Prosthetics & Orthotics Degree Program:
Bachelor of Science

The prosthetist-orthotist is a member of the Rehabilitation health care team, which also includes physicians, surgeons, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and other appropriate specialists. Team members work together with physically challenged individuals to enhance their daily life and increase their functional abilities.

The three groups of prosthetic-orthotic devices which can potentially enter into the rehabilitation of an individual are: 1) prosthetic devices, which replace or substitute for a missing limb or part of a limb; 2) orthotic devices, which help with the control of motion and the support of a weakened body segment; 3) adaptive devices, which enable the person to perform specific activities.

The prosthetics-orthotics profession has two occupational levels--practitioner and technician. Practitioners provide direct patient care and management, while technicians assist in the fabrication phase. Practitioners work in conjunction with physicians, surgeons, and therapists to evaluate the prosthetic or orthotic needs of the patient. They design the appropriate device, supervise technicians who fabricate them, and evaluate the fit and functional use for each patient. To evaluate function, the prosthetist-orthotist must have a detailed knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology, joint range of motion, muscle strength and human locomotion.

Before designing a prosthesis or orthosis, the prosthetist-orthotist examines a patient to find any conditions that will affect the future success of the orthosis or prosthesis. Following the evaluation, the prosthetist-orthotist will obtain an impression of the affected segment along with the appropriate measurements. A technician fabricates the prosthesis or orthosis, and the prosthetist-orthotist fits the patient and makes changes as necessary. Prosthetists and orthotists are employed in private practices and hospitals. There are also a limited number of opportunities in research positions throughout the country.

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