The British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics

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Places to Study

Are you interested in a career in Prosthetics and Orthotics? There are currently four UK universities that offer programmes that lead to registration as a prosthetist/orthotist. There is also an apprenticeship that leads to a qualification as a prosthetic/orthotic technician.

Some courses may be eligible for NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF) | NHSBSA which is funding to support eligible healthcare students. All information regarding this funding can be found here: NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF) | NHSBSA

If you can’t find the information you need here, please contact us at enquiries@bapo.com

Prosthetics & Orthotics Directorate of Allied &
Public Health School of Health & Society
University of Salford
Brian Blatchford Building
Frederick Road Campus M6 6PU
www.salford.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/
prosthetics-and-orthotics
E: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
T: 0161 295 5000

Salford University Bsc (Hons) in Prosthetics and Orthotics 

Prosthetists provide artificial limbs to help individuals who are missing part or all of a limb, while orthotists create braces and splints to support, correct, or enhance the function of those with various neurological, muscular, and skeletal conditions. In this course, you will gain the skills needed to assess and treat individuals in need of prosthetic and orthotic care. Both prosthetists and orthotists are experts in biomechanics, human movement, and gait analysis. The course emphasizes strong practical components, integrated with relevant theoretical knowledge.

In this course, you will:

  • Learn to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals requiring prosthetic and orthotic solutions.
  • Gradually deepen your understanding and enhance your ability to meet patients’ needs, determining the most effective treatment options.
  • Participate in clinical placements, allowing you to observe real patients using their prostheses and orthoses.

We scored 95% on the ‘Teaching on my Course’ category in the National Student Survey 2024.

 Find out more about the course on the University of Salford course page.

National Centre for Prosthetics
and Orthotics Faculty of Engineering
University of Strathclyde
131 St. James Road
Glasgow G4 OLS
www.strath.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/
prostheticsorthotics/
E: contact-ncpo@strath.ac.uk
T: 01415483298

Strathclyde University BSc (Hons) in Prosthetics and Orthotics

 

Study with us

  • Study on the only four-year Prosthetics and Orthotics course in the UK accredited by the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics
  • Gain clinical experience with patients in both prosthetics and orthotics throughout your studies
  • Access to state-of-the-art technology in gait analysis and scanning systems
  • One of only two such degrees in the UK approved by the Health and Care Professions Council
  • Benefit from access to departmental scholarships

Strathclyde University – post-graduate study

University of Derby
Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB
www.derby.ac.uk/apprenticeships/
prosthetics-and-orthotics-degree-apprenticeship/
www.derby.ac.uk/online/study-patterns/
prosthetic-and-orthotic-technician-level-3/
E: businessgateway@derby.ac.uk
T: 0800 001 5500

Derby University Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships offer companies the chance to embed new skills and grow talent within their workplace while offering apprentices the opportunity to learn on the job and earn simultaneously.

Prosthetist/Orthotist Apprenticeship Route

Derby University also offers a Degree Apprenticeship at Level 6. The programme provides students an opportunity to qualify as a Prosthetist/Orthotist after three years.

Prosthetic and Orthotic Technician Apprenticeship Route

The University of Derby offers a Level 3 Prosthetic and Orthotic Technician Apprenticeship, which provides students the opportunity to qualify as a Prosthetic/Orthotic Technician.

School of Allied Health
Professions and Pharmacy
Mackay Building, Keele,
Staffordshire, ST5 5BG
www.keele.ac.uk/study/postgraduatestu dy/
postgraduatecourses/prostheticsandorthotics/
E: sahp.postgraduate-admin@keele.ac.uk

Keele University pre-registration MSc in Prosthetics and Orthotics

Prosthetics and Orthotics – MSc

Progress your career within the exciting field of prosthetics and orthotics on the MSc programme. The programme has been carefully designed to reflect current innovation and technology in the field but also the need for evidence-based treatment options. Prosthetics and Orthotics at Keele embraces the challenges of modern healthcare and enables you to develop key clinical skills to become a highly competent Prosthetist and Orthotist who can make a positive impact on people’s lives. More information here: Prosthetics and Orthotics – Keele University

 

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Apprenticeship Opportunity – Orthotics Degree Apprentice

Apprenticeship Opportunity – Orthotics Degree Apprentice – £29,460 – £31,909 per annum inclusive HCAS

The RNOH NHS Trust is the largest orthopaedic hospital in the UK and a global leader in our field. We provide a dynamic working environment where we support frontline staff to implement improvements so that we can realise our vision of being a world leading neuro musculoskeletal hospital providing the best patient care and staff experience in the NHS, delivering world leading research, and offering a strong foundation of education, training and career progression . An Apprentice Orthotist is a developmental role within the Therapies Directorate at the RNOH. Your job will be to support the Orthotics team with the delivery of the service whilst completing a Level 6 Apprenticeship qualification to become a registered professional.

As an apprentice, you will attend university to complete all required modules of study, and undertake some clinical placements in a non-dominant discipline.  The university will be the University of Derby, whilst most provision is online – learners will be required to travel to Derby for one week per academic year, with student accommodation provided by the university.

You will need to meet the academic entry criteria set by the university – further information on this and the apprenticeship can be found here ; https://www.derby.ac.uk/apprenticeships/prosthetics-and-orthotics-degree-apprenticeship/#entry-requirements

BAPO Simulation

Case studies simulation for learning about prosthetics and orthotics – The BAPO Sim

About the project

The British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO), in collaboration with the Simulation Crew, is thrilled to announce the development of a simulation learning project called the BAPO Sim. A prototype app will be available for testing on mobile devices later this year.

This project is funded by UfiTrust and aims to augment the way support workers in prosthetics and orthotics learn about prosthetics and orthotics through engaging and interactive case study simulations via a mobile app.

 

Why “The BAPO Sim”?

Support workers and students often acquire clinical and technical skills on the job, but they also need to develop essential soft skills and decision-making abilities. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of mentors and a lack of compelling learning materials to assist them. Moreover, finding time for training in busy hospitals can be challenging. That’s where the BAPO Sim hopes to bridge the gap.

For example, Bob is in the clinic and a patient has not turned up. He is using the time that he has got to learn about care for people with osteoarthritis of the knee.

What is The BAPO Sim?

“The BAPO Sim” is a tailor-made digital product that utilises cutting-edge virtual reality simulation technology to provide experiences that healthcare professionals encounter. This application features avatars representing various patient characters in case scenarios related to common issues with prosthetic or orthotic devices.

This year, we are developing the prototype app as proof of concept and testing it with volunteer students and support workers. The prototype will feature a first case simulation with knee osteoarthritis who uses a knee brace. The character will come to a virtual clinic to meet you for their review and you will explore with them a number of different scenarios where they report problems with their knee orthosis.

Benefits of “The BAPO Sim”:

  • Support soft skills development.
  • Build confidence in decision making.
  • Any time any place.
  • Learning resources that are truly engaging.
  • Safe space to make mistakes.
  • Learn about different scenarios.

About the Team:

Our team have formed a new partnership between BAPO and The Simulation Crew.

Sandra Sexton, Krista Asoluka and Rebecca Green are prosthetists/Orthotists representing BAPO. BAPO is the professional body that represents professionals in the prosthetics and orthotics sector in the UK and has been setting standards for practice for over 25 years.

Eric Jutten and Katja Van Weert lead The Simulation Crew team which consists of experts in vocational simulations for learning. Their mission is to prepare caregivers to handle diverse scenarios and provide them with opportunities to practice and enhance their knowledge and skills.

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BAPO Introduces New Clinical Standards Officer

BAPO would like to introduce our new Clinical Standards Officer Rhona Campbell. 

Dr Nicky Eddison, BAPO Vice Chair said “I am delighted to welcome Rhona to the BAPO team.  Rhona will be an important member of our team, working on several vital projects for the Association.  I am looking forward to working closely with Rhona and making improvements for P&O. 

Rhona Campbell

I graduated from the University of Strathclyde in 2013. Since then, I worked with Peacocks Medical group as an Orthotist from 2013 ’til 2019, first from the South coast hub and then in West Yorkshire. I remain grateful to Peacocks for giving me many opportunities to develop as a clinician and gain a wealth of experience in many different clinical settings and Trusts.

In 2019 I joined the CDT in P&O – the Centre for Doctoral Training in Prosthetics and Orthotics in the inaugural year of the program. This is an initiative set up between the universities of Salford, Strathclyde, Southampton and Imperial College London to train and develop high class researchers with a direct interest in the P&O field. I have been based in the Biomedical Engineering (BME) department at the University of Strathclyde where I have been working with a focus on post-Stroke gait analysis and specifically the development of tools to aid in improving treatment pathways and timing of orthotic provision.

Now that I am coming to the end of my PhD studies, I am excited to look to the future and to bring my individual skills and experience into my next role as BAPO Clinical Standards Officer, a role that I am combining with a Clinical Skills teacher position at the University of Salford. I am looking forward to engaging with stakeholders and clinical colleagues and continuing to champion the role of Prosthetists and Orthotists within the wider AHP community. I am sure that this role will bring many interesting challenges but I am eager to join the BAPO team and be a part of the future development of my profession. 

“We are delighted to be working with BAPO on this exciting new partnership. Here at the University of Salford we are committed to developing, growing and supporting the prosthetics and orthotic workforce at every level and we feel that working in collaboration with BAPO along with our other stakeholders is a positive step in influencing and growing the profession. We are very excited to welcome Rhona to the team. She brings a wealth of experience, expertise and skills and know she will make a positive contribution to our students’ experiences and our team as well as supporting the work of BAPO.” – Dr Gill Rawlinson – Director of Allied and Public Health / School of Health and Society at University of Salford

 

 

 

 

 

 

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HCPC Year in registration survey

One of HCPC’s commitments is to develop and improve the experience of training, and the first year of employment of health and care professionals. As a result, they are conducting a survey of graduates who have completed their first year of professional practice.
 
Your response to this survey will capture the experience you had, influence and improve training for future graduates, and help shape the work we are doing on preparedness for practice and structured learning when transitioning to employment. Year in registration survey – 2023 (smartsurvey.co.uk)

The questions should take about 10 minutes for you to complete, and all answers are anonymous. Everything you tell HCPC will be invaluable in shaping the experience of the next generation of registrants, as well as improving the care of service users.

Those who submit their feedback will enter a draw to win a £100 Amazon voucher, to say thank you for their valuable time and thoughts.

The survey closes on 1 August 2023.

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Good Care Month – July 2023

The government are now including care experienced young people as a protected characteristic in order to better support them and remove the barriers that prevent children and young people, both in and leaving care, from achieving their potential.

Equalities impact assessment: introducing a separate judgement about care leavers within the inspection of local authority children’s services – GOV.UK (ioe.ac.uk)

NICE work with the adult and children’s care sector to develop independent recommendations for social care. As well as their social care guidelines, they have also created a Quick guides to social care topics with the Social Care Institute for Excellence, which contain key information about social care topics.

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Government Takes Action to Strengthen Local Care Systems

  • Government publishes response to reviews on integrated care systems
  • National targets to be reviewed and streamlined to enable local health and care systems to focus on improving the health of local people
  • More effective care systems could help to cut waiting lists

The government has committed to a number of measures to support integrated care systems in response to two key reports.

Responding to the Hewitt Review which reported its findings on 4 April and the recent Health and Social Care Select Committee (HSCC) Inquiry into the workings of the local health and care systems, the government reaffirmed its support for integrated care systems.

In its response, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) outlines the steps it will take working with NHS England and local health and care systems, to support learning and improvement and join up care for patients and communities. As part of this the department will review and streamline national targets to ensure that systems are able to focus on improving health for their populations.

In line with the recommendations of the reviews, the government has also committed to:

  • Continue supporting local systems to adapt to NHS England’s new operating framework, which lays out the new roles NHS England, Integrated Care Systems (ICS) and NHS providers will play in the wider health and care system
  • Work with NHS England, local authorities and local health and care services to develop better information around funding for prevention services to inform future investment decisions
  • Provide greater certainty over budgets for local health and care systems, by working to ensure reporting for small in-year funding pots is proportionate, freeing up time for planning and delivery of health and care to local people

The actions from the government’s response will support health and care systems to be more effective, making them a vital tool for improving the speed at which people will receive care in their local areas and in some cases reducing their need to be placed on an NHS waiting list where community support is available.

Government will be looking to take these commitments forward over the coming months, working with national partners and systems.

 Minister for Care Helen Whately said:

“Integrated care systems are already making a difference by bringing together local NHS organisations along with social care and the voluntary sector. We know that joined up care benefits patients and that’s exactly what ICSs are there to provide.

“We have listened to the reports and the actions we’re going to take, like reviewing how we reduce admin burdens on local systems, will build on the excellent work that ICSs are already doing.”

 Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive, said:

“Integrated care systems have the power to change the way the NHS provides care for people while working alongside local government to ensure people live healthier lives.

“Health systems across the country are already making a real impact and we will continue to support local areas to improve outcomes for patients.”

Integrated care systems bring together NHS, local government, social care providers, charities and other partners to deliver on four goals:

  • Improving outcomes in population health and healthcare
  • Tackling inequalities in outcomes, experience and access
  • Enhancing productivity and value for money
  • Helping the NHS support broader social and economic development

Each ICS has an integrated care board that includes representatives from local authorities, primary care and NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts, who make decisions on commissioning health and care services in their local areas.

The Health and Social Care Committee launched its inquiry into integrated care systems in July 2022. Subsequently, the Health and Social Care Secretary commissioned Rt. Hon. Patricia Hewitt to lead a separate, independent review in November 2022, to examine how the oversight and governance of these systems can best enable them to succeed.

Both reviews covered ICSs in England including considering the NHS targets and priorities for which ICBs are accountable, including those set out in the government’s mandate to NHS England.

Drawing on the insights of leaders from across the NHS, local government, social care providers, the charitable and the voluntary and social enterprise sectors, the Hewitt review looked at how best to empower local leaders to focus on improving outcomes for their populations.

Further information

  • Government response to Hewitt and HSCC reviews on Integrated Care Systems: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-response-to-the-hscc-report-and-the-hewitt-review-on-integrated-care-systems
  • Each ICS has an integrated care board (ICB), a statutory organisation responsible for developing a plan for meeting the health needs of the population, managing the NHS budget and arranging for the provision of health services in the ICS area. ICBs include representatives from local authorities, primary care and NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts.
  • Each ICS also has an integrated care partnership (ICP) that brings together a broad alliance of partners concerned with improving the care, health and wellbeing of the population. The ICP is responsible for producing an integrated care strategy on how to meet the health and wellbeing needs of the population in the ICS area.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

June is Pride Month!
 
LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer, the + symbol represents others, including people of all identities. June is pride month, commemorating the stonewall riots of June 1969. Pride celebrates LGBTQ+ communities, their histories and contributions to society and culture.
 
 The pride rainbow flag was created in 1978 by an American artist and gay rights activist Gilbert Baker, as a symbol for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2018, an artist called Daniel Quasar released a redesign of the Pride flag, called the Progress Pride flag, this included black, brown, pink, pale blue and white stripes, to represent marginalised people of colour in the LGBTQ+ community, the trans community, and those living with HIV/AIDS. In 2021, Valentino Vecchietti of Intersex Equality Rights UK, shared an updated version to the Progress Pride flag, which included a yellow triangle and purple circle to represent the intersex community.

Pride month also aims to highlight the discrimination and difficulties that the LGBTQ+ community still faces. In 2017 an LGBTQ+ survey was undertaken, with more than 108,000 responses. This highlighted that within healthcare LGBTQ+ communities face discrimination, felt their specific needs were not being met, had poorer experiences, and had major concerns about accessing healthcare. Read more about this here: NHS England » LGBT health

A CIPD research report looking at LGBTQ+ experiences of work, found that LGBTQ+ employees are more likely to experience workplace conflict and harassment. 40% of LGB+ workers and 55% of trans workers have experienced such conflict, compared with 29% of heterosexual, cisgender employees. A higher proportion of LGB+ workers (16%) and trans workers (18%) feel psychologically unsafe in the workplace compared with heterosexual workers (10%). Read the full report here Inclusion at work: Perspectives on LGBT+ working lives (cipd.org)

 

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Mental Health Awareness Week 15th – 21st May 2023

The theme for this year’s mental health awareness week is anxiety. Pressures such as exams, work, relationships, life events, starting a new job, or unemployment can create feelings of anxiety. In addition to the standard life stresses, we are recovering from the impact of Covid-19 as well as dealing with a cost-of-living crisis.

The mental health foundation commissioned a survey in November 2022, they surveyed 3000 adults aged 18 and over and found that 29% of adults experienced stress, 34% experienced anxiety and 10% said they felt hopeless because of financial worries during the previous month.[1]

We can all experience anxiety, however if it escalates it can become a mental health issue, therefore ways to deal with anxiety can improve our mental health.

The mental health foundation has complied a list of helpful strategies to combat anxiety including breathing techniques, mindfulness, movement, and reflection in this link. MHAW23-coping-with-anxiety-tips.pdf (mentalhealth.org.uk)

Those who manage staff play a key role in improving workplace wellbeing, parity of esteem is valuing mental health on a par with physical health, this can increase employee resilience and engagement and reduce sickness absence rates. Mental ill health, musculoskeletal injuries, stress and acute medical conditions are the most common causes of long-term absence (four weeks or more) from the CIPD health and wellbeing at work survey.[2]

Katie Prosser’s 2019 Orthotic job satisfaction survey, indicated that both NHS and company orthotists face similar issues of attrition, feeling undervalued and high workload pressures. The strongest predicting variable for intent to leave was how well orthotists feel they were treated by their employer.[3] 

A Leeds university review into effective treatment and prevention of burnout and stress found that organisational interventions produce longer-lasting effects than individual approaches, with changes to workload or working practices appearing to reduce stressors and factors that can lead to burnout.[4]

Mental health first aid England have produced a guide for line managers to use as part of their toolkit in supporting employees.

Line Managers Resource Screen.pdf (windows.net)

[1] Stress, anxiety and hopelessness over personal finances widespread across UK – new mental health survey | Mental Health Foundation

[2] Health and wellbeing at work 2021: survey report (cipd.org)

[3]Job satisfaction among NHS and private orthotists: a cross-sectional comparative study | Request PDF (researchgate.net)

[4] 25022016_Burnout_Rapid_Review_2015709.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)

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Mental Health Awareness Week

The theme for this year’s mental health awareness week is anxiety. Pressures such as exams, work, relationships, life events, starting a new job, or unemployment can create feelings of anxiety. In addition to the standard life stresses, we are recovering from the impact of Covid-19 as well as dealing with a cost-of-living crisis.

The mental health foundation commissioned a survey in November 2022, they surveyed 3000 adults aged 18 and over and found that 29% of adults experienced stress, 34% experienced anxiety and 10% said they felt hopeless because of financial worries during the previous month.[1]

We can all experience anxiety, however if it escalates it can become a mental health issue, therefore ways to deal with anxiety can improve our mental health.

The mental health foundation has complied a list of helpful strategies to combat anxiety including breathing techniques, mindfulness, movement, and reflection in this link. MHAW23-coping-with-anxiety-tips.pdf (mentalhealth.org.uk)

Those who manage staff play a key role in improving workplace wellbeing, parity of esteem is valuing mental health on a par with physical health, this can increase employee resilience and engagement and reduce sickness absence rates. Mental ill health, musculoskeletal injuries, stress and acute medical conditions are the most common causes of long-term absence (four weeks or more) from the CIPD health and wellbeing at work survey.[2]

Katie Prosser’s 2019 Orthotic job satisfaction survey, indicated that both NHS and company orthotists face similar issues of attrition, feeling undervalued and high workload pressures. The strongest predicting variable for intent to leave was how well orthotists feel they were treated by their employer.[3] 

A Leeds university review into effective treatment and prevention of burnout and stress found that organisational interventions produce longer-lasting effects than individual approaches, with changes to workload or working practices appearing to reduce stressors and factors that can lead to burnout.[4]

Mental health first aid England have produced a guide for line managers to use as part of their toolkit in supporting employees.

Line Managers Resource Screen.pdf (windows.net)

 

[1] Stress, anxiety and hopelessness over personal finances widespread across UK – new mental health survey | Mental Health Foundation

[2] Health and wellbeing at work 2021: survey report (cipd.org)

[3]Job satisfaction among NHS and private orthotists: a cross-sectional comparative study | Request PDF (researchgate.net)

[4] 25022016_Burnout_Rapid_Review_2015709.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)