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Orthotic Technician, Prosthetic Technician, Registered Technician in Orthotics, Registered Technician in Prosthetics
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Prosthetic and orthotic technicians may specialize in prosthetics, orthotics, or both. They provide technical support in the design, manufacture, and assembly of both types of devices. In general, prosthetic and orthotic technicians:
Prosthetic and orthotic technicians work in private clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation centres. They may also work in laboratories that specialize in making or supplying these devices. The work involves standing at workbenches while using machinery. Machines can include grinders, sanders, buffers, drill presses, lathes, welding equipment, and sewing machines.
Depending on the setting, technicians use computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD / CAM). They also use computer imaging and computer numerical controlled (CNC) equipment.
Technicians may need to lift heavy items such as plaster bags or sheets of plastic. These may weigh up to 40 kilograms.
They must follow current policies, procedures, and fabrication standards. They may work under deadline pressure. They may need to adapt schedules to accommodate emergency services.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.
To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Prosthetic and orthotic technicians
2023 OaSIS: 32129.04
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:
Prosthetic and orthotic technicians need:
They should enjoy analyzing measurements and keeping up with current technologies to build unique, custom devices. They should enjoy working with tools and machinery at precision tasks and having clear guidelines. They should be comfortable working with a team.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 13, 2024 and Oct 08, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Enter client information in databases | 62 |
|---|---|
| Attention to detail | 56 |
| Tasks: Ensure the information on prescriptions is accurate | 53 |
| Tasks: Maintain inventories of medications and prescription records of pharmaceutical products | 53 |
| Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years | 52 |
| Tasks: Prepare medications for clients | 52 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 50 |
| Tasks: Bill third party insurers | 47 |
| Tasks: Maintain prescription records | 45 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 44 |
Prosthetic and orthotic technicians need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers require candidates to have a post-secondary accredited diploma. They may learn on the job or have a combination of education and on-the-job training. Education in human kinetics, biology, and physics is an asset.
George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology in Toronto offers a 2-year prosthetic-orthotic technician program.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
No legislation currently regulates this occupation. However, orthotic or prosthetic technicians can register with the Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists (CBCPO). They can register through Orthotics Prosthetics Canada (OPC).
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Prosthetic and orthotic technicians work for:
In large organizations, experienced technicians may advance to supervisory positions.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Other medical technologists and technicians (except dental health)
2016 NOC: 3219
94.6% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for prosthetic and orthotic technicians vary widely from province to province. However, salaries increase for technicians who register with an accredited body such as the Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists, which is managed by Orthotics Prosthetics Canada (OPC).
For information about current collective agreements in the public and not-for-profit sectors, see the Health Sciences Association of Alberta website.
Prosthetic and orthotic technicians are part of the larger 2021 National Occupational Classification 32129: Other medical technologists and technicians.
According to the 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Other medical technologists and technicians occupational group earned on average from $24.43 an hour. The overall average was $33.95 an hour. For more information, see the Other medical technologists and technicians wage profile.
Alberta Association of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) website: www.albertaoandp.com
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: hsaa.ca
International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics, Canada (ISPO Canada) website: ispo.ca
Orthotics Prosthetics Canada (OPC) website: opcanada.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2025. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
