The course offers training in orthopedic technology, starting from the basics in medical science to the evaluation, design, and application of customized medical devices and aids. The attainment of professional skills is implemented through both theoretical and practical training, including the acquisition of behavioral skills.

Training uses strong integration with local, national and international manufacturing through seminars, company visits, workshops and internships. All students carry out a professionalizing training internship.

Freelance practice and employment with private entities, enterprises and companies involved in orthopedic technology, production and marketing of custom-made medical devices.

Contents of the course are the fundamentals of medicine, mechanics, and biomechanics as applied to the functions proper to the orthopedic technician. Such knowledge is useful for acting in a manner consistent with the professional, disciplinary, ethical, and deontological principles of the orthopedic technician profession.

School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
. Via Leon Battista Alberti 4
16132 Genoa

DINOGMI - Neurological Clinic
Largo Paolo Daneo 3
16132 Genoa

1) What work does an Orthopedic Technician graduate do?
. The Orthopedic Technician is the health professional who, in possession of a qualifying degree, upon medical prescription and subsequent testing, carries out with professional autonomy the activity of designing, constructing and/or adapting, applying and supplying prostheses, orthoses and replacement, corrective and support aids for the locomotor apparatus, of a functional and aesthetic nature, of a mechanical type or using external energy or mixed body and external energy, by means of direct measurement and modeling on the patient. Its professional profile is regulated by Ministry of Health Decree No. 665 of September 14, 1994.
 
2) What does a graduate in Orthopedic Techniques not do?
. Medical diagnosis and drug prescription. The degree in Orthopedic Techniques is a three-year degree qualifying for the profession of Orthopedic Technician; therefore, he/she can do this profession and no other.
 
3) What kind of motivations do those who choose to major in Orthopedic Technician have?
. The Orthopedic Technician is a key figure in the patient's rehabilitation project team.

In designing and manufacturing medical devices necessary for functional aid or replacement, the Orthopedic Technician must have the patient's well-being as the main focus. The Orthopedic Technician exercises his or her profession, also in a multi-professional team and in consultation with the referring specialist physicians, in order to plan within the therapeutic/rehabilitation project, the orthoprosthetic plan most suitable for the person assisted and to identify the medical devices and related technical requirements necessary to achieve the set purpose. In addition, the Orthopedic Technician is responsible for the organization, planning, and quality of the procedures implemented in the practice of the profession, whether carried out in health care facilities, public or private, or in a dependent or freelance capacity.
 
4) Where can I find work with a degree in Orthopedic Techniques?
. In private and accredited Orthopedic Workshops and in the National Health Service (NHS)

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5) What types of users does an Orthopedic Technician graduate work with?
. The Orthopedic Technician works with heterogeneous users. From the healthy subject treated, for example, for postural problems, to the orthopedic patient but also neurological, rheumatological and diabetic patients. Interventions can be varied in nature but still aimed at the design, production, and supply of standard and custom-made medical devices.
 
6) In what public agencies can an Orthopedic Technician graduate work?
. Positions are opening up in the National Health Service (NHS) in rehabilitation and prosthetic care facilities. In universities as adjunct professors holding characterizing teaching positions.

 
7) What outlets does an Orthopedic Technician graduate have in the private sector?
. The private sector is the main channel of employment for the Orthopedic Technician. In orthopedic workshops, the Orthopedic Technician can find an outlet in the various areas of device production, from braces to prosthetics to rehabilitation aids.
 
8) What advanced studies can a graduate in Orthopedic Techniques have access to?
. A graduate in Orthopedic Techniques can access first-level master's degree, for further education, and master's degree.
 
9) How likely is a graduate in Orthopedic Techniques to find employment?
. The chances of finding employment are very high, especially in the private sector. Graduates in Orthopedic Techniques are employed one year after graduation at a rate close to 100 percent, and many have the opportunity to have contracts during their studies as well.
 
10) What career opportunities does an Orthopedic Technician graduate have?
. Growth and career opportunities within private facilities.

Director of professionalizing education
. Filippo Allegretti