Clinical Methods in Orthotics/Prosthetics Program (Postgraduate) (S407)

Program Description

Leadership Claims

Preparing graduates in clinical methods in orthotics/prosthetics for nearly 40 years. This program is unique in Ontario.

Program Overview

George Brown College's Clinical Methods in Orthotics/Prosthetics is a joint program with Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and other facilities that teaches you how to assess and fit patients with artificial limbs, braces and splints. This program is unique in Ontario.

Full Description

George Brown College's Clinical Methods in Orthotics/Prosthetics is a two-year postgraduate program that trains students to make and fit prostheses (artificial limbs) and orthoses (braces and splints).

This full-time program is unique in Ontario and taught at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre by faculty currently working in the field.

Classes start in September only. Winter and summer start options are not available.

Applications must be submitted to Ontario Colleges by February 1 of each year.

As this is a post-degree program, all applicants must have a four-year B.Sc. degree from an accredited institution. A four-year degree in engineering or kinesiology will be considered.

George Brown's Prosthetics & Orthotics Clinical Methods (S407) program accepts 8 students into the program.

The program allows students to obtain theory, laboratory and clinical experiences under the direction of faculty that are Certified Prosthetists/Orthotists at:

This program will appeal to students who have a background in health sciences and are interested in working with people and helping patients in their attempts to overcome disabilities.

Graduates will be eligible for certification by Orthotics Prosthetics Canada (formerly the “Canadian Board of Certification”).

Statistical Information

Students per class: 8
Classes running per year: 2
Attrition (past five years): 0
Employment record: 95 per cent or better

Program Selection Process

The Clinical Methods in Orthotics and Prosthetics Program is a post-graduate program that is open to applicants with a specific degree, as outlined in the admission requirements.

The selection of students involves a two-step procedure:

i) Eligible applicants will be invited to take an online entrance exam involving subjects covering biology (anatomy, physiology, pathology), biophysics and biomechanics, spatial relations, and prosthetics and orthotics knowledge.

Testing will be available on Saturday, February 25 or Sunday, February 26, 2023. Login window between 12 p.m.–1p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time). Students will have three hours to complete the entrance exam. Scheduling and arrangements for this testing will be done via the email applicants submitted when registering with Ontario Colleges.

ii) The top 18 ranked students from the entrance exam will be invited to an online video interview after Friday, March 8, 2023. Every applicant that qualifies, will send two letters of reference to the Sunnybrook Campus address below no later than Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Online interviews will run from Saturday, March 11, to Friday, March 17, 2023.

Your Field Education Options

The on-site and off-site clinical experience in this Clinical Methods in Orthotics/Prosthetics program plays an essential role in preparing students for the real work ahead.

During the Clinical Techniques classes in each semester, students will have the chance to work directly with clients who require prosthetic/orthotic treatment. Provision and evaluation of treatment will be unique to suit each client’s individual needs.

Treatment will include:

  • an assessment
  • measurements
  • shape-capture by hand 
  • scanning and rectification of plaster and digital positive models

The design and fabrication of the prosthetic/orthotic devices takes place in the laboratory procedure’s courses.

On-site Grand Rounds sessions are held monthly and require students to give a monthly presentation on a related topic to a group of faculty, students and sector partners. For details about Grand Rounds, please visit this link to their website.

Since 1979, the Prosthetic & Orthotic programs have required students to present various topics in a more formalized setting to try to enhance their presentation skills and to encourage them to continue this activity into their professional lives. These sessions normally take place on the evening of the first Tuesday of every month. Both venues are located in the Sunnybrook Health Science Centre. We welcome anyone interested to please attend the sessions.

The strength of the program is the structured clinical education provided by various clinical settings. In conjunction with the curriculum changes made over the years, there are many clinical facilities and practitioners participating to deliver the various segments of the program.

PLEASE NOTE: Students are responsible to travel to the various hospitals and clinics in the program by either personal or public transportation.

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

Employment is available in orthotic and prosthetic management at hospitals, rehabilitation centres and private facilities throughout Canada.

Clinical Methods in Orthotics/Prosthetics Program Alumni

  • graduates can expect to work as an entry-level orthotist or prosthetist
  • 95 per cent of graduates work in the sector
  • many alumni have become clinic managers and owners
  • job opportunities expand beyond the clinical setting including working in education

Educational Pathways

The Clinical Methods in Orthotics/Prosthetics program follows a co-operative curriculum model with McMaster University’s Masters of Science program in Rehabilitation Science.

Students who elect to pursue both credentials are responsible for all fees at both institutions. For more information, see the Prosthetics and Orthotics programs website.

3,450-Hour Residency:

  • Upon successful completion of the program, graduates enter a 3,450-hour residency program (under the auspices of Orthotics Prosthetics Canada  in either orthotics or prosthetics.
  • The residency is conducted under the supervision of a certified practitioner.
  • Upon completion of the residency, graduates are eligible to sit for CBCPO certification exams operated by Orthotics Prosthetics Canada in the discipline in which they have completed (either orthotics or prosthetics).
  • For more details about the requirements of becoming a certified clinician, please visit Orthotics Prosthetics Canada.

Graduates of a health sciences program who have an interest in working in long-term care facilities should consider applying to our Interprofessional Complex and Long-Term Care (S417) postgraduate certificate.

(S417) program details:

  • two-semester program
  • will teach you to co-ordinate and manage an interprofessional health-care team of complex and long-term care professionals
  • delivered online and on-demand to accommodate working professionals
  • includes a clinical field placement component

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