Orthotic devices or
orthoses are supportive braces and inserts. Prosthetic devices or
prostheses are artificial limbs or other body parts. Degree programs in orthotics and prosthetics (O & P) prepare students to work as
orthotists and prosthetists \u2013 the healthcare professionals who design, create, fit, and repair these devices which support weakened body parts, correct body defects, or replace amputated limbs. \n
Orthotics and prosthetics blends healthcare with art, science, and engineering. Programs in the field span the clinical, behavioral, human movement, and materials sciences, as well as the technologies that sustain them.
", "display_order": 1, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:15.475370-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:45.457734-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 1356, "page": 1, "title": "Program Options", "summary_markdown": "**Master\u2019s Degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics \u2013 Two Year Duration** \r\nAll practising O & P specialists must hold a Master\u2019s Degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics, from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education programs (CAAHEP). \r\n\r\nTo be accepted into an O & P master\u2019s program, students must have earned a **bachelor\u2019s degree**. However, there is no required major. The key is to incorporate into undergraduate studies the courses needed to enter an orthotics and prosthetics master\u2019s program. Although they vary by program, common requirements include classes in physics, kinesiology, biology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, calculus, and psychology. \r\n\r\nTo work in the field, master\u2019s graduates must complete a one-year residency and fulfill state-specific licensing requirements, often achieved by passing the national certification exam administered by the American Board for Certification (ABC) in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics. Graduates can choose to complete their residency and become certified in either orthotics or prosthetics. If they wish to be certified in both, they must complete two separate residency programs and pass two separate exams. \r\n\r\nHere is a snapshot of the typical orthotics and prosthetics master\u2019s program, which consists of both lecture and laboratory components: \r\n\r\n- Clinical Sciences \u2013 introduction to health and medical conditions commonly encountered in orthotics and prosthetics practice; basic concepts in epidemiology, etiology, clinical pathology, neuropathology, pharmacology, and diagnostic imaging \r\n- Behavioral Sciences \u2013 fundamentals of personality development, psychological aspects of health and disability, the impact of rehabilitation and O & P care on quality of life, effective interpersonal communication \r\n- Clinical Gait Analysis \u2013 biomechanical analysis of normal and abnormal human locomotion (walking, stepping, running), kinematics, kinetics, electromyography (the recording of the electrical activity of muscle tissue), plantar pressure \r\n- Clinical Pathology \u2013 overview of human pathology, how disease affects human movement and neuromuscular function \r\n- CAD / CAM in Orthotics and Prosthetics \u2013 application of computer-aided design and manufacturing to orthotics and prosthetics \r\n- Lower Limb Orthotics \u2013 orthotics focused on adult and pediatric lower limb orthoses for treatment of the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and pelvis \r\n- Introduction to O & P Processes and Clinical Methods \u2013 basic processes for fabrication of orthoses and prostheses \r\n- Introduction to Prosthetics \u2013 the history of artificial limbs; socket designs, materials, interfaces, suspension and components used in constructing prostheses for persons with limb loss \r\n- Materials Science and Selection \u2013 materials used in the construction of orthotic and prosthetic devices, both custom and pre-fabricated; how to choose the right material for specific clinical uses; classifications and properties of metals, plastics, foams, leather, and other materials", "content_markdown": "- Upper Limb Prosthetics \u2013 clinical training and practice in adult and pediatric upper limb prostheses \r\n- Spinal Orthotics \u2013 clinical training and practice in adult and pediatric spinal prostheses \r\n- Upper Limb Orthotics \u2013 clinical training and practice in adult and pediatric upper limb orthoses \r\n- Transtibial Prosthetics \u2013 clinical training and practice in adult and pediatric transtibial (below-knee) prostheses \r\n- Transfemoral Prosthetics \u2013 clinical training and practice in adult and pediatric transfemoral (above-knee) prostheses \r\n- Assistive Technology \u2013 technologies and mobility aids important to orthotics and prosthetics clinical practice \r\n- Clinical O & P Practicum \u2013 the supervised clinical component of most programs consists of a minimum of 500 hours, split equally between orthotics and prosthetics; during this time, students participate as student clinicians at hospitals, medical centers, orthotics/prosthetics facilities, and other healthcare facilities \r\n- Research Seminars \u2013 fundamentals of research and data analysis, forums to discuss topics related to student research interests \r\n- Capstone Research Project \u2013 a final original research project conducted under the advisement of a faculty member, requiring a written and oral report", "content_html": "
\n- Upper Limb Prosthetics \u2013 clinical training and practice in adult and pediatric upper limb prostheses
\n- Spinal Orthotics \u2013 clinical training and practice in adult and pediatric spinal prostheses
\n- Upper Limb Orthotics \u2013 clinical training and practice in adult and pediatric upper limb orthoses
\n- Transtibial Prosthetics \u2013 clinical training and practice in adult and pediatric transtibial (below-knee) prostheses
\n- Transfemoral Prosthetics \u2013 clinical training and practice in adult and pediatric transfemoral (above-knee) prostheses
\n- Assistive Technology \u2013 technologies and mobility aids important to orthotics and prosthetics clinical practice
\n- Clinical O & P Practicum \u2013 the supervised clinical component of most programs consists of a minimum of 500 hours, split equally between orthotics and prosthetics; during this time, students participate as student clinicians at hospitals, medical centers, orthotics/prosthetics facilities, and other healthcare facilities
\n- Research Seminars \u2013 fundamentals of research and data analysis, forums to discuss topics related to student research interests
\n- Capstone Research Project \u2013 a final original research project conducted under the advisement of a faculty member, requiring a written and oral report
\n
", "display_order": 2, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:15.476509-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-02-16T12:33:07.610783-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 1356, "page": 1, "title": "Degrees Similar to Orthotics and Prosthetics", "summary_markdown": "**[Biomedical Engineering](/degrees/biomedical-engineering-degree/)** \r\nSimply stated, biomedical engineering uses engineering to solve health and medical problems. For example, a biomedical engineer might look for chemical signals in the body that warn of a particular disease or condition. \r\n\r\n**[Biomedical Engineering Technology](/degrees/biomedical-engineering-technology-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in biomedical engineering technology train students in the development of biological and medical solutions such as artificial limbs, new drugs, and organ transplant techniques. \r\n\r\n**[Dental Laboratory Technology](/degrees/dental-laboratory-technology-degree/)** \r\nDental laboratory technicians work behind the scenes and have limited, often no contact with patients. They make crowns, bridges, ceramics, dentures, implants, and braces that are prescribed by dentists. \r\n\r\nStudents of dental laboratory technology learn all aspects of the art and science of crafting these restorative devices, known as dental prostheses. They learn in the classroom, in the teaching lab, and in real-world labs. Programs begin with core classes in functional anatomy \u2013 the study of bodily structure as it relates to function \u2013 and head and neck anatomy. \r\n\r\n**[Occupational Therapy](/degrees/occupational-therapy-degree/)** \r\nStudents of occupational therapy learn how to help patients adapt to loss of function by improving their fine motor and cognitive skills through therapeutic everyday activities.", "content_markdown": "**[Ophthalmic Technician](/degrees/ophthalmic-technician-degree/)** \r\nOphthalmic technician education programs prepare students to work in support roles with ophthalmologists, who are medical doctors trained to treat diseases of the eye, prescribe medications, and perform eye surgery. \r\n\r\n**[Physical Therapy](/degrees/physical-therapy-degree/)** \r\nPhysical therapy majors learn how to treat patients for whom movement has become strained or limited due to injury, illness, or aging. \r\n\r\n**[Respiratory Care](/degrees/respiratory-care-degree/)** \r\nRespiratory care programs prepare students for careers as respiratory therapists. The curriculum focuses on how to diagnose and manage cardio-pulmonary disorders. Training includes performing CPR, using ventilators, and providing oxygen therapy.", "content_html": "
Ophthalmic Technician
\nOphthalmic technician education programs prepare students to work in support roles with ophthalmologists, who are medical doctors trained to treat diseases of the eye, prescribe medications, and perform eye surgery.
\n
Physical Therapy
\nPhysical therapy majors learn how to treat patients for whom movement has become strained or limited due to injury, illness, or aging.
\n
Respiratory Care
\nRespiratory care programs prepare students for careers as respiratory therapists. The curriculum focuses on how to diagnose and manage cardio-pulmonary disorders. Training includes performing CPR, using ventilators, and providing oxygen therapy.
", "display_order": 3, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:15.477858-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-02-16T12:37:25.818556-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 1356, "page": 1, "title": "Skills You’ll Learn", "summary_markdown": "- Attention to Detail \u2013 if a medical device is not precisely measured and meticulously crafted it will not fit the patient properly \r\n- Communication \u2013 orthotists and prosthetists must be able to effectively communicate and interact with both patients and other medical practitioners \r\n- Critical thinking and Problem Solving \u2013 the work of orthotists and prosthetists involves evaluating patients, identifying their rehabilitation needs, and finding appropriate solutions \r\n- Hand-eye Coordination and Manual Dexterity \u2013 the work of orthotists and prosthetists is intricate and delicate work; making orthopedic and prosthetic devices involves manipulating instruments, tools, wires, and materials \r\n- Patience and Empathy \u2013 the work calls for an appreciation of patients\u2019 concerns and anxieties \r\n- Physical Stamina \u2013 orthotists and prosthetists are often on their feet for long periods and may need to lift and move patients in order to examine and measure them", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "", "display_order": 4, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:15.478994-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-02-16T12:28:38.496344-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 1356, "page": 1, "title": "What Can You Do with an Orthotics and Prosthetics Degree?", "summary_markdown": "Orthotists and prosthetists typically work in these sectors: \r\n\r\n- Medical equipment, devices, and supplies manufacturing \r\n- Ambulatory / outpatient health services \r\n- Health and personal care stores \r\n- Hospitals and rehabilitation centers \r\n- Federal government (examples: US Military, US Department of Veterans Affairs) \r\n- Non-profits and NGOs (non-governmental organizations) in regions affected by war \r\n- Research and teaching", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "", "display_order": 5, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:15.480068-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-02-16T12:28:38.553863-08:00"}], "degree_specializations": []}">
