Orthotist in Australia

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I know that this is obviously a site for Podiatry, but I was wondering if anyone could possibly give me an idea as to whether there is a requirement for orthotists in Australia.

I did some reading on the aopa website which stated that there is an insufficient number of orthotists available but there were few vacancies advertised.

I ask because, not for the first time, I am giving some serious thought to moving away from the UK. Australia and NZ are the first places I would consider as possible destinations.

Any information would be greatly appreciated,

Regards,

Robin

 

Robin,
There is currently only one course in Australia for Prothetists/Orthotists (I think the LaTrobe course is still the only one in the southern hemisphere) which currently has 40 or so graduates per year. There is no requirement to be qualified to work as an Orthotist.
The reason here aren't many ads is because of the small size of the profession.
Only some hospitals employ orthotsts with the others sub contracting to private companies.
Podiatrists are tending to deal with most of the foot orthoses, OTs with hand splints, physios with a lot of the off the Shelf stuff, and Orthotists come into there own for the custom AFOs, GRAFOs, CROWs etc. But still compete in the market place with Podiatrists and physios for the OTS and FOs


The

 

Thanks for that Stephen.

Did I understand correctly that you don't have to be qualified to work as an orthotist? That is, you don't need to have done the degree in order to be recognised for employment as an orthotist. Is it essentially unregulated then - not a protected title?

I read that Victoria doesn't struggle for orthotists because of Latrobe's location but that in NSW, QLD and WA have a little more difficulty. Do you see this clinically?

Thanks again for the info

Regards,

Robin