Certificate in Orthopaedic and Trauma Medicine
The Certificate in Orthopaedic and Trauma Medicine is a two-year programme offered by the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) at selected campuses across Kenya. It equips students with skills in musculoskeletal injury management, plaster techniques, fracture care, and emergency trauma care. The programme is accredited by the relevant health regulatory bodies under the Ministry of Health.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 122,200 a year at a public institution, Ksh 244,400 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 135,000 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C- or above, plus 3 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 2 years, full-time, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 36 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Dental Ceramist, at 3 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Year 1 covers anatomy and physiology, orthopaedic nursing, trauma management, plaster techniques, patient assessment, and communication skills. Students learn the foundational principles of musculoskeletal anatomy, fracture classification, and basic plaster application techniques.
Year 2 advances to advanced plaster techniques, orthopaedic rehabilitation, emergency trauma care, orthopaedic instruments and equipment, and a clinical practicum. Students gain practical experience through clinical attachments in hospital orthopaedic departments and trauma centres.
The programme combines theory with extensive clinical practice. Students learn to apply and remove casts, assist in fracture reduction, manage orthopaedic patients, and provide emergency trauma care under supervision. Clinical rotations through orthopaedic wards and plaster rooms are integral to the training.
Entry requirements are a KCSE mean grade of C- (minus), with C- in English or Kiswahili, D+ in Biology or Biological Sciences, and D+ in any one of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Woodwork, Metal Work, Technical Drawing, Home Science, Agriculture, or Computer Studies. The programme is available at selected KMTC campuses including Garissa, Mbooni, Sigowet, Kaptumo, and others.
Graduates are eligible for upgrading to a Diploma in Orthopaedic and Trauma Medicine at KMTC and pursue careers as orthopaedic plaster technicians, trauma care assistants, and orthopaedic assistants in hospitals, trauma centres, and rehabilitation clinics. The programme plays a critical role in Kenya's trauma care system, particularly in rural areas where orthopaedic specialists are limited.
What you study
10 subjects- Anatomy and Physiology
- Orthopaedic Nursing
- Trauma Management
- Plaster Techniques
- Fracture Care
- Orthopaedic Instruments and Equipment
- Emergency Trauma Care
- Orthopaedic Rehabilitation
- Patient Assessment
- Communication Skills
Modules
10 in the programmeAnatomy and Physiology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Structure and function of the human body with emphasis on the musculoskeletal system.
Orthopaedic Nursing
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Nursing care principles for orthopaedic patients including pain management and mobility support.
Trauma Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Principles of trauma assessment, emergency management, and trauma care protocols.
Plaster Techniques I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Basic plaster application techniques including cast preparation, application, and removal.
Patient Assessment
Year 1Semester 22 creditsCore
Clinical assessment of orthopaedic patients including history taking and physical examination.
Advanced Plaster Techniques
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced casting techniques including traction, splinting, and specialised casts.
Orthopaedic Rehabilitation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Rehabilitation principles for orthopaedic patients including exercises and mobility training.
Emergency Trauma Care
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Emergency management of trauma patients including airway management, haemorrhage control, and shock management.
Orthopaedic Instruments and Equipment
Year 2Semester 22 creditsCore
Identification, handling, and maintenance of orthopaedic instruments and equipment.
Clinical Practicum
Year 2Semester 24 creditsCore
Supervised clinical attachment in orthopaedic departments and plaster rooms applying learned competencies.
Specialisations
Plaster Technology
Focus on advanced casting techniques and traction management.
Emergency Trauma Care
Specialisation in emergency management of trauma patients.
Orthopaedic Rehabilitation
Focus on post-injury rehabilitation and mobility restoration.
Paediatric Orthopaedics
Specialisation in orthopaedic care for children, available at diploma and higher diploma levels.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on anatomy or fracture management with afternoon clinical sessions in the plaster room and orthopaedic ward, where students practise cast application, patient positioning, and trauma care under supervision.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| High demand for orthopaedic technicians, especially in rural hospitals. | Physically demanding work involving lifting and positioning patients. |
| KMTC is the premier training institution with national recognition. | Exposure to traumatic injuries may be emotionally challenging. |
| Clear upgrading pathway to Diploma in Orthopaedic and Trauma Medicine. | Entry-level salaries may be modest compared to diploma holders. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 349 health sciences coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
KMTC self-spon 122K Y1/118K Y2. Goshen 75K, NCMTC 135K/yr (kmtc.ac.ke, goshencollege.ac.ke, victormatara.com).
Government-sponsored students placed through KUCCPS receive subsidised fees. HELB loans are available for eligible students.
Funding options
HELB Loan
KUCCPS Government Placement
Scholarships
2 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at KMTC.
KUCCPS Government Subsidy
SubsidyKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students placed by KUCCPS receive subsidised tuition fees at KMTC.
Scholarships you could apply for
1 usable where it is taught- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Equivalent qualification as determined by KMTC and the Ministry of Health.
When it next starts
Taught at 36 institutionsIncluding Kenya Medical Training College - Homa Bay Campus, Kenya Medical Training College - Kakamega - Ikolomani Campus, Kenya Medical Training College - Kakamega Campus.
Including Kenya Medical Training College - Homa Bay Campus, Kenya Medical Training College - Kakamega - Ikolomani Campus, Kenya Medical Training College - Kakamega Campus.
Including Kenya Medical Training College - Homa Bay Campus, Kenya Medical Training College - Kakamega - Ikolomani Campus, Kenya Medical Training College - Kakamega Campus.
How you are assessed
3 componentsEnd of Semester Examinations
Written examination60% of the mark
Module examinations covering anatomy, trauma management, and orthopaedic principles.
Practical/Clinical Assessments
Practical assessment30% of the mark
Clinical assessments in plaster rooms and orthopaedic wards evaluating practical competencies.
Clinical Practicum
Practical assessment10% of the mark
Supervised clinical attachment in orthopaedic departments.
Accreditation
Kenya Medical Training College
AcademicRequired
KMTC is the primary accredited institution under the Ministry of Health.
Accredited by KMTC under the Ministry of Health. Graduates are recognised as orthopaedic plaster technicians and are eligible for upgrading to a Diploma in Orthopaedic and Trauma Medicine.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesOrthopaedic Plaster Technician
High demandKsh 360,000 to Ksh 540,000
Applies and manages casts, splints, and traction for orthopaedic patients in hospitals.
Trauma Care Assistant
High demandKsh 360,000 to Ksh 540,000
Assists in emergency trauma care including patient assessment and stabilisation.
Orthopaedic Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 360,000 to Ksh 540,000
Supports orthopaedic specialists in fracture management and patient care.
Rehabilitation Assistant (Orthopaedic)
Moderate demandKsh 300,000 to Ksh 480,000
Assists in orthopaedic rehabilitation including exercises and mobility training.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates are in high demand as orthopaedic plaster technicians and trauma care assistants in hospitals and trauma centres across Kenya.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Dental CeramistHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- Occupational Therapist AssistantHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- PsychologyHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- Dental ProsthetistHealth Sciences4Low exposure
- Dental Laboratory TechnicianHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- General DentistHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- Veterinary PathologistHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- Community Health NurseHealth Sciences6Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Plaster of Paris and Casting Materials
EquipmentPrimary
Traction Equipment
Equipment
Orthopaedic Instruments
Equipment
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Orthopaedic plaster technology is just putting on casts.
The programme covers comprehensive trauma management, fracture care, patient assessment, and rehabilitation, not just plaster application.
Orthopaedic technicians cannot progress beyond certificate level.
Graduates can upgrade to a Diploma in Orthopaedic and Trauma Medicine at KMTC, and subsequently to higher qualifications.
There are no jobs for orthopaedic technicians.
There is high demand for orthopaedic plaster technicians in hospitals, especially in rural areas where orthopaedic specialists are limited.
Orthopaedic trauma medicine is only for sports injuries.
The programme covers all types of musculoskeletal trauma including road accidents, falls, and occupational injuries, which are common in Kenya.