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University places for prosthetics and orthotics can be competitive. At interview, you’ll be expected to demonstrate a clear understanding of what the profession involves. Gaining work experience in a prosthetic and orthotic centre, or within a related environment, is one of the best ways to build that understanding. It also shows your genuine interest in and commitment to the profession.

Experience in a caring or healthcare environment, whether paid or voluntary, can also be valuable. Roles involving children, people with additional needs, or older adults are particularly relevant.

However, the most effective way to gain a realistic insight is through work shadowing. Observing prosthetists, orthotists, technicians, and support staff as they go about their daily work, as well as engaging with industry and charity partners, will give you first-hand experience of the impact they have on patients’ lives. Work shadowing helps you make an informed decision about whether prosthetics and orthotics is the right career path for you before you apply to university.

What to expect from your visit

Work shadowing is not designed to teach you about prosthetics and orthotics. Instead, it will give you an appreciation of:

• What prosthetists and orthotists do day to day
• How their work transforms patients’ lives
• The types of decisions they make as part of their practice

After applying for a placement, you may be invited to:

• A prosthetic and/or orthotic centre
• A charity event related to prosthetics or orthotics
• A prosthetic or orthotic manufacturing facility

Time during your visit may be limited, so it’s important to come prepared with questions.

Prepare for your visit

To get the most out of your experience:

1. Do prior research

You don’t need to know everything, but a little background knowledge will help you make the most of your time. Avoid asking questions you could easily answer through research.

Start with the BAPO website, where you’ll find:

• An overview of what prosthetists and orthotists do here
•  A detailed career profile here

2. Prepare questions in advance

Think about what matters most to you when choosing a career. Consider what you can’t find in your research but could ask during your placement. For example:

• Why did you choose prosthetics/orthotics?
• How easy was it to find a job after qualifying?
• How do you manage your work–life balance?

Speak not only to prosthetists and orthotists but also to patients and other members of the care team. This will give you a fuller picture of the profession and the people you’d be working with. Always introduce yourself and explain your purpose.

3. Keep notes and reflect

You’ll learn a great deal in a short time. Write down what you observe, what you enjoyed, what challenged you, and what stood out. Keeping a reflective diary will be invaluable when applying to university. It demonstrates to admissions tutors that you understand the role of a prosthetist/orthotist.

Remember: patient confidentiality is essential. Never record personal details in your notes.

At the end of your placement, you’ll be asked to complete a feedback form. This helps us ensure future students get the right support. If you aren’t given one, you can provide feedback [here].

Arranging a work experience visit

If you’re interested in seeing the work of a prosthetist/orthotist first-hand, we have a list of centres, manufacturers, and charities who are keen to showcase this rewarding profession.

📝 To request work experience in your area, simply fill in our short form here.

Once your work experience visit has  been agreed, we will ask you to complete the following forms:

BAPO Work Experience Initiative – Learner Code of Conduct (Online MS Form) – This form is to be completed once a learner has been offered a work experience placement. Online completion of this form will be taken as agreeing to the learner code of conduct. 

Once your work experience visit has been completed, we will ask you to complete the below form:

BAPO Work Experience Initiative – Learner Feedback Form (online MS Form)

The host organisation will also be asked for feedback – BAPO Work Experience Initiative – Host Evaluation Form

Host Organisations

The British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics (BAPO) Work Experience Initiative offers prospective learners meaningful opportunities to gain insight into the prosthetics and orthotics profession. Through placements with NHS centres, industry partners, and charities, learners experience both workplace settings and, where appropriate, engagement with service users. The handbook below provides guidance for host organisations.