Orthotic / Prosthetic Technician Program (S102)
Apply Now:
Domestic Students
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
The practice-oriented and hands-on Orthotic/Prosthetic Technician program 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
The practice-orientated, hands-on Orthotic/Prosthetic Technician (S102) two-year diploma program 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 30 domestic students per intake, with classes starting every September. International, 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 practicing 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
Program Selection Process
To apply for the Orthotic/Prosthetic Technician program, a candidate must have at least the equivalent of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with the recommendation that applicants have credits in physics and biology, OR one can apply as a mature student.
The selection of students involves a two-step procedure:
i) Eligible applicants will be invited to take an online admissions test involving subjects covering English, physics, anatomy, and workshop awareness.
Testing will be available on Saturday, March 2, 2024, and Sunday, March 3, 2024. Login window between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time). Applicants will have 90 minutes to complete the admissions test.
Scheduling and arrangements for this testing will be done via the email applicants submitted when registering with Ontario Colleges.
ii) The top-ranked students from the admissions testing will be invited to an online video interview between Saturday, March 23, 2024 and Friday, March 29, 2024.
Approximately 30 applicants are selected for the first-year class beginning in September of each calendar year.
Address:
Prosthetic-Orthotic Technician Program
George Brown College Prosthetic & Orthotic Programs
c/o SCIL/U Wing
2075 Bayview Ave.
Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
M4N 3M5
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
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. Students can apply to this concurrently or as a postgraduate.
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ANAT 1036 | Anatomy |
| ORTH 1007 | Materials and Laboratory Techniques I |
| KINE 1010 | Kinesiology for Orthotics/Prosthetics Technicians I |
| ORTH 1008 | Fabrication Theory I |
| COMM 1000 | Introduction to College Communication |
| Or | |
| COMM 2000 | Communication Across Context** |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| PATH 1013 | Pathology |
| ORTH 1009 | Materials and Laboratory Techniques II |
| ORTH 1010 | Fabrication Theory II |
| KINE 1014 | Kinesiology for Orthotics/Prosthetics Technicians II |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ORTH 2009 | Materials and Laboratory Techniques III |
| ORTH 2011 | Externally Powered Orthotics/Prosthetics Rehabilitation |
| ORTH 2010 | Fabrication Theory III |
| KINE 1003 | Kinesiology/Biomechanics for Technicians I |
| ORTH 2012 | Pre-Graduate Work Experience I |
SEMESTER 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ORTH 2016 | Materials and Laboratory Techniques |
| ORTH 2015 | Professional Issues in Orthotics/Prosthetics |
| ORTH 2013 | Pre-Graduate Work Experience II |
| ORTH 2017 | Fabrication Theory IV |
| KINE 1005 | Kinesiology/Biomechanics for Technicians II |
| ORTH 2014 | Advanced Material Orthotics/Prosthetics Techniques |
**Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 (Introduction to College Communication) before progressing to COMM 2000. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit the Assessment Centre web page for more information.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:
- Perform all primary fabricating procedures such as vacuum molding, laminations, bending and aligning components and other such processes.
- Perform all required technical skills such as fastening, sanding, gluing, cutting, drilling, etc., at a reasonable level of competence.
- Identify and perform tasks involved in the repair and maintenance of prostheses and orthoses.
- Identify and describe the common materials used in orthotic and prosthetic practice and demonstrate the proper use of such materials.
- Develop an efficient and effective protocol for the fabrication of orthoses and prostheses, based on the appropriate prescription and directions of the certified orthotist or prosthetist.
- Identify and demonstrate the proper procedures, operating specifications and common safety practices in the use of machines, tools and the handling of materials required in the fabrication of orthoses and prostheses.
- Demonstrate a competent knowledge in the application and function of common orthotic and prosthetic appliances and their corresponding components and systems.
- Demonstrate the common orthotic and prosthetic bench or static alignment procedures necessary to prepare the orthotic or prosthetic appliance for patient fitting and articulate the principles (biomechanical, anatomical, etc.) used in determining such alignments.
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the pertinent biomechanical, anatomical, physiological and pathological concepts necessary for the effective implementation of technical and clinical procedures in the delivery of orthotic and prosthetic care.
- Appreciate the need to keep abreast of new techniques and developments with respect to orthotic and prosthetic care and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the research and development of more effective prosthetic and orthotic designs and procedures.
- Appreciate the roles the orthotic/prosthetic professional bodies play in the maintenance of standards and the development of the profession and be willing to contribute toward its advancement.
- Appreciate the roles of the various health team members involved in the delivery of orthotic and prosthetic care.
- Be familiar with issues related to the supervision of support personnel and laboratory activities and also the administrative duties required in the management of a prosthetic/orthotic practise.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
This program does not accept international students.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and the selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
- grade 11 Math (M or U) or grade 12 (C or U)
- grade 11 Biology (C or U) or grade 12 (U)
- post-secondary (college or university) courses that are equivalent to the secondary school requirements stated will be accepted (certain courses only)
- online entrance exam (English, Physics, Human Anatomy, workshop awareness), online video interview and manual dexterity task
Please note: Physics courses are recommended prior to starting the program.
Please visit the Prosthetics and Orthotics website for more information.
** Mature Student Status (19 years or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English, Math or Science, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English, Math or Science.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
This program is available to domestic applicants only.
Special Requirements
Clinical Pre-placement Health Form requirements and program policy (for 2nd year Returning students only)
- Upon confirmation of acceptance into this program, students must meet and complete all the mandatory Pre-placement requirements for this program. It will take up to 8 to 10 weeks to complete.
- Students will need to process and provide proof of their medical records (such as TDAP shot, COVID-19, MMR, Varicella, Hep B blood test reports/titres and Two-Step TB Skin Test), proof of clear Vulnerable Sector Check renewed every year, CPR level C certificate renewed every year, annual flu shot and mask fit test renewed every two years. These requirements must be submitted by the program specific deadline to ParaMed Placement Pass website.
- COVID-19 vaccination: Public Health recommends that people working with young children and other vulnerable communities be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As such, students who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may not be able to complete the required field placement component of their program in the regularly scheduled time frame.
- The health policies and non-academic requirements are designed to protect clients and vulnerable populations whom students will engage in practice. Students who do not comply with the program’s health policy and non-academic requirements, or who do not submit all required documentation by deadlines established by the program will be excluded from the clinical practicum. Exclusion from clinical practicum for any reason may jeopardize students' academic standing and successful completion of this program.
- All costs, service fees and fines associated with the overall health requirements are the responsibility of the student.
- To download the mandatory Pre-placement health form and for more details, go to the Clinical Pre-placement website.
Vulnerable Sector Check requirements and program policy (renew every year)
- In compliance with requests from our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have a Vulnerable Sector Check completed, and this check must be renewed every year before entering into field or clinical placement.
- The Vulnerable Sector Check process typically takes two to three months, but under some circumstances can take four to eight months. This is required to protect the clientele of our placement partner agencies, who are considered "vulnerable persons" under the law.
- Students are responsible for ensuring that the police record check covers appropriateness for "individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s)."
- Students are required to keep the original copy of their Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Students who are unable to provide a "clear" vulnerable sector check may not be able to start their field or clinical placement and therefore may be unable to complete the program. Students who are not eligible to attend their practice placement due to a "not clear" status will jeopardize their progress in the program.
- Failure to meet the requirements for field placement will prevent students from completing the program and/or securing employment. The fees for the police record check vary and must be paid by the student. For more information, please visit the Pre-placement website.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
Contact Us
Phone: 416-480-5783 and leave a message at this number.
Email: applicant_info@gbcpando.com
Visit this program microsite to learn more about the Orthotics/Prosthetics programs.
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Orthotic / Prosthetic Technician Program (S102)
Apply Now:
Domestic StudentsProgram 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
Program Selection Process
To apply for the Orthotic/Prosthetic Technician program, a candidate must have at least the equivalent of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with the recommendation that applicants have credits in physics and biology, OR one can apply as a mature student.
The selection of students involves a two-step procedure:
i) Eligible applicants will be invited to take an online admissions test involving subjects covering English, physics, anatomy, and workshop awareness.
Testing will be available on Saturday, March 4, 2023. Login window between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time). Applicants will have 90 minutes to complete the admissions test.
Scheduling and arrangements for this testing will be done via the email applicants submitted when registering with Ontario Colleges.
ii) The top ranked students from the admissions testing will be invited to an online video interview between Saturday, March 25 and Friday, March 31, 2023.
Approximately 30 applicants are selected for the first-year class beginning in September of each calendar year.
Address:
Prosthetic-Orthotic Technician Program
George Brown College Prosthetic & Orthotic Programs
c/o SCIL/U Wing
2075 Bayview Ave.
Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
M4N 3M5
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
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.
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ANAT 1036 | Anatomy |
| ORTH 1007 | Materials and Laboratory Techniques I |
| KINE 1010 | Kinesiology for Orthotics/Prosthetics Technicians I |
| ORTH 1008 | Fabrication Theory I |
| COMM 1000 | Introduction to College Communication |
| Or | |
| COMM 2000 | Communication Across Context** |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| PATH 1013 | Pathology |
| ORTH 1009 | Materials and Laboratory Techniques II |
| ORTH 1010 | Fabrication Theory II |
| KINE 1014 | Kinesiology for Orthotics/Prosthetics Technicians II |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ORTH 2009 | Materials and Laboratory Techniques III |
| ORTH 2011 | Externally Powered Orthotics/Prosthetics Rehabilitation |
| ORTH 2010 | Fabrication Theory III |
| KINE 1003 | Kinesiology/Biomechanics for Technicians I |
| ORTH 2012 | Pre-Graduate Work Experience I |
SEMESTER 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ORTH 2016 | Materials and Laboratory Techniques |
| ORTH 2015 | Professional Issues in Orthotics/Prosthetics |
| ORTH 2013 | Pre-Graduate Work Experience II |
| ORTH 2017 | Fabrication Theory IV |
| KINE 1005 | Kinesiology/Biomechanics for Technicians II |
| ORTH 2014 | Advanced Material Orthotics/Prosthetics Techniques |
**Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 (Introduction to College Communication) before progressing to COMM 2000. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit Assessment Centre for more information.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:
- Perform all primary fabricating procedures such as vacuum molding, laminations, bending and aligning components and other such processes.
- Perform all required technical skills such as fastening, sanding, gluing, cutting, drilling, etc., at a reasonable level of competence.
- Identify and perform tasks involved in the repair and maintenance of prostheses and orthoses.
- Identify and describe the common materials used in orthotic and prosthetic practice and demonstrate the proper use of such materials.
- Develop an efficient and effective protocol for the fabrication of orthoses and prostheses, based on the appropriate prescription and directions of the certified orthotist or prosthetist.
- Identify and demonstrate the proper procedures, operating specifications and common safety practices in the use of machines, tools and the handling of materials required in the fabrication of orthoses and prostheses.
- Demonstrate a competent knowledge in the application and function of common orthotic and prosthetic appliances and their corresponding components and systems.
- Demonstrate the common orthotic and prosthetic bench or static alignment procedures necessary to prepare the orthotic or prosthetic appliance for patient fitting and articulate the principles (biomechanical, anatomical, etc.) used in determining such alignments.
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the pertinent biomechanical, anatomical, physiological and pathological concepts necessary for the effective implementation of technical and clinical procedures in the delivery of orthotic and prosthetic care.
- Appreciate the need to keep abreast of new techniques and developments with respect to orthotic and prosthetic care and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the research and development of more effective prosthetic and orthotic designs and procedures.
- Appreciate the roles the orthotic/prosthetic professional bodies play in the maintenance of standards and the development of the profession and be willing to contribute toward its advancement.
- Appreciate the roles of the various health team members involved in the delivery of orthotic and prosthetic care.
- Be familiar with issues related to the supervision of support personnel and laboratory activities and also the administrative duties required in the management of a prosthetic/orthotic practise.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2022. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2023 and at later dates.
This program does not accept international students.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and the selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
- grade 11 math (M or U) or grade 12 (C or U)
- grade 11 biology (C or U) or grade 12 (U)
- post-secondary (college or university) courses that are equivalent to the secondary school requirements stated will be accepted (certain courses only)
- online entrance exam (English, physics, human anatomy, workshop awareness), online video interview and manual dexterity task
Please note: physics courses are recommended prior to starting the program.
Please visit the Prosthetics and Orthotics website for more information.
** Mature Student Status (19 years or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English, math or science, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English, math or science.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
This program is available to domestic applicants only.
Special Requirements
Additional Mandatory Requirements
Pre-placement Health Form (for second-year students only)
- Second-year students must meet all the mandatory pre-placement health requirements for this program. It may take up to four months to complete all the requirements.
- All costs, service fees and fines associated with the overall health requirements are the responsibility of the student.
- For further details and to download the mandatory pre-placement health form, go to the Pre-placement website.
Police Vulnerable Sector Check (for second-year students only)
- In compliance with requests from our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have a Police Vulnerable Sector Check completed, and this check must be renewed annually before entering into field or clinical placement.
- The Police Vulnerable Sector Check process typically takes two to three months, but under some circumstances can take four to eight months. This is required to protect the clientele of our placement partner agencies, who are considered "vulnerable persons" under the law.
- Students are responsible for ensuring that the police record check covers appropriateness for "individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s)."
- Students are required to keep the original copy of their Police Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Students who are unable to provide a "clear" police reference check may not be able to start their field or clinical placement and therefore may be unable to complete the program. Students who are not eligible to attend their practice placement due to a "not clear" status will jeopardize their progress in the program.
- Failure to meet the requirements for field placement will prevent students from completing the program and/or securing employment.
- The fees for the police record check vary and must be paid by the student. For more information, please visit the Pre-placement website.
Public Health recommends that people working with young children and other vulnerable communities be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As such, students who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may not be able to complete the required field placement component of their program in the regularly scheduled time frame.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
Contact Us
Phone: 416-480-5783 and leave a message at this number.
Email: applicant_info@gbcpando.com
Visit this program microsite to learn more about the Orthotics/Prosthetics programs.
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
