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Orthotic Technician, Prosthetic Technician
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 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in precision working with machine and hand tools to repair, rebuild and modify prosthetic and orthotic appliances and orthopedic footwear and to fit, adjust and repair appliances
Interest in analyzing information taken from body and limb measurements to build prosthetic and orthotic appliances using a variety of materials such as metals, plastics and leathers
Interest in speaking with patients to ensure that prosthetic and orthotic appliances fit comfortably during trial fittings; and in building custom-designed components and appliances as directed
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
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 104 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 12, 2024 and Apr 23, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Maintain inventories of medications and prescription records of pharmaceutical products | 76 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Ensure the information on prescriptions is accurate, enter client information in databases and prepare medications for clients | 76 |
| Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years | 73 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 72 |
| Attention to detail | 66 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 66 |
| Tasks: Compound oral solutions, ointments and creams | 66 |
| Tasks: Bill third party insurers | 59 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 48 |
| Tasks: Organize and maintain inventory | 39 |
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 search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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: 2019-2023 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.
In the 3219: Other medical technologists and technicians (except dental health) occupational group, 94.6% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 3219: Other medical technologists and technicians (except dental health) occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 96 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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.
For information about current collective agreements in the public and not-for-profit sectors, see the Health Sciences Association of Alberta website.
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.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.00 | $34.23 | $25.02 | $26.86 |
| Overall | $20.51 | $50.19 | $33.32 | $35.54 |
| Top | $27.00 | $59.28 | $37.95 | $37.38 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $60,881 |
|---|---|
| Retail Trade | $41,645 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $70,325 |
| Public Administration | $75,751 |
Alberta Association of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) website: www.albertaoandp.com
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.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, 2020. 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.
