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Course Outline

HLT302 Prosthetics and Orthotics Practicum

Course Coordinator:Jane Paul (jpaul1@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Public Health

2026Trimester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to unisc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This advanced supervised practice course enables you to demonstrate entry-level competencies in both simulated and clinical environments. You will complete 2 x 7-week fulltime placement blocks in Prosthetics and Orthotics practice, gaining exposure and experience in a variety of clinical environments (at least 2 sites). Throughout the course, you will demonstrate your competence through simulated and real-world activities and compile a professional portfolio of evidence showcasing your skills and achievements.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Independent structured learning materials, weekly over the course of 18 weeks. 4hrs Week 1 18 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Tutorial/Workshop 4hrs Exam Period 3 times
Placement – Placement - minimum 512 hours. 512hrs Week 1 Once Only
Tutorial/Workshop 2 – Cohort debrief session 1hr Week 2 4 times

Course Topics

  1. Application and integration of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and professional attitudes to the placement setting.
  2. Assessment of client, discussion of proposed intervetions, fabrication and fitting of device, assessment of outcomes.
  3. Building a graduate ePortfolio.

 

 

What level is this course?

300 Level (Graduate)

Demonstrating coherence and breadth or depth of knowledge and skills. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Meeting professional requirements and AQF descriptors for the degree. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory or developing knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally undertaken in the third or fourth full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

36 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * The Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association
1 Exemplify professional conduct and values in various clinical and non-clinical settings abiding by UniSC student code of conduct and professional association ethical standards. Engaged 
1.1.1, 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3, 5.2.4, 5.3.1, 5.3.2, 5.3.3
2 Integrate theoretical and practical attitudes, knowledge, and skills to competently undertake the role of a prosthetic/orthotic student in the placement setting Engaged 
1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 1.1.8, 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3, 1.2.4, 1.3.1, 1.3.2, 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.2.1, 2.3.1, 2.3.2, 2.3.3, 2.3.4, 2.3.5, 2.3.6, 2.3.7, 2.3.8, 2.4.1, 2.4.2, 2.4.3, 2.4.4, 2.4.5, 2.4.6, 2.5.1, 2.5.2, 2.5.3, 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.4, 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3, 5.2.4, 5.3.1, 5.3.2, 5.3.3, 6.1.1, 6.1.2
3 Assess and adhere to the ethical, legislative, and funding requirements in relation to the provision of quality prosthetic and orthotic care Ethical 
2.5.1, 2.5.2, 2.5.3, 3.2.2, 4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.4, 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3, 5.2.4, 5.3.1, 5.3.2, 5.3.3
4 Develop and justify a complete client-centred care plan, including assessment and intervention design, using evidence-based methods and reasoning Engaged 
1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 1.1.8, 1.3.1, 1.3.2, 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.2.1, 2.3.1, 2.3.2, 2.3.3, 2.3.4, 2.3.5, 2.3.6, 2.3.7, 2.3.8, 2.4.1, 2.4.2, 2.4.3, 2.4.4, 2.4.5, 2.4.6, 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2, 5.2.1, 6.2.1, 6.2.2, 6.2.3, 6.2.5
5 Demonstrate entry-level graduate practice based on AOPA Competency Standards. Engaged 
1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 1.1.8, 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3, 1.2.4, 1.3.1, 1.3.2, 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.2.1, 2.3.1, 2.3.2, 2.3.3, 2.3.4, 2.3.5, 2.3.6, 2.3.7, 2.3.8, 2.4.1, 2.4.2, 2.4.3, 2.4.4, 2.4.5, 2.4.6, 2.5.1, 2.5.2, 2.5.3, 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.4, 4.3.1, 4.3.2, 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3, 5.2.4, 5.3.1, 5.3.2, 5.3.3, 6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.1.3, 6.1.4, 6.1.5, 6.2.1, 6.2.2, 6.2.3, 6.2.4, 6.2.5

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
The Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association
1.1.1 Ensures all interactions with the client and/or carer demonstrate respect, honesty, empathy and dignity and are conducted in a culturally appropriate manner
1.1.2 Ensures the client is the focus of the care pathway
1.1.3 Ensures the client and/or carer is aware of their rights and responsibilities
1.1.4 Obtains informed consent from the client and/or carer prior to the provision of care
1.1.5 Listens effectively to the client and/or carer
1.1.6 Encourages the client and/or carer to participate and provide feedback
1.1.7 Provides prompt, accurate and comprehensive information in clear terms to enable the client and/or carer to make an informed decision
1.1.8 Uses all available resources to enhance communication
1.2.1 Receives and develops client referrals, professional handovers health professional team reports and care plans
1.2.2 Respects, acknowledges and utilises the expertise of other health professionals
1.2.3 Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other health professionals to enhance collaborative practice and client access to care
1.2.4 Actively participates within the health professional team and seeks opportunities to demonstrate professional excellence
1.3.1 Provides clinical justification for prescribed orthotic/prosthetic client treatment
1.3.2 Provides relevant information in order to facilitate client access to care
2.1.1 Identifies subjective and objective information to enable development of an appropriate orthotic/prosthetic care plan
2.1.2 Selects assessment techniques, outcome measures and other tools/instruments based on evidence, which are relevant to the client’s presentation
2.1.3 Performs assessment professionally, safely and effectively
2.2.1 Accesses and utilises evidence to guide clinical decisions
2.3.1 Facilitates client and/or carer to establish personal goals
2.3.2 Considers the information obtained, the client and/or carer’s goals and evidence when formulating treatment options
2.3.3 Discusses treatment options with the client and/or carer to support client centred care and informed choice
2.3.4 Discusses short and long term treatment goals with the client and/or carer
2.3.5 Identifies clients who require collaborative care and liaises with the health professional team to ensure integrates care planning
2.3.6 Determines and justifies the design details of the orthosis/prosthesis prescription
2.3.7 Includes client, carer and/or health professional team education and follow-up when planning treatment
2.3.8 Selects appropriate outcome measures
2.4.1 Considers all relevant characteristics of the client during orthosis/prosthesis fitting and review processes
2.4.2 Uses appropriate techniques to ensure optimal fit and function of the orthosis/prosthesis
2.4.3 Reviews the client at appropriate intervals to evaluate fit, function, quality and safety of the orthosis/prosthesis
2.4.4 Evaluates and monitors treatment outcomes using patient feedback and/or outcome measures
2.4.5 Modifies treatment to ensure best possible outcomes are maintained
2.4.6 Discusses progress toward goals with the client and/or carer
2.5.1 Adheres to legislative and organisational requirements for all documentation
2.5.2 Maintains legible, concise and accurate documentation using contemporary methods
2.5.3 Safely and securely stores information and acts to maintain confidentiality whilst ensuring availability of information to other health professionals involved in the care pathway
3.1.1 Utilises appropriate casting, measuring and/or cast modification techniques to facilitate fabrication
3.1.2 Fabricates and/or coordinates the optimal fabrication of orthoses/prostheses
3.1.3 Performs and/or coordinates requires modifications of orthoses/prostheses
3.2.1 Assesses the orthosis/prosthesis for structural safety at appropriate intervals
3.2.2 Ensures the orthosis/prosthesis is compliant with manufacturer guidelines and standards
3.2 Ensures the safety of orthoses and prostheses
4.1.1 Facilitates appropriate completion of treatment
4.1.2 Demonstrates an ability to triage individual client case load within broader facility requirements for client care
4.1.3 Facilitates appropriate completion of all supportive activities
4.2.1 Determines available funding for prescribed care plan
4.2.2 Prepares and/or coordinates submission of client funding documentation as required
4.2.3 Prescribes and designs orthosis/prosthesis to achieve optimal outcomes within the approved budget for client treatment
4.2.4 Understands and conforms to funding arrangements, budget allocations, statistical reporting and financial transaction requirements relevant to the work place
4.3.1 Recognises service gaps or inefficiencies and works collaboratively to identify solutions
4.3.2 Participates in audit processes and quality improvement initiative
5.1.1 Adheres to legislation and workplace guidelines relating to safety
5.1.2 Identifies workplace hazards and acts to eliminate or reduce risks
5.2.1 Recognises the responsibility to do no harm
5.2.2 Complies with relevant laws, regulations, policies and guidelines
5.2.3 Abides by applicable codes of ethics and conduct
5.2.4 Recognises and responds appropriately if client is at risk
5.3.1 Works within professional scope of practice, consent of client and/or carer and authority of employer
5.3.2 Seeks assistance or refers on when beyond own level of competence
5.3.3 Recognises where further training is required to conduct competent practice
6.1.1 Undertakes independent learning to further own knowledge and skills on a continuous basis
6.1.2 Shares skills and knowledge with health professional colleagues and students
6.2.1 Assesses and critically analyses sources of evidence
6.2.2 Demonstrates a systematic approach to analysis and decision making
6.2.3 Integrates evidence and new learning into practice to improve health outcomes for clients
6.2.5 Critically and continuously evaluates practice
6.1.3 Participates in health professional training and research as opportunities arise
6.1.4 Seeks out leaders within the profession for advice and mentoring
6.1.5 Offers constructive feedback and assistance to other health professionals
6.2.4 Demonstrates knowledge of new techniques and technology relevant to orthotics/prosthetics

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

HLT323 and enrolled in SC307 or SC367 with a Prosthetics & Orthotics Extended Major

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Prosthetic and orthotic theory, manufacturing processes, communication skills in health practice

Microcredential Information

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Limited Grading (PNP)

Pass (PU), Fail (UF). All assessment tasks are required to be passed for successful completion of the course.

Details of early feedback on progress

Feedback will be provided after the first week of online training and then 4 weeks within each placement as formative feedback.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Code of Conduct Individual 
N/A
 Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) SONIA
All 2 Case Study Individual 
1000 words
 Week 6 Online Submission
All 3 Portfolio Individual 
5000 words equivalent
 Exam Period Online ePortfolio Submission
All 4 Practical / Laboratory Skills Individual 
60 minutes
 Exam Period To be Negotiated
All - Assessment Task 1:Code of Conduct - adherence
Goal: 
This task enables you to become familiar with the code of conduct for your discipline and work within its guidelines during a work placement experience. You will exemplify professional conduct and values in various clinical and non-clinical settings abiding by UniSC student code of conduct and professional association ethical standards.
Product: Code of Conduct
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
During your practicum experience you are required to complete 14 weeks full-time work experience. To be eligible to pass, you are required to complete the placement satisfactorily according to the assessment criteria that is provided on Canvas. See Canvas for discipline specific Code of Conduct.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Behaviour and professional conduct that is in accordance with the code of conduct
 1 2 3 5
2 
Conduct that ensures safe, respectful and caring attention to co-workers and clients
 1 2 3 5
3 
Placement feedback
 1 2 3 4 5
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2:Case Study
Goal: 
This case study, completed in the first placement, is designed to have you engage in documenting a complete client-centred care plan using evidence-based rationale while presenting the ethical and legal requirements for quality care.
Product: Case Study
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
The case study is formatted as a submission to a professional magazine that highlights the background of a client (or population) relevant to P&O care, provide the contributing factors that influence the care plan (from assessment to intervention), and evidence for justification of the care plan that guided the decision making. This 1000-word report should include reference to the relevant ethical, legal, and funding implications of the care plan that demonstrates how you have adhered to these requirements.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Appropriateness of Care Plan
 2 3 4
2 
Justification of Intervention and Approach
 2 3 4 5
3 
Use of Evidence
 3 4
4 
Explanation of relevant policies, laws and code of practice
 3 4 5
5 
Ethics and Professionalism
 3 5
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3:Portfolio
Goal: 
You will create a comprehensive, coherent, and independent exposition of your knowledge, skills and experience as a graduating Prosthetics and Orthotics clinician.
Product: Portfolio
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
Your professional portfolio demonstrates your competence as an entry-level clinician that will include a professional statement, personal reflection, and evidence of professional competence against the Australian Orthotic and Prosthetic Competency Standards (2014).
There will be benchmarks provided that should be completed during the trimester to ensure the completed portfolio is done by the Exam Period. These will be located on Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Quality of evidence
 1 2 3 5
2 
Synthesis of material
 1 2 3 5
3 
Connections to experience
 1 2 3 5
4 
Self-reflection
 1 2 3 4 5
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 4:Practical / Laboratory Skills
Goal: 
The goal of the final skills stations is for you to demonstrate your competence in professional and clinical skills in various simulated situations and activities.
Product: Practical / Laboratory Skills
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
Following from placement, you will complete an individual set of stations to demonstrate professional skills that have been developed over the program. These skills will focus on communication, collaborative practice and provision of clinical care, all while demonstrating professional values and behaviours. Skills include:
-Clinical skill demonstration
-Prescription, justification and documentation
-Oral presentation
The task will have you complete random stations from the details provided on Canvas, in prosthetics or orthotics. Each station will consist of various activities related to professional competencies expected of a graduating student.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Demonstration of clinical skills
 2 4 5
2 
Integration of knowledge and skills
 2 4 5
3 
Professionalism
 2 5
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

UniSC Student Uniform, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and associated costs of travel/accommodation to interstate P&O facilities for up to 14 weeks.

How are risks managed in this course?

Risk assessments have been performed for all field activities and low to moderate levels of health and safety risk exists. Moderate risks may include working in an Australian bush setting, working with people, working outside normal office hours for example. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation. It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline. This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person. You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin. This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

This course will be graded as Pass in a Limited Grade Course (PU) or Fail in a Limited Grade Course (UF) as per clause 5.1.1.3 and 5.1.1.4 of the Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA) - Academic Policy.

In a course eligible to use Limited Grades, all assessment items in that course are marked on a Pass/Fail basis and all assessment tasks are required to be passed for a student to successfully complete the course. Supplementary assessment is not available in courses using Limited Grades.

Limited Graded Course: This course will be graded as Pass in a Limited Grade Course (PU) or Fail in a Limited Grade Course (UF) as per clause 4.1.3 and 4.1.4 of the Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA) - Institutional Operating Policy of the USC. In a course eligible to use Limited Grades, all assessment items in that course are marked on a Pass/Fail basis and all assessment tasks are required to be passed for a student to successfully complete the course. Supplementary assessment is not available in courses using Limited Grades.

Assessment: Submission penalties

You must contact your Course Coordinator and provide the required documentation if you require an extension or alternate assessment.

Refer to the Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs – Procedures.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

For course-specific questions, contact your teaching staff or Course Coordinator.  

For other enquiries or to access support, please contact Student Central: 

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