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Health & Social · EFZ

Orthotist EFZ

Make and fit prostheses and orthoses.

About this profession

Make and fit prostheses and orthoses. Over 4 years you learn this profession in a host company, at the vocational school and in inter-company courses. At the end you receive a nationally recognised Federal VET Diploma (EFZ).

Day-to-day responsibilities

  • ›Advise clients, take measurements
  • ›Manufacture prostheses and orthoses
  • ›Adjust and maintain aids
  • ›Maintain documentation and billing

Skills you'll need

Manual dexterityTechnical understandingPatient orientationDiligenceTeam playerEmpathy

A typical week as an apprentice

Host company

3–4 days/week — you learn the trade hands-on alongside experienced professionals.

Vocational school

1–2 days/week — general education plus job-specific theory.

Inter-company courses (üK)

Several blocks per year — practise core techniques together with other apprentices.

Where you'll work

Hospitals, nursing homes, home-care services (Spitex), social institutions, day-care centres.

Entry requirements

  • Completed compulsory school (Sek A or B, depending on profession). Strong school report in relevant subjects helps.
  • A 'Schnupperlehre' (1–5 day taster) is the best way to find out if the profession suits you.

What you earn at the end

Federal VET Diploma (EFZ) — a nationally recognised qualification that opens doors to higher VET (HF), the vocational baccalaureate (BM) and universities of applied sciences.

Apprentice wage

Typical monthly gross wage (CHF). Actual wages vary by sector and region.

Year 1

CHF 700 – 900/ Mt.

Year 2

CHF 900 – 1’200/ Mt.

Year 3

CHF 1’200 – 1’600/ Mt.

Year 4

CHF 1’500 – 1’950/ Mt.

Future-readiness

Score 4/5
StrongHighly future-proof
Demand trend4/5
Adaptability3/5
Automation risk2/5

Our take

Demand remains stable; creativity and patient care are hard to automate, adaptability is key for new technologies.

Sources

Early contract endings in this field

Across Health & Social apprenticeships, roughly 16–24% of contracts are ended early, compared with about 23% nationally. Most of those apprentices continue their training elsewhere.

Further education & career

  • Federal VET Diploma advanced exam
  • College of Professional Education and Training
  • Vocational Baccalaureate + University of Applied Sciences
  • Specialization (e.g. sports orthotics)

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.