Associate Prosthetist/Orthotist Qualification Program
Associate Prosthetist/Orthotist program is an ISPO accredited comprehensive education that covers the full prosthetics and orthotics professional profile on the associate level. The program is available to all practicing practitioners who have at least 3 years of experience in production of prostheses and orthoses.
Comprehensive Theory Teaching and Intense Hands-On Training
Our Associate P/O program has a modular structure. There are altogether five modules, each completing one full area of prosthetics and orthotics theory and practice and each approximately 6 months in duration.
Together, these modules cover the full P&O professional profile over the period of 2.5 years.
Subjects teaching theory and practice are composed together so as to give a solid and broad theoretical basis in P&O sciences, and develop good hands-on practical skills. Developing confidence and dexterity in practical hands-on patient skills is the essence of this program and we pay special attention to prepare students for real-life situations.
Module Structure
This program is taught in blended learning format, which combines e-Learning with onsite workshops.
e-Learning: Five subjects are taught online in each module: anatomy, pathology, biomechanics, and professional practice, plus one elective. Electives cover areas of material technology, information technologies, professional communication, management, and some others.
Onsite Workshops: In addition to the video and presentation materials taught online, practical part of training in this program is done through practical workshops which are organized once per module. Practical workshops are hands-on intensive practical training sessions with model patients. Expert trainers leading the workshop review theory and practically demonstrate the production techniques relevant to the subject area of the module. Students then replicate the techniques and produce the device for the model patient, starting with the anamnesis and finishing with a fitting and troubleshooting session. Students are supervised and advised by the expert trainers in each step of the way.
Module 1: Lower Extremity Prosthetics
Module 2: Lower Extremity Orthotics
Module 3: Upper Extremity Orthotics
Module 4: Upper Extremity Prosthetics
Module 5: Spinal Orthotics
Practical and Theory Exams
Each module in the Associate program is crowned by exams in theory and practice. Practical exams are organized in the same manner as practical workshops, wit te difference that in exams students independently demonstrate the entire patient management and production process they learned over the course of the semester. Theory exams are written exams organized either onsite or via e-learning platform. Oral exams accompany written exams and are organized online.
Clinical Case Presentations
We implement case presentation as a tool of practical training. Since our students are employed practitioners who normally see patients on a daily basis, they implement the acquired knowledge and skills directly to their daily work with patients. They report on this in form of clinical case presentations which they upload on the e-platform. Case presentations are then read and commented on by peers, and subsequently discussed in live sessions with the whole class, led by the teachers.
Final ISPO Qualification Exam
At the end of the program, a separate final qualification exam in front of an international commission of ISPO examiners is organized. To qualify for this exam, students have to pass all semester exams and complete all obligatory assignments in the program. This exam has a theory and a practical part. Theoretical exam is a written exam, based on knowledge learned throughout the program. Practical exam evaluates practical knowledge and skills in patient management in several P&O areas, in alignment with the ISPO standards.
Students who pass the Final Qualification exam acquire the ISPO certificate and accreditation as Associate Prosthetist/Orthotist.
Entry Requirements
To apply for this program you need to have at least 3 years of practical experience in production of prosthetic and orthotic assistive devices.
You need to have a High School diploma or equivalent educational level obtained in your country or abroad, which must be recognized by the educational authorities of your country (where you live).
You need to be employed at a P&O service provider (hospital, health care center, private or public company, etc.) where you have access to patients and work directly on fabrication of prosthetic and orthotic assistive devices.
Available Languages
Associate Prosthetist/Orthotist program is available in the following languages:
- English
- Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian
- Russian
- French
- Arabic
If you are interested in acquiring this program in a language that is not listed above, please contact us. We are open to changes.
Interested?
If you think this educational program is exactly what you need, please get in touch with us.
