ORTHOPEDIC PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS

Program Educational Objective: Students in the Orthopedic Prosthetics and Orthotics Program at Istanbul Gelişim University School of Health Services Vocational School graduate as qualified healthcare professionals capable of participating in orthotics and prosthetics production and casting processes.

1. To train technicians who are proficient in biomechanical and anatomical principles and can design and produce prosthetic and orthotic devices that are fully tailored to the patient's needs, maximize functionality and comfort, and comply with standards, using state-of-the-art materials and production techniques.

2. To train technicians who ensure the correct adaptation of the prosthesis/orthosis to the patient, perform the static and dynamic adjustments of the device, and comprehensively educate the patient and their family on the use, maintenance, and hygiene of the device and manage this process.

3. To train technicians who can correctly perform all orthopedic technical procedures requiring first aid and treatment, such as plaster casting, splinting, bandaging, and traction for fractures, dislocations, and sprains in a hospital setting (including emergency rooms and outpatient clinics), at a pace appropriate to the patient's condition and under sterile conditions.

4. To train technicians who adhere strictly to professional ethical principles and patient rights, can communicate effectively across disciplines as part of the healthcare team, and aim to continuously improve themselves by keeping abreast of scientific and technological developments in their field.

The global technological transformation is reshaping the healthcare sector, particularly the discipline of Orthopedic Prosthetics and Orthotics. Today, the sedentary lifestyle and nutritional imbalances brought about by digitalization are causing an increase in musculoskeletal deformities, while ongoing regional conflicts are directly affecting the number of individuals with disabilities due to traumatic limb loss. These socio-demographic changes are raising the use of prosthetics and orthotics to a strategic level, both for individuals in need of rehabilitation and for the healthy population seeking to optimize their quality of life.

The future of the profession is intertwined with innovations such as smart prosthetics, biomechanical sensors, and 3D production technologies. This technological evolution is increasing the demand for qualified personnel working as “Health Technicians” in public hospitals or specializing in the private sector. This field, which is also open to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, will be at the top of the health agenda in the coming years in terms of restoring individuals' freedom of movement and raising the living standards of society.

The staff of Orthopedic Prosthesis and Orthotics technicians are in hospitals as Health Technicians. There is also a need for trained personnel in private workplaces operating in this field. In addition, professionals have the opportunity to open their own business. Since it is a branch that constantly develops and renews itself with technological development, the need for trained personnel in this field is increasing.

Orthopedic Prosthesis and Orthotics can be a suitable choice for people who have strong empathy skills, high communication skills, who are interested in technological developments in the field of health and have the ability to research and have high manual skills.