Associate in Orthopedic Prosthetics and Orthotics
People who have lost their limbs and organs, especially hands, arms and legs, for various reasons are treated with artificial organs called prostheses to function as the lost limbs and organs, and supporting devices called orthoses to be applied in body parts which need support, protection, and correction.
In addition to standard production, prostheses and orthoses can also be custom-produced. These custom-made devices are more suitable for the body, have a higher level of usability, and contribute to quality of life more.
The need to technically and aesthetically design, manufacture, repair, and maintain the prostheses and orthoses prescribed by specialist physicians, as well as in a way that they are durable and comfortable for patients, in turn, creates the need for health technologists who have the required medical background and are equipped with technical knowledge.
The Programme of Orthopaedic Prosthetics and Orthotics aims to educate qualified prospective technologists who can use the mechanical and technological tools and devices in their field and have the knowledge and skills to prepare the prostheses and orthoses in accordance with the patients’ prescriptions.
Program Specific Requirements
- None.
Learning Outcomes
- This Programme aims to educate prospective health professionals who can produce supportive devices (orthoses) to make the life easier for the patients with musculoskeletal disorders originating from various reasons, the prostheses patients losing a part or all of their limbs need, ocular prostheses, and epitheses (otic, nasal, and facial prostheses).
Career Opportunities
- Graduates awarded with the title Health Technologist can work in the data processing centres of the outpatient and inpatient clinics at public and private inpatient/outpatient health facilities reporting to the Turkish Ministry of Health, as well as in prostheses and orthoses manufacturing and application workshops, orthopaedics inpatient clinics, and plaster rooms. Depending on their Public Personnel Selection Examination (KPSS) scores, they can be appointed as Health Technicians (Orthopaedic Prosthesis or Orthosis Technologists). Alternatively, they can open their private workshops, i.e. “Private Prostheses and Orthoses Manufacturing and Application Centres”.
- If they pass the Vertical Transfer Examination (DGS) administered by the Centre for Assessment, Selection and Placement (ÖSYM), graduates conferred with an associate degree can transfer to the 4-year degree programmes of Biomedical Engineering, and Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation.