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Inherent Course Requirements for the Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics course.

There are a number of clinical and applied subjects within the Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics which are essential components for the degree and which require specific physical abilities. These physical abilities are common to subjects across all years of the course.

In order to complete the Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics, students must:

1) Have eyesight sufficient to:

• Observe the function of patients in order to prescribe an appropriate prosthetic or orthotic device.
• Observe the function of patients in order to adjust a device to optimise patient function.
• Take measurements from instruments during patient assessment sessions.
• Manipulate hand and power tools in fabrication and adjustment of prosthetic and orthotic devices.

2) Have sufficient upper limb function to:

• Take measurements and casts of patients' limbs and trunk.
• Use hand and power tools to fabricate and modify prosthetic and orthotic devices in a manner which is safe for both the student and others sharing the workplace.

3) Be able to work in a standing position. Many of the machines in the workshops of the Health Sciences Clinic require an upright working posture. Machines could be redesigned to allow work by seated operators but this would inconvenience other students who also have to work in a seated posture. There is insufficient room within the workshop to safely incorporate additional machines for work in a seated posture.

4) Have verbal skills sufficient to explain treatments to patients and to request specific inforamtion about the fit and function of prosthetic and orthotic devices.

In the event that students acquire disabilities during the course or suffer from degenerative conditions which result in progressive impairment, such that they are unable to perform to the standards outlined above, it is possible that arrangements could be made to enable completion of the course. However it is unlikely that graduates who do not have the above abilities would be able to obtain employment as prosthetic and orthotic clinicians. It would be necessary to consider such cases on an individual basis and to work with these students to determine the most appropriate educational directions.

Last Updated February 15 2001