Orthopaedic Technology is the discipline concerned with the measurement, design and manufacture of appliances or equipment to facilitate the mobility of man. The Bachelor Course of Orthopaedics combines technology and healthcare.
Within the Bachelor two specializations are offered:
Orthopaedic Engineering,
Orthopaedic shoe technology and sports rehabilitation.
Orthopaedic Technology focuses on pro-and orthesiologie for the whole body. Orthopaedic shoe technology focuses on orthopaedic footwear.
Course structure
The First year of the Orthopaedic Technology training is followed at Fontys Paramedical University of Applied Sciences in Eindhoven. During this year, medical subjects, technical subjects and orientation projects are collectively offered as a solid base for the rest of the course. During practical sessions, the theory applied by means of measuring and test setups. Students also work on assignments which offer an orientation on the disciplines orthopaedic technology and orthopaedic shoe technology. These study units are being executed on a project basis. By working on projects students are taught to cooperate and communicate. The results of these projects are recorded in a report and a presentation.
In the first year, students follow two short internships of 3 days each (with an orthopaedic company and with an orthopaedic shoe technology company). At the end of the first year, the choice of specialization in orthopaedic technology or orthopaedic shoe technology is made.
The second academic year takes place at the Katholieke Hogeschool Kempen in Geel. This year elaborates the application of the basic techniques learned in the first year. This year is also a year where much attention is given to the practical works in measuring and manufacturing products.
The third year is again followed at the Paramedische Hogeschool Fontys in Eindhoven. This year includes an internship next to theory classes. Also much attention is given to cases and working with real clients. This academic year the student is following a minor.
The course itself offers a minor in Advances and Integrated Podiatry and Orthopaedic Technology (AIPOT). The fourth year is graduation year. In this year one of the key elements is a practical internship at a company in the Orthopaedic (footwear) work field. In addition, the student performs a practical research, which is recorded in a report and orally presented and defended.
