PDA Scottish Trauma and Orthopaedic Practical Skills
This PDA has been developed to support the education and development of NHS band 3 and 4 Health Care Support Workers and Registered Nurses band 5 or above, involved in trauma and orthopaedic care.
The award enables staff to gain the specialist knowledge and skills required to assist in the management of musculoskeletal trauma, with a particular focus on plaster casting, bracing, and splinting techniques.
The course supports safe, effective and patient-centred care and reflects national service priorities for workforce development in orthopaedics.
The course is priced at £1,750
To register for this course, please click here.
Please note this is a 10-week course delivered at our Alloa Campus on Wednesdays, running from 28/01/26 to 22/04/26, with no classes on 11/02, 08/04, and 15/04 due to college holidays. Please refer to our term dates here.
This course is endorsed by Scottish Committee for Orthopaedics and Trauma.
Content
On successful completion of the award, the learners will be able to:
- Discuss a range of governance related to the clinical care of individuals with orthopaedic trauma injuries.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the physiology and pathophysiology specific to musculoskeletal structures and injuries, and a range of chronic conditions which impact this.
- Be able to describe and apply thorough patient assessment processes, with an awareness of complications related to injury and medical history.
- Recognise common complications of treatment using casting and bracing procedures.
- Assess patients’ suitability for plaster cast application, apply safely using an evidence-based technique and carry out assessment of, trimming, windowing and safe removal of casts using a saw. The learner will be able to link process to own role and complete within their own scope of practice.
- Assess patients’ suitability for brace or splint treatment, apply splints and braces using correct and safe techniques, including Thomas splint application. The learner will be able to fit individuals for and demonstrate the use of mobility aids required safely.
- Apply person-centred care principles throughout all clinical processes, including communication techniques, gaining consent, proving clear safety-netting advice and liaising with professionals as required and appropriate within their own scope of practice.
- Demonstrate effective reflection skills, justification of decision-making processes related to treatment of individuals and escalation.
Career Paths
- Advanced Healthcare Support Worker roles within trauma and orthopaedic departments
Progression
- Health-related HNC/HND qualifications
- Pre-registration Nursing or Allied Health Professional programmes (subject to meeting entry criteria)
Entry requirements
- Candidates must be employed as an NHS Band 3 & 4 Health Care Support Worker or Registered Nurse Band 5 or above (or equivalent), with employer endorsement. Currently working in a clinical environment which includes using braces, splints and casts.
Alloa Campus
Part-Time
28 January 2026
22 April 2026
9.00
17.00
Level 7
£1750.00