Prosthetics & Orthotics - Bachelor of Science (BSc)
The BSc in Prosthetics and Orthotics is offered by the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College (KCM-College), Tumaini University. The course is intended to enrol students from Tanzania and other English speaking African countries as well as other interested countries.
BSc Course, 4th Year, Orthotic rectification
The BSc in Prosthetics and Orthotics is composed of a broad range of theoretical and other subjects including physical and clinical assessment and examination of patients with neuromuscular and skeletal deficiencies. It also includes design of prosthetic and orthotic components as well as the prescription, fabrication, fitting and alignment of the full range of orthopaedic devices available. The clinical practice in the course includes the clinical examination and evaluation of individual patients in order to prescribe and deliver the appropriate prosthesis or orthosis to each individual.
Entry qualifications and other requirements
The course has a capacity to admit a maximum of 10 students each academic year. To qualify for admission to the BSc in Prosthetics and Orthotics, the applicants should meet one of the following requirements:
- An Advanced Level Form VI Certificate (ACSE) with at least principal passes (i.e. not lower than 4 points) in any three of the science subjects:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Mathematics
- A qualification equivalent to the above from an institution recognised by the KCM-College
- A Diploma in Orthopaedic Technology from an ISPO approved and recognised institution provided the applicant has obtained distinction (i.e. B Grade or above) in Mathematics, Mechanics, Biomechanics, Pathology and Prosthetics and Orthotics.
In addition to meeting the above criteria all candidates will be required to pass an entry examination and an interview.
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 Degree.
Application dates: Applications should be submitted to the Dean of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine by the 31st January of the year of entry. Late applications will normally be considered for the following academic year.
Course objectives
The broad objectives of the BSc in Prosthetics and Orthotics are to provide the graduate with:
- A high level of competence in prosthetics and orthotics clinical practice
- The practical skills and knowledge necessary to meet the needs of the disabled population.
- The knowledge and skills necessary to respond and adapt to the advances in science and technology in order to meet the demands of differing environmental, social , cultural and economic conditions.
- The ability to develop designs and fabrication procedures for orthopaedic appliances suitable for different types of physical disabilities.
- The motivation and capacity to carry out training and educational activities in technical orthopaedics.
- An understanding of professional ethics and an appreciation of the individual social, cultural, psychological and economic factors which may influence the process of rehabilitation.
- A clear concept of the role and responsibilities of the Prosthetist and Orthotist towards patients, colleagues and the clinical team.
- A good knowledge of managing, coordinating and supervising the activities of technical staff such as orthopaedic technologists, orthopaedic technicians, bench workers and other auxiliary staff.
- A detailed understanding of the management and delivery of the prosthetics and orthotics service.
Course duration and subjects
The duration of the course for the BSc in Prosthetics and Orthotics is four years 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 compulsory subjects are as follows:
| Subject | First year | 2nd Year | 3rd Year | 4th Year | Total (hours) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sem 1 | Sem 2 | Sem 3 | Sem 4 | Sem 5 | Sem 6 | Sem 7 | Sem 8 | ||
| P&O Science: Practical | 359 | 405 | 254 | 315 | 344 | 270 | 374 | 308 | 2,629 |
| Anatomy and Physiology | 30 | 45 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | - | - | 195 |
| Biomechanics & Mechanics | 45 | 60 | 45 | 60 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 390 |
| P&O Science: Theory | 45 | 60 | 30 | 30 | 45 | 45 | 30 | 36 | 321 |
| Technology in P&O | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | - | - | - | - | 120 |
| Engineering Design | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | - | - | 180 |
| Computer Science | - | - | 30 | 30 | - | - | - | - | 60 |
| Statistics & Mathematics | - | - | 30 | 45 | - | - | - | - | 75 |
| Electro-Technology | - | - | 30 | 30 | 15 | 15 | - | - | 90 |
| Pathology | - | - | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 180 |
| Clin&W/shop Management | - | - | - | - | - | - | 30 | 30 | 60 |
| Research Project | - | - | - | - | - | 30 | - | 135 | 165 |
| Patient Evaluation | - | - | - | - | - | - | 30 | - | 30 |
| Clinical/Field Attachment | - | - | - | - | - | 135 | - | - | 135 |
| Examination Revision | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 280 |
| Semester Examination | 35 | 70 | 35 | 70 | 35 | 70 | 35 | 119 | 469 |
| Total | 609 | 735 | 609 | 735 | 609 | 735 | 609 | 738 | 5,379 |
Opportunities for patient contact and timetabled clinical experience are provided during the first three years of the BSc course. This clinical work is fully supervised and timetabled and provides the opportunity for the student to have clinical experience with patients who have a range of medical conditions and disabilities requiring prosthetic and orthotic treatment. This patient contact takes place in KCMC Orthopaedic Workshop and Clinic which is situated adjacent to TATCOT. A further clinical attachment for a 2½ week period is arranged at an approved clinical setting outside KCMC in the 4th year.
Exemptions
Exemption from attending a particular course of study may be granted subject to satisfying the necessary requirements. A request must be submitted to the relevant University Academic Board. Candidates exempted this way will be credited for the course.
The KCM-College of Tumaini University may grant exemption of the equivalent of 1 year of some of the clinical content of the course by recognising an ISPO accredited Category-II course of study offered by another University (e.g. the Diploma in Orthopaedic Technology offered by the University of Dar es Salaam) followed by a period of clinical work. In such cases the duration of the course is reduced to 3 years.
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 yearly 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:
| (a) Money payable to the college | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 |
| Application fee | 30.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Registration fee | 60.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Identity card fee | 10.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Medical capitation | 110.00 | 110.00 | 110.00 | 110.00 |
| Tuition fee | 3,360.00 | 3,360.00 | 3,360.00 | 3,360.00 |
| Special Faculty Need (e.g. white coats, goggles, theatre attire) fee | 2,280.00 | 2,280.00 | 2,280.00 | 2,280.00 |
| Seminars, Conferences fee | 75.00 | 75.00 | 75.00 | 75.00 |
| Field Study fee | 0.00 | 0.00 | 400.00 | 0.00 |
| Examination fee | 150.00 | 150.00 | 150.00 | 150.00 |
| Graduation ceremony fee | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 100.00 |
| Students union fee | 20.00 | 20.00 | 20.00 | 20.00 |
| ICT - facilitation fee | 30.00 | 30.00 | 30.00 | 30.00 |
| Research project | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1,000.00 |
| Resident permit | 500.00 | 0.00 | 500.00 | 0.00 |
| Caution Money | 30.00 | 30.00 | 30.00 | 30.00 |
| Sub-Total | 6,655.00 | 6,055.00 | 6,955.00 | 7,155.00 |
| (b) Stipend to be paid to the student | ||||
| Accommodation | 2,000.00 | 2,000.00 | 2,000.00 | 2,000.00 |
| Meals money | 1,600.00 | 1,600.00 | 1,600.00 | 1,600.00 |
| Pocket money | 400.00 | 400.00 | 400.00 | 400.00 |
| Stationery | 100.00 | 100.00 | 100.00 | 100.00 |
| Special skills equipment (e.g. stethoscopes, BP machines, tendon hammers, diagnostic kits) | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Books | 200.00 | 200.00 | 200.00 | 200.00 |
| Sub-Total | 4,300.00 | 4,800.00 | 4,300.00 | 4,300.00 |
| Grand Total | 10,955.00 | 10,855.00 | 11,255.00 | 11,455.00 |
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.
Application
Application is through Central Admission System.Click to apply through TCU-CAS
SHORT COURSE 2023/24