Intended Level of Study
6 years of higher education
ECTS
0 credits
Training Structure
School of Pharmacy
Language(s) of Instruction
French
Overview
Instructors in charge:
Dr. Valérie LAURENT
Email: valerie.laurent2 @ umontpellier.fr
Dr. Cécile HILAIRE
Email: cecile.hilaire @ umontpellier.fr
Dr. Olivier PAYET
Email: olivier.payet @ umontpellier.fr
Objectives
Objectives (educational, scientific, professional):
Additional training in orthopedics for the fabrication of custom-made small orthotic devices (decree of February 23, 2007).
Expertise and Skills
Skills acquired upon completion of the training:
By the end of the course, students will:
- Is familiar with the specifications for off-the-shelf and custom orthoses, as well as external breast prostheses that may be dispensed at the pharmacy (see Title II, Chapters 1 and 4 of the LPP).
- Is familiar with the regulations governing the facilities and equipment required in orthopedics, as well as the pricing and replacement of orthoses.
- Is familiar with the practical procedures for measuring, fabricating, fitting, adjusting, and applying medical-surgical belts, compression orthoses, garments for severe burn victims, hernia trusses, limb orthoses, foot orthoses, therapeutic shoes, and external breast prostheses.
- Is able to provide helpful advice to patients on the orthosis best suited to their condition.
Organization
Knowledge Assessment
April 30, 2027 (date subject to change)
- Theoretical written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, weighting 1
- Orthotic assessments: 30 minutes, weighting factor 1
- Continuous assessment in lab sessions: weighting factor 1
Any score below 5/20 results in disqualification
Admitted candidates achieved an average score of 10/20 or higher across all three exams, with no failing scores.
Two exam sessions
Candidates who were deferred in thefirst session retain any scores of 10/20 or higher for thesecond session.
Program
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Course duration: 116 hours
Three weeks of in-person classes from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Training dates: February 22–26 / March 22–26 / April 26–30, 2027
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Training location: School of Pharmacy
15 Charles Flahault Avenue
34093 Montpellier
-
Capacity: Up to 40 participants
Program
Classroom instruction: 60 hours
Medical
- Musculoskeletal System: Anatomy and Physiology of the Musculoskeletal System, Disorders of the Spine, Pelvic and Shoulder Girdles, and Limbs, Inflammatory Disorders
- Abdominal Wall: Anatomy and Physiology, Hernias, Postoperative Compression
- Circulatory System: Anatomy and Physiology, Venous Insufficiency, Lymphedema
- Postoperative Care for Breast Cancer
Technological
- Raw Materials Used in the Manufacture of Orthotics
- Hernia Bandages
- Medical and surgical belts, corsets
- Neck braces
- Elastic orthoses, off-the-shelf and custom-made compression garments, support garments
- Orthopedic Insoles
- Standard and Custom-Made Hand and Upper Limb Prosthetics
- Standard and Custom-Made Foot and Lower Limb Orthoses
- External breast prostheses
Regulatory
- Classification of Orthoses
- Installation and Support Requirements
Practical, instructor-led instruction: 56 hours
- Review of the Bill of Materials (LPPR) and Pricing
- Measurements, foot assessment, footprints, casts
- Custom orthotic devices: stockings, sleeves, belts, corsets, insoles; thermoforming techniques; 3D printing
- Fittings and Alterations
- Overview of various materials and standard and custom orthoses
Speakers
Academics, Physicians, Orthopedists, Orthotists, Pharmacists, Physical Therapists, Orthotic Manufacturers
Admission
Admission Requirements
Applications:
Submit Resume + Cover Letter
Applications must be submitted between September 1 and October 16, 2026, to pharma-du @ umontpellier.fr
Target Audience
Recruitment pool:
- Licensed pharmacists,
- Graduate students in pharmacy (who have successfully completed their sixth year),
- Holders of foreign degrees recognized as equivalent by the University following a recommendation from the appropriate committee.
Capacity
A maximum of 40 participants