The course aims to prepare students to become trained medical professionals, expert in preparing and maintaining prosthetics, braces, casts and other medical aid appliances. This expertise is achieved through a theoretical and practical approach which allows the student to gradually acquire professional independence and responsibility. Orthopaedic technicians must provide both preventative and therapeutic care based on clear and solid scientific foundations. They must be able to understand the implications of the patient’s medical condition and prescription for treatment: determine the measurements and characteristics of the prosthesis to be created or adapted; create or adapt prosthesis in wood, metal, plastic or leather, using specific tools for drilling, smoothing, shapening and assembling; fitting the patient with the prosthesis and instructing them on its’ use, in collaboration with other health care professional working in re-education.
The programme of studies also includes study of foundation science, biomedical and first aid science. Students also follow specialised courses in anatomy, functional anatomy, physiology and physiopathology. Orthopaedic technicians acquire knowledge of orthopaedic pathology, traumatology, rheumatology, general surgery and plastic surgery.
The course also provides teaching in human and psycho-pedagogical sciences and information processing systems. Students will specialise in the creation and application of orthesis, prosthesis, corrective and support aids for the musculoskeletal system.

The course programme also includes courses in English and computer studies as well as seminars, relative courses and conferences and attending specialist laboratories.
The final exam consists of a practical test in which the students display the technical-operative skills acquired and presents a thesis for discussion. The student must be aware of the deontologic and legal limitations of the profession, know how to work as part of a laboratory team or as a director displaying the necessary leadership skills. Practical training accounts for at least 60 credits. The course is organised in semesters at the end of which exams sessions take place. The degree course is organised to conform to European standards in order to cover the three levels of knowledge: know, know how, know how to be. Following a solid grounding in the core subjects and principles which regulate the physiological and biomechanical mechanisms of the organism, the student approaches the specialist subjects through lectures and interactive lessons. Under tutor guidance, students experiment increasingly complex and diverse situations until, through practical training they achieve complete professional autonomy.

Orthopaedic technicians can find employment in public and private health care institutions (both as employees or freelance ), teaching at university level as professors, tutors or course co-ordinator, in orthesis and prosthesis manufacturing and within relevant commercial agencies.