Diplomirani ortotik in protetik (vs)/diplomirana ortotičarka in protetičarka (vs)

The qualification holder will be able to:
(general competences)

• observe moral/ethical principles and values,
• communicate information on the hygienic and technical state of the external and internal environment that affects human health; make suggestions and participate in the promotion of health,
• communicate orally and in writing within own professional field,
• communicate with professionals from own and other professions,
• work in an interdisciplinary team,
• undertake research in education and training in the orthotics and prosthetics field.
• demonstrate knowledge of technical terminology,
• make decisions autonomously,
• demonstrate self-criticism and critical judgement,
• arrive at professional conclusions,
• acquire and manage information and assess it critically,
• analyse, synthesise, manage and anticipate solutions and the consequences of events in the fields of rehabilitation, application, fabrication and social medicine activities,
• integrate knowledge and understanding in a professional manner,
• resolve problems in narrower and broader contexts (multidisciplinary team),
• participate in research in own field,
• integrate theory and practice, 
• demonstrate knowledge of the scientific and theoretical foundations of the profession,
• demonstrate the ability to learn independently,
• use information and communication technologies in the O&P field,
• demonstrate responsibility for own learning and awareness of the importance of lifelong learning,
• demonstrate knowledge of the content and methods of O&P,
• undertake autonomous work after conclusion of the programme,
• obtain new knowledge in own field and monitor the development of the profession, 
• communicate in a foreign language,
• adapt to new situations,

(subject-specific competences)

• understand the anatomical, physiological and pathological states of the locomotor system,
• participate as a member of a clinical team; occupy a position in the inspection and prescription of a technical device and give advice on the implementation of an orthosis/prosthesis, application and rehabilitation,
• provide assistance, observations and advice during appropriate inspections with regard to the preoperative, postoperative, medical and therapeutic management of an individual's needs in the case of prosthetic and orthopaedic devices,
• record and report to the rehabilitation team or colleagues on information regarding the patient's condition and family and formulate an opinion with regard to expectations and needs,
• communicate appropriately with the patient and the patient's family members,
• recognise significant clinical characteristics of the patient,
• formulate a prosthetic or orthotics design and select materials, components and technical devices,
• take a negative and carry out the measurements necessary for the fabrication and application of a technical device,
• modify the positive, the negative and the shape in order to ensure the optimal point of application and positioning of the orthosis/prosthesis,
• demonstrate knowledge of biomechanics of an orthosis/prosthesis and its function,
• carry out static and dynamic regulation; when necessary carry out preliminary training and the initial inspection,
• fabrication or supervision of fabrication of orthosis/prosthesis,
• provide advice in a team and participate as an equal member in the final inspection and evaluation of the functions of the device,
• instruct the patient or his/her family members on the correct application, use and maintenance of the device,
• participate in subsequent procedures and in the maintenance, repair and replacement of the technical device,
• recognise the need to repeat any of the above procedures/functions for the optimisation, adaptation and improvement of function,
• cooperate and consult with other colleagues involved in the patient's care and rehabilitation,
• supervise the work of subordinates,
• carry out assigned clinical and laboratory activities,
• use and maintain devices and equipment,
• maintain a safe working environment and procedures,
• supervise inventory and stocks,
• deal with staff problems,
• manage and control finances,
• store data suitably,
• ensure quality,
• purchase tools to increase productivity,
• cooperate with professional groups and with governmental and non-governmental organisations,
• participate in the planning and implementation of the healthcare system in the field of orthopaedic technology,
• supervise and provide education,
• give lectures and demonstrations to colleagues other professionals from the orthopaedic field and other interested groups,
• take part in the process of professional development,
• follow developments in the fields of orthotics and prosthetics,
• make a professional contribution with own knowledge and participate in the rehabilitation programme community,
• perform ongoing evaluation of own activities,
• participate in evaluation and research programmes,
• attend scientific/professional meetings, write and publish articles in professional journals.