Orthotist-Prosthetist

The orthotist-prosthetist’s work consist of designing, manufacturing and fitting of prostheses, splints, and orthoses such as callipers for the legs, surgical footwear, trusses and surgical cosetry. The orthotist- prosthetist is a member of the rehabilitation team and enables people suffering from disabilities to live as normally as possible.

 Job Characteristics

• Interpreting the surgeon’s prescription by taking precise measurement, making traces from the patient’s body and making plaster casts.



• Creating orthosis/prostheses that are both well-fitting and functional by examining the disability and modifying positive plaster forms which will serve as models until both the patient and the orthotist-prosthetist are fully satisfied with the results.



• Working with leather to cover all types of appliances, making leather belts and suspension straps.



• Welding, working with a variety of steels and undertaking minor fitting-and-turning, spray-painting, panel-beating and woodwork.



• Providing rehabilitative (prosthesis) and curative (orthotics) services to the public.



• Manufacturing surgical footwear for patients with deformities, such as club-feet.



• Prosthesis - biomedical appliance which replaces a limb, or part of the limb, eg, arm, leg, breast, etc..



• Orthosis - biomedical appliance that is used to support the weakened body part. Normally the body part is present, but is weak, or because of illness cannot perform normally.

Requirements
 
Secondary Education
Possession of at least a HIGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, is required to be admitted to the Technikon Pretoria. A valid first aid certificate is also required. Candidates undergo a strict selection procedure.
 
Compulsory subjects
Physical Science and Biology (South Africa)

Recommended subjects
Mathematics and Technical Drawing (South Africa)
 
Tertiary Education
The N. Dip.: Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics is offered by the Technikon Pretoria. The course’s duration is three years (three semesters formal training and three semesters of practical training at an institution approved by the HPCSA).

A student has to complete a one-year internship at an approved centre and then register with the HPCSA in order to practice as an orthotist-prosthetist.
 
The following degree courses are also offered by the University of Tumaini, Tanzania: B. Sc. and M. Sc. Prosthetics and Orthotics, B. Sc. Bioengineering, as well as a doctorate in this field.
 
Formal training is currently not offered in Namibia. To practice in Namibia, however, professionals have to be registered by the MHSS in terms of the Allied Health Services Professions Act.

Personality
The prospective candidate should have a marked mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, good eyesight and good interpersonal and communication skills. He/she must also have a sound medical background, be psychologically well adjusted and sympathetic in dealing with physically disabled or handicapped people.

Work Opportunities
Orthotist-prosthetists are employed by the Ministry of Health and Social Services and private and educational institutions. They can also start their own practices if sufficient experience has been gained. Job prospects for qualified orthotist-prosthetists in Namibia are good as there is currently a demand for them in the country.

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