PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM

To train people who have lost their arms and legs for various reasons, with prostheses that can replace the functions of the limb in question, and health technicians who are competent to make durable, aesthetic and functional orthoses for the purposes of reducing pain, increasing function, immobilizing, correcting and supporting in pathologies related to the musculoskeletal and nervous system.

TITLE

Those who complete the program are given an associate degree diploma and the title of Health Technician in the field of Orthopedic Prosthesis-Orthotics.
Orthopedic Prosthesis Orthotics technician training is carried out in various European countries with training programs starting from 6 months and extending up to 2 years. This training, which was started 34 years ago in our country, is in the form of a 2-year associate degree program and is aimed at gaining a profession.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

Orthopedic Prosthesis Orthotics Technician is the person who works in the production of artificial limbs (prostheses) that will perform the functions of these organs in case of loss of limbs such as hand, arm, foot, leg, or orthoses applied to body parts that need to be functionally supported, protected and corrected for any reason. He is responsible for tasks such as taking measurements from the patient for prosthesis-orthotics, processing the obtained measurement model, and making biomechanical adjustments for the prosthesis or orthosis.

DURATION AND CONTENT OF TRAINING

Orthopedic Prosthesis and orthotics program; students take intensive theoretical and practical courses during their two-year associate degree education, and do internships in the first and second grades.

There are 88 ECTS compulsory and 32 ECTS elective courses in the program, including common compulsory courses. In the program, the rate of elective courses within the department is 15%, while the rate of non-departmental courses is 10%.

Job opportunities and work areas of graduates,

Graduates can work in public, private and university hospitals that have Prosthesis-Orthotics ateliers and in their own private workshops. They can personally measure and make arm and leg prostheses, body corsets, short and long walking devices, foot supports and similar auxiliary devices. Since it is a branch that constantly develops and renews itself with technological development, the need for personnel in this field is increasing.

Vertical Transfer Opportunities

Those who successfully complete the associate degree program are successful in the Vertical Transfer Exam (DGS) conducted by ÖSYM;
They can transfer vertically to Biomedical Engineering, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Orthotics-Prosthetics undergraduate programs.

ISSUES THAT PROSTHESIS – ORTHETICS TECHNICIANS WILL CONSIDER IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES

• Must have the knowledge to make prostheses and orthotics.
• Prosthesis - orthosis should not be applied to an undiagnosed patient.
• It should be known that the doctor or physiotherapist will decide on the prosthesis and orthosis decision.
• It should be known that rehabilitation studies are necessary before and after prosthesis and orthotic applications and that rehabilitation applications should be done by physiotherapists.
• They should know that prosthesis-orthotics application is a part of rehabilitation practices, and prosthesis-orthotics technicians are members of the rehabilitation team.
• Since they usually have to work in a workshop environment, they must comply with the working rules required by the workshop environment.
• It should not discriminate between patients.
• Prosthesis - orthosis applications that will harm the patient should be avoided.
• Must know the principles of occupational health and safety.
• They should behave ethically, be respectful and provide information exchange in professional and interprofessional relations.

PROSTHESIS-ORTHETICS TECHNICIAN JOB DESCRIPTION
Prosthesis-Orthotics technician, graduated from colleges providing associate degree education in the field of prosthesis-orthotics; is a healthcare professional who can make durable, aesthetic and functional orthoses for people who have lost their arms and legs for various reasons, with prostheses that can replace the limb and its functions, and for the purposes of reducing pain, increasing function, immobilizing, correcting and supporting in pathologies related to the musculoskeletal and nervous system. Prosthesis-Orthotics technicians work together with physicians and physiotherapists related to the subject.

DUTIES, AUTHORITIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

It works in the construction of artificial organs (prostheses) that will perform the functions of these organs in the event of loss of limbs such as hands, arms, feet, legs or auxiliary devices (orthoses) applied to the body parts that need to be functionally supported, protected and corrected for any reason.

• He is responsible for taking measurements from the patient, processing the obtained measurement model, casting, setting-fixing, saddlery and finishing for prosthesis-orthosis production.
• Responsible for the durability, quality and compliance with biomechanical principles of prostheses and orthoses that are requested to be made with a prescription.
• Must have the knowledge to make prostheses and orthotics.
• He has to send his patient to a physiotherapist in order to carry out rehabilitation studies before and after prosthesis and orthotics applications.
• Rehabilitation team should work in harmony with its members.
• Since they usually have to work in a workshop environment, they have to comply with the working rules required by the workshop environment.
• Determines the materials required for the workshop and informs the responsible person.
• They must comply with ethical principles during their practices.
• Prosthesis-orthosis applications that will harm the patient should be avoided.
• Responsible for providing a safe and secure workshop environment.
• It has to pay attention to the concept of respect in professional and interprofessional relations.
• Participates in activities such as training courses, seminars and congresses in order to follow professional developments.
• Keeps all kinds of records related to the task for which he is responsible. Declares when requested.