ensure the best outcomes for patients and service users. The programme has been developed through close consultation and collaboration with Health Education England (HEE), Skills for Health, members of the Prosthetic/Orthotic industry; both private companies and the NHS and Prosthetic and Orthotic service users. 

This programme is mapped directly to the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) standards and the Health Care Professional Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency:

• Candidates completing the Level 6 qualification, BSc (Hons) Prosthetics/Orthotics Degree/ Degree Apprenticeship, will become eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Prosthetist/Orthotist
• Gain essential practical experience within both fields of Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Benefit from some of the best university facilities of their kind, including clinical skills suites and our state-of-the-art immersive suites
• Learn from a highly experienced and enthusiastic teaching team that provide full support to help you achieve your ambitions

The course is mapped to the HCPC Standards of Proficiency, as well as the IFATE standards,  which makes students eligible to apply for HCPC registration on completion of the course.

Subject areas covered in the BSc (Hons) Prosthetics and Orthotics Degree/ Degree Apprenticeship programmes include professional practice, anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, material science and manufacturing processes, evidence-based practice, mental health and learning disabilities, veteran health and recovery, professional leadership, holistic patient care and prosthetic and orthotic practice. The academic entrance level on this programme is level four progressing through to academic level six.

• 120 UCAS tariff points which can be achieved through relevant level 3 qualifications including Access to Higher Education (60 credits: 45 at level 3 with a minimum of Dist: 15 Merit: 24 Pass: 6), A-Levels, T Levels or BTEC (distinction, distinction, merit)
• Or Level 3 qualification in a Health and Social Care related course
• Level 2 English qualification (GCSE Grade 4-9, GCSE Grade A-C, Level 2 Functional Skills English, Key Skills Level 2 Communication or equivalent)
• Level 2 Maths qualification (GCSE Grade 4-9, GCSE Grade A-C, Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, Key Skills Level 2 Application of Number (Numeracy) or equivalent)
• Health or care experience to demonstrate an insight into the professional values and behaviours associated with health and care environments
• Employers are responsible for ensuring apprentices meet occupational health requirements and have passed appropriate vetting procedures, which may include a Disclosure and Barring Service Check and right to work check. This is evidenced through the submission of supplementary evidence as part of the selection process
• Apprentices will have been identified by the organisation as being able to succeed on the programme, and employers may set additional entry requirements as part of the selection process prior to assessment for entry by the University
• Applicants must complete an occupational health assessment and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as part of the selection process and any offer made will be subject to these
• The apprentice must be employed in a Prosthetic or Orthotic Department and must have the support of their manager that they will be able to complete the apprenticeship. Apprentices can be either new or existing employees

Fees will be paid by the employer if you are studying via an apprenticeship.

More information for employers

The cost of the apprenticeship will be in line with the funding bands; Prosthetic and Orthotic Technician Apprenticeship £6,000 and BSc (Hons) Prosthetics and Orthotics Degree/ Degree Apprenticeship £21,000.

You will need to apply through your employer. However, you can find out more from us - please see below for contact information.

Contact us

Apprenticeship Hub

• Email: apprenticeships@derby.ac.uk
• Phone: +44 (0)1332 593092

Additional information about your studies

Minimum numbers

Please note that this course is subject to minimum numbers in order to run.

Other courses you might like

• Level 3 Prosthetic and Orthotic Technician Apprenticeship