Orthobionics degree program qualifies specialists for orthopedics

Starting from the winter semester of 2023, the Orthobionics program will launch a distinctive bachelor's degree. Graduates will emerge as orthopedic specialists, equipped with both scientific and practical knowledge for their professional roles. Geared towards the requirements of the orthopedic technology industry, they will be adept in independently providing care with modern orthoses and prostheses.

In this interview, Dr. Marc Hudy and Dr. Nadine Hugill explain what distinguishes the degree program and how it can improve the quality of life of many people with qualified orthopedic technology in the future.

The study program is intended to help secure the industry's need for skilled workers. Dr. Marc Hudy, what is the current situation regarding skilled workers in this medical field?

Dr. Marc Hudy: The need for well-trained specialists is increasing both in the industry and in patient care. Many companies in the orthopedic technology sector are therefore already trying to attract trainees by approaching them at an early stage. In addition, the need for trained specialists for innovative supply technologies, such as the digital production of orthopedic aids, is increasing.

Why does a degree program in orthobionics in particular offer great potential?

Hudy: The Bachelor of Orthobionics at the Göttingen Health Campus, a cooperation between the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG) and the HAWK University of Applied Sciences Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen, trains graduates who can use their technical, technological, medical and scientific know-how to provide holistic care to patients and implement innovative standards of care in practice or develop them further.

The qualification goal of the bachelor's degree program in Orthobionics is the independent care of patients with modern prostheses and orthoses. In addition, graduates are qualified to work in various fields of activity in the medical technology industry and research institutions on the development of prostheses, orthoses, and exoskeletons as well as product and project management.

The location of the study program at HAWK provides a direct link to clinical patient care as well as interdisciplinary collaboration with other health professions. The study program offers great potential for the industry, as it is the first time it has been offered at a state university. Therefore, it contributes significantly to securing a skilled workforce.

What does the program entail?

Hudy: In the course of study, the focus is on practical professional teaching in prosthetics and orthotics, which are closely interlinked with the scientific course content. The occupational teaching content with work directly on people comprises a total of 34 percent of the study content, and all the study content for direct occupational training (orthobionics, occupational applications as well as medicine) makes up a total of 75 percent of the study program. As a result, the future specialists are in a position to ensure optimal care of patients with orthopedic technical aids as well as to advance science in the field of modern care concepts for the industry. The course of study integrates the specialist theoretical and practical teaching content of the industry's master craftsman diploma.

The bachelor's degree program in Orthobionics will be in close cooperation and spatial proximity not only to the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), but also to the company Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA, which is also located in the Sartorius Quarter. Orthobionics has been developed as an industry study program and will cooperate with all major industrial companies in the sector. The integration of additional cooperation partners from medical and orthopedic technology workshops as well as the scientific community is currently being pursued.

The unique selling point of the Orthobionics degree program as an academic training program for the technical orthopedics industry results from the enrollment of young people even without prior journeyman training in the skilled trades. Furthermore, the location of the study program at the Göttingen Health Campus is unique due to the close clinical connection in the course of the cooperation with the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG). Especially with regard to the interprofessional education of the students.

What has the feedback and interest been like so far?

Dr. Nadine Hugill: We are starting this October with an initial 25 students. The interest of young people in this degree program is high. Initial feedback from industrial companies in the sector has also been very positive. The fact that the course is located at a state university means that the shortage of skilled workers in the sector can be countered even more effectively.

What kind of possibilities does the orthopedic technology teaching facility offer?

Hudy: The premises for orthobionics, with lecture halls as well as modern laboratories and an orthopedic technology teaching workshop, will be connected to the University Medical Center Göttingen. This ensures the connection to patient care and the clinical focus of technical orthopedics. Additional modern learning spaces, the so-called skills labs for training practice-oriented skills, are located at the Göttingen Health Campus in the Sartorius Quarter for the topics of communication with patients, digital manufacturing, and silicone and prepreg technology (preimpregnated fibers).