Certificate Course in Lower Limb Prosthetic Technology

The Certificate course in Lower Limb Prosthetic Technology was established in 1994 at the request of the World Health Organisation (WHO). The course is intended to enrol students from Tanzania and other English speaking African countries as well as other interested countries.

Entry qualifications and other requirements

To qualify for admission to the course, the applicant must possess either:

An O-level Form IV Certificate or equivalent with at least three credit passes in any of the science subjects:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Mathematics

Engineering subjects offered at technical secondary school are also acceptable as a third credit.

or

An O-level Form IV Certificate with not less than two years practical experience in an Orthopaedic Workshop. Such candidates must pass an entry Examination set by TATCOT in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Tanzania.

Other requirements

Age: 18 years and above

Sex: Both Male and Female candidates are eligible to join the course.

Health: Candidates must possess a medical certificate indicating that he/she is mentally and physically fit to undertake the course

Language: Medium of communication is English. Candidates must exhibit competence in written and spoken English

Certification: Successful candidates must present their original Birth Certificate, Secondary School Certificate and/or other relevant Certificates as a pre-requisite for admission to the course.

Photographs: Students should present (12) passport size photographs for their Resident Permit, Identity Card, Registration, Academic Transcript and Certificate.

Application dates: Applications should be submitted to the Principal, TATCOT by the 30th April of the year of entry.

• Candidates must confirm their place to the Principal in writing not later than 31st May.
• Late applications will normally be considered for the following academic year.

Course description and objectives

The Certificate Course in Lower Limb Prosthetic Technology comprises theoretical, laboratory and clinical practice. The clinical practice includes the clinical examination and evaluation of individual patients in order to prescribe and deliver the appropriate lower limb prosthesis to that patient.

The broad objectives of the one-year certificate course in Lower Limb Prosthetic Technology are to provide the graduates with:

• A clear concept of the role and responsibilities of Lower Limb Prosthetic Technologists towards patients, colleagues and the clinical team
• A good level of theoretical knowledge and practical competency to safely and efficiently carry out their professional duties in providing the most common lower limb prosthetic devices to people with amputation of the lower limb;
• A knowledge of the application of locally available materials and the adaptation of technology to suit different social and environmental conditions;
• The ability to operate and maintain the tools, machines and equipment used in a prosthetics or technical orthopaedics department

Course duration and subjects

The duration of the course for the Certificate in Lower Limb Prosthetic Technology is one year commencing in October each year. The teaching year comprises 42 weeks of study with approximately 35 teaching hours in each week.

During the course the student will undertake both theoretical subjects and practical and clinical training. The core subjects are as follows:

During the course there is an opportunity for patient contact and clinical experience at KCMC Orthopaedic workshop which is situated adjacent to TATCOT. This consists of fully supervised and timetabled clinical experience with patients who have a range of medical conditions and disabilities requiring lower limb prosthetic treatment.

After a successful completion of the course, each candidate must complete a minimum of 6 months supervised prosthetics clinical attachment in an approved Orthopaedic Workshop in Tanzania. This clinical attachment is supervised by a fully qualified Orthopaedic Technologists, Prosthetist or Prosthetist/Orthotist as is appropriate.

A balanced and comprehensive programme as outlined by TATCOT is followed during this period of orthotics clinical attachment.

The final Certificate in Lower Limb Prosthetic Technology will only be issued after confirmation from the supervisor of successful completion of the clinical attachment.

Course fees

The course fees should be paid in US$ or equivalent directly to the Bank and Account Number indicated on the letter of admission to the course. The year's course fees should be paid in total before the beginning of the course, or in 2 instalments by special arrangement. The course fees for foreign students in US$ are as follows:

The monthly allowances or stipend for students during the period of the course will depend on their parents or sponsoring agencies. However, it is suggested that the foreign student's monthly allowances should be sufficient to cover food, pocket money and other daily expenses.

The student will be required to deposit US$20 (non-Tanzanian) and T Shs 3,000 (Tanzanian) at the beginning of the course against the equipment issued at the beginning of the course. This deposit will be refunded at the end of the course upon return of the equipment.

There are accommodation possibilities in the campus and in Moshi, see our section "Facilities and Accommodation" on this Website.

Non-Tanzanian students should possess all the necessary travelling documents including a valid visa from the Tanzanian High Commissioner or Embassy in their respective countries and a valid passport for the duration of the course before departing to Tanzania. The return air ticket and other travelling costs have to be met by the sponsoring Institution or Agency.

Institutions or individual candidates interested to join the course should seek recommendations of sponsorship.

College Regulations Students are required to abide by the laid down regulations and By-laws of the College during their whole period of study. There are general and academic regulations as outlined by College. These regulations and By-laws will be given to the students on the date of reporting to the College.

Application form

Download the application form (PDF-document, 9 pages, 24KB)

Information Flyer

Download the Flyer for the LLOT and LLPT Courses (PDF-document, 2 pages, 337 KB)