Diploma in Orthopedic & Trauma Medicine
Unit Overview
Orthopedic and Trauma Medicine deals with injuries affecting bones, joints, muscles, and the whole musculoskeletal system. In Kenya, many people end up in hospitals due to road accidents, sports injuries, workplace incidents, and fractures. This course prepares you to be part of the team that responds to such cases.
At St. Mary’s, training goes beyond textbooks. You learn how real trauma cases are handled in emergency units and wards — from initial patient assessment to immobilization, support, and recovery processes. The hospital environment exposes you to actual patient care situations where quick thinking and careful handling matter.
The program is structured under the TVET CDACC competency-based curriculum, meaning you are trained and assessed based on your ability to perform practical skills. You will not only understand fractures and injuries but also learn how to manage them safely under supervision in real clinical settings.
This diploma is suitable for students who are calm under pressure, interested in emergency care, and want a direct role in helping patients recover from physical injuries and trauma cases.
Unit Objectives
By the end of this unit, students will be able to:
- Equip learners with skills in trauma and orthopedic patient management
- Train learners in emergency response and fracture care
- Develop competence in patient assessment and stabilization
- Promote safe handling of injury cases in clinical settings
- Prepare learners for hospital-based orthopedic support roles
Unit Content
Key areas of study include:
- Anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system
- Principles of trauma care
- Fracture identification and management
- Emergency response procedures
- Patient assessment and stabilization
- Wound care and infection control
- Use of orthopedic equipment and assistive devices
- Rehabilitation support basics
- Clinical ethics and patient safety
- Industrial attachment / clinical practice
Career Opportunities
Graduates can work in:
- Hospitals (orthopedic and emergency departments)
- Trauma and accident units
- Rehabilitation centers
- Private clinics
Entry Requirements
Diploma: KCSE mean grade C- (minus) and above
Duration of the Unit
Diploma: 1 - 2 years
Why Study This Unit?
- High market demand
- Hands-on practical learning
- Pathway to further professional growth
