Information for prospective student

1. Contents of the course

Prosthetist - Orthotist adjusting a prosthesis for her patient

This course is based upon ISPO (International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics) recommendations and includes subjects that will be necessary to become a well-rounded health professional. All classes are given in English.

Some of the subjects include:
♦ Prosthetic care (assessment, production, fitting, training)
♦ Orthotic care (assessment, production, fitting, training)
♦ Anatomy, Biomechanics, Biology, Mathematics, etc.
♦ Psychology including Communication skills

2. Curriculum outline

Prosthetist - Orthotist manufacturing a orthosis in a workshop

♦ The semester starts at the beginning of October and ends in September every year.
♦ Students will complete 5,000 hours of study in three years.
♦ Students have to pass numerous tests, both written and practical, during each module. At the end of each module the students must pass an oral exam.
♦ In the final year, students have 1,000 hours of work with disabled people in our rehabilitation centre, under the supervision of lecturing staff.
♦ A representative of ISPO participates in the examination board for the final examinations.

3. Number of students

We accept 12 - 14 students each year.

4. Prerequisite for student enrolment

CSPO provides equal opportunity for female and disabled students

As criteria, you need to have the following:
♦ Baccalaureate (high school graduate level) / 12 years of formal education
♦ Good working knowledge of English (TOFEL score of 350 recommended)
♦ Commitment to become a Prosthetist-Orthotist and to assist disabled people
♦ Good understanding of biology, mathematics and /or physics is important
♦ Strong communication and team skills (as students come from different cultures)

Inclusive Policy: CSPO encourages women to train in prosthetics and orthotics. Unless rehabilitation centres have female staff, many women and girls will not receive services. In Cambodia, the goal is to have at least one female prosthetist-orthotist in each rehabilitation centre across the country. The school also encourages disabled people to enroll in the programme.

5. Support for students at risk of not successfully completing the programme

CSPO has a system in place to identify and assist students at risk. This system is intended to encourage students and ensure that as many students as possible complete the course. Staff members and senior students are assigned to assist the student.

6. Life style

Students live in accommodation located above the school. In this way students can have more time to study and learn from each other. If students have problems regarding their life or study at the school they can raise their concerns through the Students' Association.

7. Employment prospects

A Sri Lankan graduate working at a local NGO in Sri Lanka. Fitting a prosthesis for a woman who lost her leg as a result of the Tsunami

Graduates will be recognized internationally as Prosthetist-Orthotists (ISPO Category II).

Cambodian graduates work in the Physical Rehabilitation Centres run by the Cambodia Trust and other organisations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and Handicap International. In addition, many of CSPO's graduates have progressed to teaching or managerial positions, where their skills and knowledge can be passed to others.

International students will return to their home countries to play vital roles in developing their national prosthetics and orthotics services.

8. How to apply the course?

+++ If you are a Cambodian student:
We place an advertisement for prospective students around Feb/Mar each year.

+++ For international students:
CSPO passes the criteria to their governments or other organisations responsible for the selection. Following the criteria they choose the students and send them to us.