Orthotic / Prosthetic Technician Program (S102)

Program Description

Leadership Claims

Supplying technical personnel for the prosthetic and orthotic profession for over 20 years. 

This program is the only full-time technical training program in Canada.

Program Overview

George Brown College's Orthotic/Prosthetic Technician (S102) is a practice-oriented, hands-on program that teaches students to be competent with many hand tools and specialized machines used in the fabrication of orthotic and prosthetic devices. This program is unique in Canada.

Full Description

George Brown College's Orthotic/Prosthetic Technician is a practice-oriented, hands-on program that prepares individuals in the technical aspects of orthotic and prosthetic management. Students will learn to be competent in the use of many hand tools and specialized machines for the fabrication of orthotic and prosthetic devices

This is a full-time program open only to thirty domestic students per intake, with classes starting every September. (Winter and summer start options are not available.) It is taught at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre by faculty currently working in the field.

To be considered, applications must be submitted to OntarioColleges.ca by February 1 of each year.

The program has many unique activities that have become fixtures in the operation of the program. Since the inception of the program, it is mandatory for all second-year technical students to present a related topic in a formal setting. These "Grand Rounds" sessions occur once a month in the presence of faculty, students and professionals from the field.

The program has a formalized Curriculum Committee which meets regularly and includes practising technicians and clinicians. The Curriculum Committee must ensure that the Orthotic-Prosthetic Technical program is responsive to and reflective of the most up to date technical theories in the profession.

Over the course of two years, students will learn how to make the following devices to help rehabilitate individuals with disabilities:

  • orthoses (braces and splints)
  • prostheses (artificial limbs)

New techniques, including additive design and manufacture (3D-printing), support the demand for technically competent people in this field.

The orthotic/prosthetic technician makes prostheses and orthoses from technical specifications, measurements and positive plaster casts using a variety of materials, such as:

  • thermosetting resins
  • thermoforming plastics
  • metal
  • fabrics
  • leather

Consider applying to this program if you have:

  • good hand skills
  • a strong background in math and human sciences

Statistical information

  • student intake: 30
  • average no. of applicants: 150
  • classes running per year: 2
  • attrition (past five years): 20 per cent
  • employment record over the past five years: approximately 85 per cent 

Technical Program Selection Process Overview

2023 Application Process:

Online admissions test on Saturday, March 4, 2023, to login between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time). Applicants will have 90 minutes to complete the test.

Online video interviews from Saturday, March 25 and Friday, March 31, 2023.

Thirty applicants will be selected for the class that begins in September 2023.

Your Field Education Options

Field education plays an integral role in this Orthotic/Prosthetic Technician program by providing both practical experience and additional learning opportunities outside of the program's curriculum.

Students will gain valuable hands-on experience by completing four weeks of placement (37.5 hours/week) under the supervision of either a certified prosthetic/orthotic clinician or a registered prosthetic/orthotic technician.

The field education experience provides the opportunity for students to start developing their own professional network and allows them to get a better understanding of a typical work environment and their role with other prosthetic/orthotic clinic members.

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

Orthotic/Prosthetic Technician graduates have the initial competencies to function as an integral team member in the delivery of Orthoses and Prostheses.

Graduates are also eligible to sit national registration exams after working in the profession for two years under the supervision of a certified practitioner. Upon successful completion of these exams, Alumni are eligible to apply for professional registration with Orthotics Prosthetics Canada (formerly the "Canadian Board of Certification").

Excellent employment opportunities are available across Canada in:

  • hospitals
  • rehabilitation centres
  • private facilities

Educational Pathways

Graduates of this Orthotic/Prosthetic Technician program with a B.Sc. or equivalent degree who wish to continue their studies may qualify to apply to the Clinical Methods in Orthotics/Prosthetics (postgraduate) program. See the S407 Clinical Methods in Orthotics/Prosthetics program page for full admission requirements.

The McMaster Rehabilitation Science (MSc) program is open to students of the Orthotics & Prosthetics Technician (S102) program who meet the entrance requirements for the MSc(RS) program, can apply to this concurrently or as a postgraduate.

"The program is very, very hands-on. In addition to the academic side dealing with anatomy, pathology and biomechanics, we have two lab days per week where there's a full working shop. The program coordinators and all of the instructors are really passionate and very dedicated people. They really want to see you succeed.

I love the interaction that I get within the healthcare facility. But coupled with that, I get to work in a working shop. I get to build and put things together all day. We have a plaster room, a laminating room, a sewing room, a machine room with special sanders and grinders. I get to use all my own tools. God, it's great."

Paul Hanas
Ontario College Diploma

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