Course outline
The course is a three-year, full-time diploma and students will study about 4,600 hours. During the first two years, students undertake practical and academic training. Subjects covered include prosthetics, orthotics, anatomy, pathology, physiology, psychology, etc. These subjects are recommended by ISPO (International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics) and necessarily to become a well-rounded health professional.
All classes are taught in English because of the unique variety of different ethnic groups. 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 will undertake 900 hours of clinical placement, under the supervision of lecturing staff.
ISPO / WHO guideline
SLSPO is aiming to get a Category II accreditation from ISPO (International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics). SLSPO is transferring an excellent educational model from the CSPO (Cambodian School of Prosthetics and Orthotics). SLSPO is building upon that base, and is developing in-house training manuals, all of which are based upon the guidelines published by ISPO and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The guidelines are created for the training of personnel in developing countries for Prosthetics and Orthotics Services. Training institutions such as SLSPO who follow these guidelines can offer themselves for inspection and for accreditation as an ISPO Category II centre for education.
How to apply
SLSPO places an advertisement for prospective students around February each year. The course starts in the beginning of May. Up to 15 students are selected each year from different areas of the island, based upon various criteria and conditions. The school selects students by their CVs as well as personal interview with the director.
Qualifications
Candidates should meet the following criteria;
G.C.E.(O/L) Qualifications
> In 6 subjects in not more than 2 sittings with credit passes in General Science, Mathematics, English and Sinhala or Tamil.
G.C.E.(A/L) Qualifications
> A pass in at least 3 subjects in teh Science stream in one sitting with a credit pass for Physics
> A strong commitment to working with and for people with disability
> A willingness to serve in any part of the island
Age
> Candidates must be aged between 18 and 30 year old at the begnning of the three-year course.
Language
> The course is taught in English medium
Places on the course will be detemined by academic standards and on interview performance