Whilst I was the BAPO short course co-ordinator, I made contact with the Trustees to look for ways of integrating the aims of the Association and OETT to develop postgraduate training of orthotists. I was invited to become a Trustee in 2001 and with the other Trustees have looked for new ways to progress professional development now advertised on this website. I encourage any orthotists with an interest in formal postgraduate study to apply for help from the OETT and to realise your educational ambitions.
My tips for making a successful application are to be well organised and particularly:
- Apply well in advance of when you want to start, and to demonstrate initiative and enthusiasm in your application.
- Provide as much information about what you wish to do as you can, include any relevant course promotional material and website addresses.
- Make a coherent case for why this educational opportunity will help you to further your career in orthotics.
- Think through and detail clearly all the costs involved.
- Think of alternative sources of funding, such as your employer, and mention in your application what contribution they are willing to provide.
- If you need more than the 50% of funding that the OETT usually provides then make a persuasive case.
Remember: the Trustees want to help you but they are duty-bound to only authorise funding for appropriate cases; therefore make your application as clear as possible and you will have more chance of success.
