Career Pathway for Orthopaedic Practitioners

Orthopaedic Technicians/Practitioners work in the field of Trauma & Orthopaedic Outpatients, Accident & Emergency Departments and Operating Theatres.

It is their job to apply casts to patients, at the doctor’s request following an accident, for elective orthopaedic conditions and / or following surgery.

Casting materials used today are varied. As well as Plaster of Paris, we use a wide range of resin based materials based on fibreglass and polyesters.

To be a qualified technician you have to hold the British Casting Certificate (BCC). This certificate is validated by the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) and the Association of Orthopaedic Practitioners UK (AOP UK) and is supported by the Society of Orthopaedic and Trauma Nursing (SOTN) of the Royal College of Nursing. 

Interested In Becoming a Trainee Orthopaedic Pratitioner?

We remain committed in progressing towards a recognised training pathway. Negotiations continue through a joint working party, exploring the possibility of Orthopaedic Technicians /Practitioners being regulated by the Health Professions Council and to be recognised as a professional body.

Meanwhile, should you wish to pursue a career in Orthopaedics as a technician then you should primarily gain experience of working in a casting room. It is not common to see an advertised post for a trainee orthopaedic technician. We recommend that you seek a post as a Health Care Assistant. In time, visit the casting room, talk with the staff, and demonstrate an interest in applying casts.

You cannot attend an approved course to Qualify as an orthopaedic technician until you achieve the following criteria:

  • Working in a casting room for a minimum of one year
  • A good standard of education
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Be able to demonstrate some manual dexterity

The course/examination can be undertaken on a 5-week residential course held at Stanmore, London, or you can undertake one of the several day release courses held over 20 weeks at Bradford or Newport.

Details can be found on the BOA website

You are welcome to access the AOP UK website

Read our Notice Board; review job vacancies, or simply post your questions to us.