Abstract: Objective To investigate and analyze the present situation and needs of the rehabilitation engineering profession. Methods It was investigated with questionnaire, interview to the hospitals and companies with or for assistive devices services, industry association and similar institutions, etc. The literatures were also reviewed. Results The industry of rehabilitation engineering is facing opportunities for development, and need a mass of professions of rehabilitation engineering technology, especially those of prosthetist, orthotist and technical support, etc. Conclusion The rehabilitation engineering technology is developing widely. The courses should be reformed to meet the differentneeds based on the standards and specifications.

Key words: higher vocational education, rehabilitation engineering technology, investigation, profession construction, prosthetic and orthotic technology