Overview
BCIT’s Prosthetics and Orthotics Diploma is one of two programs of its kind offered in Canada. The profession is a unique blend of science, art, technology, and clinical patient care. It offers the unique opportunity to work with your hands and your mind, all while making a difference in someone’s life.
Prosthetists and Orthotists design and create custom orthopedic devices and provide lifelong treatment to those in need. Prosthetists work with those who have experienced limb loss and Orthotists work with those who have an injury or pathology requiring bracing or support. It is a profession that is rewarding, constantly evolving, and an exciting blend of technology and healthcare.
About the program
Using specialized assessment techniques and leading edge technology, prosthetists and orthotists provide treatment and design devices for the unique needs of each patient. Our program gives students an applied understanding of pathology, biomechanics, material sciences, and anatomy and physiology, enabling them to help patients gain mobility and improve quality of life.
- Two-year, full-time post-graduate diploma program followed by a paid, two-year clinical residency program
- Instruction takes place at BCIT’s specialized prosthetics and orthotics labs
- Small, 14-student classes provides individual support and fosters engagement
- Two clinical practicum experiences, which can be completed across Canada
- Weekly clinical rotations across a variety of P&O clinics and allied healthcare sites
Our program offers the hands-on learning for which BCIT is renown. Visit Program Details to learn more about our Prosthetics and Orthotics program.
Who it’s for
This program is for post-undergraduate degree students who:
- Have completed a 4-year undergraduate degree
- Have strong hand skills and dexterity
- Enjoy building relationships with patients and healthcare colleagues
- Are residents of Western Canada
Our comprehensive selection process ensures this program is a good fit for you. See Entrance Requirements to find out more.
What grads can do
Our grads can work anywhere in the world. See Graduating and Jobs to learn more about career options.
Vision Statement
Developing professionals to enhance quality of life.
Mission Statement
The mission of the BCIT Prosthetics and Orthotics program is to prepare students for clinical residency in the field of prosthetics and orthotics by providing knowledge and experiential learning that develop clinical competencies, foster innovative patient-centered care and facilitate interprofessional collaboration.
Entrance Requirements
Note: In alignment with public health orders, this program requires that students be vaccinated for a number of communicable diseases – including COVID-19.
Application processing
Applications accepted October 1st* to March 1st.*
We recommend that you apply early. All supporting documents must be submitted by the application deadline.
View programs that accept international students
*or next business day
Entrance requirements
Admission to this program is highly competitive. In 2022, BCIT admitted 1 in 3 applicants. Successful applicants exceeded entrance requirements. They had a clear understanding of the profession, manual dexterity, and interpersonal skills.
Competitive Entry: Three-step process
Preference will be given to applicants with:
- Related experience and exposure at Prosthetics and Orthotics clinics
- The following preferred post-secondary academic level courses:
- 6.0 credits of Human Anatomy and Physiology
- 3.0 credits of Physics (biomechanics is NOT accepted)
- 3.0 credits of Statistics
- 3.0 credits of Psychology (sport psychology is NOT accepted)
- Additional related post-secondary academic courses
- Requirements, experience, and above courses completed within the last five years
Applicants with preferred entrance requirements are to submit transcripts and supporting documentation with their online application.
Step 1: Meet the following entrance requirements
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
- A recognized bachelor's degree in any field (120 credits)
- Complete the following assessment:
- Casper (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics): Casper will send the results directly to the BCIT Prosthetics and Orthotics department once you request that your score be distributed to the program.
Note: Please register to complete the Casper assessment as soon as possible. Registration numbers and dates are limited. - Complete the following form for submission with your online application:
Read more about how to meet BCIT’s entrance requirements
Applicants currently enrolled in the last term of their degree/diploma must be on track to complete by May. If this applies to you, submit both of the following documents from your post-secondary institution:
- Transcript of completed courses
- Confirmation of enrolment letter verifying your current course enrolment and registration in the final term of your degree/diploma
Applicants who have completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered. These reports must include course-by-course evaluations and GPA calculations.
If you are not certain whether a course you have taken will qualify as one of the preferred courses listed above, please email a detailed course outline (more detailed than a course description) to lschubert4@bcit.ca.
Step 2: Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) for shortlisted applicants
All qualified applications will be reviewed by the program selection committee after the application deadline. Applications are assessed and scored based on each applicant’s academic strength, completion of the preferred courses, related experience, responses on the Mandatory Applicant Questionnaire, and performance on the Casper assessment.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted to attend an online Multiple Mini Interview (MMI). More details, specific instructions, and scheduling options will be provided to qualifying applicants.
Step 3: Conditionally selected applicants
Based on applications and performance on the MMIs, successful candidates will be selected and contacted with a conditional acceptance offer. If you have been conditionally accepted to BCIT you will be notified and will be required to pay a commitment fee and provide the following information to be accepted into the program:
Immunization Review [PDF]
Submit to Student Health Services. Immunization is a mandatory requirement for this program. For instructions and more information, visit Student Health Services’ Health Science Student Information.
Once these and any other outstanding conditions have been met, you will receive notification of your full acceptance.
Application timeline:
- October 1: Applications open
- March 1: Applications close
- Late March: Short-listed applicants are contacted to schedule MMIs
- Early April: MMIs are conducted
- Late April/Early May: Conditional offers of admissions are sent to selected applicants
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
View programs that accept international students
Scheduled Intakes
September of even-numbered years.
The next intake of this program is September 2026.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition fees, visit Full-Time Studies Tuition & Fees.
Books & supplies
Year 1: $1,000*
Year 2: $200*
*estimated cost, subject to change
Travel expenses
Students are responsible for costs of travel to and from weekly clinical rotation sites and the two, 4-week clinical practicum locations (selected by the student).
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Program matrix
| Level 1 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| BHSC 1120 | Applied Anatomy and Physiology 1 | 4.0 | |
| CENV 1284 | Materials Science | 3.0 | |
| HSIP 1000 | Health Sciences Interprofessional Patient Care | 2.0 | |
| PROR 1100 | Prosthetics and Orthotics 1 | 18.0 | |
| PROR 1120 | Biomechanics 1 | 4.0 | |
| Level 2 (20 weeks) | Credits | ||
| BHSC 1242 | Applied Social Sciences (PROR) | 3.5 | |
| BHSC 2220 | Applied Anatomy and Physiology 2 | 3.5 | |
| PROR 2200 | Prosthetics and Orthotics 2 | 18.0 | |
| PROR 2220 | Biomechanics 2 | 3.5 | |
| PROR 2230 | Practicum | 5.5 | |
| Level 3 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
| BHSC 3310 | Applied Pathophysiology 1 | 3.0 | |
| COMM 1184 | Workplace Communications | 3.0 | |
| MATH 3842 | Statistics and Research Methodology for Prosthetics and Orthotics | 4.0 | |
| PROR 3300 | Prosthetics and Orthotics 3 | 20.0 | |
| PROR 3320 | Biomechanics 3 | 2.0 | |
| Level 4 (20 weeks) | Credits | ||
| BHSC 4410 | Applied Pathophysiology 2 | 2.0 | |
| BMET 1482 | Applied Electrical Fundamentals | 2.0 | |
| COMM 2284 | Scientific Writing for Prosthetics and Orthotics | 3.0 | |
| PROR 1402 | Professional Practice | 1.0 | |
| PROR 4330 | Practicum | 5.5 | |
| PROR 4400 | Prosthetics and Orthotics 4 | 12.0 | |
| PROR 4430 | Case Studies and Treatment Planning | 6.0 | |
| PROR 4500 | Capstone Research Project | 4.5 | |
| Total Credits: | 133.0 | ||
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
The two-year course of studies combines lectures, labs and practical experience. The curriculum equips graduates to perform thorough assessments and recognize patient challenges, assess individual needs and set patient goals, design customized treatment plans, fabricate individualized prostheses and orthoses, select appropriate materials, and provide patient-focused care.
The program relies heavily on volunteer patients, who act as patient simulation models throughout all prosthetics and orthotics courses. Students are supported to directly apply the theory and skills they have learned in the classroom and lab to these patient models, performing assessments, developing treatment plans, and designing, fabricating and evaluating custom devices for them.
The Western Canadian provinces BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba jointly fund the Prosthetics & Orthotics program. BCIT accepts applications every second year on a pro-rated basis from each of the 4 provinces.
During their time at BCIT students participate in many exciting clinical settings, such as:
- Local BC Prosthetics and Orthotics Clinics
- BC Childrens Hospital Orthopedic Outpatient Clinic
- Lionsgate Hospital Intensive Rehabilitation Outpatient Program
- GF Strong Outpatient Prosthetics Clinic
- New Westminster Spacticity Clinic
- Motion Lab at Sunnyhill Health Centre
- Holy Family Hospital Prosthetics Inpatient Clinic
- Clinical practicum sites across Canada
Program length
Two years, full-time, with intake in September of even numbered years.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Graduating & Jobs
Our graduates are ready
Our grads get work, and most are offered positions before they even finish the program. After a two-year paid residency, students are ready to write the national certification exam and start working immediately.
Career opportunities
Our grads join a closely knit, passionate community of like-minded health professionals dedicated to supporting their patients. Careers offer flexibility and options to work in one of many settings, including:
- Working with a team in a hospital or private clinic
- Running your own private practice
- Specializing in specific areas of physical rehabilitation
- Innovating technology and products through research and development
Salaries vary greatly between provinces and private vs public practices. In general, residents can earn $60,000 – $70,000 annually, while certified prosthetist and orthotists can earn $70,000 – $110,000 annually depending on location, years of experience and responsibilities. Many prosthetists and orthotists will also become business owners, which can add to additional income.
Learn more about the work we do. Visit our Lib Guides site for the latest in field research.
Keep learning
Check out exciting research being done in the profession through the Canadian Prosthetics and Orthotics Journal (CPOJ). This journal is an international, peer-reviewed open-access journal (ISSN 2561-987X) which promotes unrestricted access to articles for prosthetics and orthotics professionals, researchers, and rehabilitation teams. The scope of the journal includes prosthetics, orthotics, rehabilitation sciences, Mobility Assistive Technology (MAT), Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the prosthetics and orthotics field. All accepted articles are permanently publicly available online without restrictions or subscription fees.
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Loren Schubert, CP(c), M.Sc.
Program Head
Tel: 604-432-8981
Email: lschubert4@bcit.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
Application process FAQs
- What is meant by “related experience”?
- I will be moving provinces. Which province should I indicate on my application?
- Can I upgrade courses from my undergraduate degree or the preferred courses?
Eligibility FAQs
- I do not live in BC, AB, SK, or MB. Can I still apply?
- I won’t complete my undergraduate degree until after the application deadline. Can I still apply?
- Some of my preferred courses are more than 5 years old. Can I still apply?
- I completed my degree more than 5 years ago. Can I still apply?
- I completed my undergraduate degree outside of Canada. Can I still apply?
- I have an undergraduate degree in an unrelated field. Can I still apply?
Preferred Courses FAQs
- Do you accept applications from people who have not completed all of the preferred courses?
- I’m not sure if the courses I’ve taken are appropriate for the preferred courses. How can I find out?
- I won’t complete the preferred courses until after the application deadline. Can I still apply?
Candidate selection FAQs
- How many candidates apply to the program each intake?
- Does it make a difference when I send in my application?
- Do you have a minimum GPA? What marks do you consider?
- What can I do to make sure I have a competitive application?
About the program FAQs
- I would like to learn more about the Prosthetics and Orthotics Program. Can I set up a meeting with someone?
- How much is tuition for the program?
About the Profession FAQs
- What is the overall process and timeline to become a Canadian Certified Prosthetist or Orthotist?
- I’d like to find a clinic to shadow or volunteer at. Where should I look?
- I’d like to learn more about the profession. Where can I look?
- What is an average salary of a prosthetist or orthotist in Canada?
- What should I know about residency?
What is meant by “related experience”?
Related experience can include working with any type of patients in a rehab setting, but should include at least some related experience to either people who use prosthetic or orthotic devices, or direct experience at a prosthetic or orthotic clinic.
I will be moving provinces. Which province should I indicate on my application?
Please list the province you will be living in for the 6 months prior to the application deadline.
Can I upgrade courses from my undergraduate degree or the preferred courses?
Yes, if you would like to take courses to increase your GPA, we will consider the more recent course instead.
I do not live in BC, AB, SK, or MB. Can I still apply?
Unfortunately, we only accept applications from residents of BC, AB, SK, or MB. Proof of residency for 6 months prior to the application deadline may be requested.
I won’t complete my undergraduate degree until after the application deadline. Can I still apply?
Applications are considered as long as your undergraduate degree will be completed by April 30th. If selected, you would be offered conditional acceptance pending the completion and submission of your degree. If your undergraduate degree is not completed by April 30th, your application will not be considered.
Some of my preferred courses are more than 5 years old. Can I still apply?
Yes you can still apply. However, we prefer that the preferred course have been taken relatively recently to ensure success in our program.
I completed my degree more than 5 years ago. Can I still apply?
Yes you can still apply. However, this will be factored this into candidate selection, as it is important that our students will be successful in our program.
I completed my undergraduate degree outside of Canada. Can I still apply?
Yes, if your degree is comparable to a Canadian credential. Connect with BCIT advising to determine if you require a comprehensive international evaluation.
I have an undergraduate degree in an unrelated field. Can I still apply?
The majority of our applicants have an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology or Engineering. However, our applicants come from a variety of backgrounds and with many types of undergraduate degrees and are often just as successful as students and professionals. You are welcome to apply regardless of your undergraduate degree. However, to ensure your application is competitive, please ensure you have completed the preferred courses listed on the program page.
Do you accept applications from people who have not completed all of the preferred courses?
While we encourage all applicants to apply, the program is competitive, and so most accepted students have completed all of the preferred courses.
I’m not sure if the courses I’ve taken are appropriate for the preferred courses. How can I find out?
Please contact the Program Head.
I won’t complete the preferred courses until after the application deadline. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can still apply. Please indicate that you are currently completing courses, and which courses they are, within your mandatory applicant questionnaire. We recommend preferred courses are completed by April 30th. If the course is not completed by April 30th, it will not be considered towards your application
Top
How many candidates apply to the program each intake?
Approximately 50-60 people apply from all 4 provinces. Approximately half will be contacted to attend the Multiple Mini Interviews. From that, we select 14 students for our program.
Does it make a difference when I send in my application?
As long as applications are send in prior to the deadline, all applicants will be considered equally.
Do you have a minimum GPA? What marks do you consider?
We do not have a minimum cut-off for GPA, however most of our successful applicants have a 3.25 GPA (85%) or higher average. We look at both the last year of studies (or last 30 credits) as well as your marks in the preferred courses (Anatomy and Physiology, Physics, Statistics, Psychology).
What can I do to make sure I have a competitive application?
We look for applicants who are confident about wanting to enter the profession. This means that they have spent the time shadowing, volunteering or working at a prosthetics or orthotics clinic to learn about the role and the profession. This is important to ensuring it is a good fit for you as a candidate, and for us to know that you would be a good fit for our program. Other valuable skills and experience would be related to paid or volunteer positions previously held by the applicant, or could also be related to experience working with tools and working creatively with your hands.
I would like to learn more about the Prosthetics and Orthotics Program. Can I set up a meeting with someone?
Please contact the Program Head.
How much is tuition for the program?
Please see Fees and Financial Aid.
What is the overall process and timeline to become a Canadian Certified Prosthetist or Orthotist?
To become a certified prosthetist or orthotist in Canada, you must complete the following steps in order:
- Undergraduate Degree: Complete an undergraduate degree and the required / preferred courses for entry into a prosthetics and orthotics program.
- Prosthetics and Orthotics Program: Complete the 2-year clinical methods of prosthetics and orthotics program from an accredited school. There are currently only 2 accredited schools in Canada, BCIT and George Brown College in Toronto, Ontario.
- Residency: Following the formal education, you must independently find a clinic and complete a 2-year (3450 hour) paid residency in prosthetics OR orthotics.
- Certification Exams: Once reaching the required number of hours, you are eligible to sit the certification exams.
*** Both the residency and certification exam are overseen by Orthotics Prosthetics Canada (OPC). Please visit Orthotics Prosthetics Canada for more information on the residency or exams.
I’d like to find a clinic to shadow or volunteer at. Where should I look?
You can look up clinics near you by searching for “prosthetics clinic” or “orthotics clinic” online. You can also go the Orthotics Prosthetics Canada website and look under “Find a Professional”
I’d like to learn more about the profession. Where can I look?
Orthotics Prosthetics Canada (OPC) is the national organization for prosthetics and orthotics. Their website contains a significant amount of information about the profession, the role of a prosthetist and orthotist and the pathway to become certified.
What is an average salary of a prosthetist or orthotist in Canada?
Salaries vary greatly between provinces and private vs public practices. In general, residents can earn $60,000 – $70,000 annually, while certified prosthetist and orthotists can earn $70,000 – $110,000 annually depending on location, years of experience and responsibilities. Many Prosthetists and orthotists will also become business owners, which can add to additional income.
What should I know about residency?
After graduating from an accredited prosthetics and orthotics program, students must independently find a site to complete their residency. The residency program is overseen by Orthotics Prosthetics Canada (OPC). Residents focus on one discipline for 2 years (3450 hours), and can choose to eventually complete a second residency in their second discipline if they choose to do so. Once finishing their hours, residents can write the OPC certification exam.
While all graduates find residency sites, students should be prepared to be flexible, as a position in the geographical location, in the discipline of choice and in the clinical environment they desire may not be available.
For more information about the residency program, please visit Orthotics Prosthetics Canada’s Residence & Interns information page.
Subscribe
Sign up to receive updates, invitations to events, and information about BCIT and your program.
We promise not to spam you, we won’t share your personal information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.