TNMU Among the First in Ukraine to Launch a New Generation of Certified Prosthetists-Orthotists
This year, Ukraine is taking a historic step in the field of prosthetics and orthotics: four medical universities across the country are graduating the first cohort of certified prosthetists-orthotists trained according to new educational standards. Ternopil National Medical University is proudly at the forefront of these changes. Recently, the first graduating class of master’s students in Prosthetics and Orthotics successfully passed their state examinations.
The state certification process was a significant challenge, requiring future specialists to demonstrate not only extensive theoretical knowledge but also a high level of practical competence. All students successfully passed the KROK-2 licensing examination, demonstrated their practical skills during the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), and defended their master’s qualification projects, which represented the culmination of their studies, practical exploration, and deep immersion in the profession of prosthetist-orthotist.
The OSCE was designed to closely replicate real clinical settings. Future specialists were assessed not only on their theoretical understanding but also on their practical abilities. Across 12 examination stations, students were evaluated on their knowledge of biomechanics, patient assessment, clinical reasoning, and technical skills in prosthetics and orthotics.
Particular attention was paid to ensuring objective assessment. The examination board included not only leading university professors but also practicing industry experts and representatives of prosthetic enterprises. They highly praised the graduates’ level of preparation, noting their motivation, innovative mindset, and readiness to immediately contribute to a field that is critically important for the country today.
The defense of the master’s qualification projects was particularly innovative and inspiring. Graduates presented modern approaches to prosthetic and orthotic care aligned with advanced international practices. Their research projects were carefully designed, thoroughly substantiated, and strongly practice-oriented, with most studies based on real clinical cases and the current needs of Ukraine’s healthcare system.
A meaningful and symbolic conclusion to the certification process was marked by a virtual visit from a distinguished guest. Immediately after the examination results were announced, Antonina Kumka, Chief Executive Officer of the Prosthesis Hub Charitable Foundation, joined the graduates via video conference. She warmly congratulated TNMU’s first master’s graduates on this significant achievement, thanked them for their courage, initiative, and commitment to such a noble profession, and wished them successful employment and rapid professional growth. Antonina Kumka emphasized that Ukraine’s prosthetics and orthotics sector eagerly awaits their knowledge, skills, and dedication.
The administration of Ternopil National Medical University named after I. Horbachevsky extends its sincere gratitude to Antonina Kumka and the entire team of the Prosthesis Hub Charitable Foundation for their comprehensive support, expert guidance, and substantial contribution to the development of the Prosthetics and Orthotics educational program. Thanks to this successful synergy between academia, clinical practice, and the non-governmental sector, TNMU has achieved a high standard in the preparation of future specialists.
We congratulate our first master’s graduates on this successful beginning and firmly believe that their work will become a source of support, recovery, and hope for thousands of Ukrainians.