Academic Course Catalog
Orthotics Soft Goods Fitters Course
Comprehensive study of short-term, custom-fitted orthoses for the management of the spine, upper and lower limbs. It includes evaluation, assessment, treatment plan formulation, implementation of the plan, and follow-up.; Fittings of selected orthoses are included.
Material Science and Laboratory Skills
Study of various chemical and physical properties of materials and the relationship and implications of those properties in orthotic-prosthetic design and fabrication. Development of specific laboratory competencies on O&P tools, techniques, and materials.
Applied Anatomy
A focused course in human anatomy that uses a combined regional and systemic approach to examine the relationships and organization of the major structures within the body as they relate to Orthotic and Prosthetic application and design.
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Health Care Leadership and Management
Examines the structure, management, and interrelationship of health care organizations across the spectrum of care in light of classical and contemporary management theory, and provides understanding of the unique relationship within and between health care organizations and professionals.
Advanced Research Methods in Health Science
Theory and practice of experimental, correlation and descriptive research. Computer application of statistical packages to data sets. One hour of lecture and one hour of laboratory per week.
Clinical Pathology for Orthotists & Prosthetists
Examination of the etiology, clinical signs and symptoms, treatment, prognosis and social implications of pathological conditions associated with numerous diseases and traumatic injuries that require orthotic and/or prosthetic intervention. Includes introductory Neuroscience and neural disorders encountered in practice.
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Clinical Evaluation Tools in Orthotics and Prosthetics
Focus on the multitude of standardized clinical assessment tools to be appropriately used in concert with the clinical examination, as well as evidence from the literature, to determine the need for orthotic-prosthetic services and design optimal intervention strategies.
Practice Management for Orthotics and Prosthetics
This course will address general business practice within orthotic-prosthetic practice, including its role in clinical decision making, documentation, time management and compliance with regulatory agencies, reimbursement and human resource management.
Psychosocial Aspects of Disability
Application of psychological concepts to illness and disability. Awareness of social supports and constraints, activities across the lifespan, and integration of these factors into clinical practice. Strategies for dealing with patients in distress, and symptoms requiring referral to other professionals.
Orthotic Management of the Upper Limb
Comprehensive study of short- and long-term upper limb orthotic patient management. It includes evaluation and assessment, treatment plan formulation, implementation of the plan, and follow-up. Fabrication and fitting of finger, hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, humeral, and shoulder orthoses.
Orthotic Management of the Lower Limb I
Comprehensive study of lower limb orthotic patient management distal to the knee. It includes evaluation and assessment; treatment plan formulation, follow-up
Orthotic Management of the Lower Limb II
Comprehensive study of lower limb orthotic patient management proximal to the knee. It includes evaluation and assessment; treatment plan formulation, follow-up and patient education; as well as biomechanics, gait analysis and motor disability. Fabrication and fitting of selected orthoses.
Orthotic Management of the Spine
Comprehensive study of spinal orthotic management. It includes evaluation, assessment, treatment plan formulation, implementation of the plan, and follow-up. Fabrication and fitting of selected orthoses is included. Also, presentation of Wheelchair Seating and Cranial Remolding Helmets.
Normal Gait and Biomechanics of Movement
Primary areas of study will include applied anatomy, anthropometry, kinematics, and kinetics, normal human locomotion, force vectors, observational and instrumented gait analysis.
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Gait Analysis and Pathomechanics for O&P
Examination and assessment of how and why an individual’s gait deviates from normal human locomotion when they are utilizing an orthotic or prosthetic device designed specifically for application below the knee.
Prosthetic Management of the Upper Limb
Comprehensive study of upper limb prosthetic management, including transradial, transhumeral, partial hand, elbow and shoulder disarticulation amputations. Includes evaluation; assessment; treatment plan formulation, implementation and follow-up to promote positive outcomes utilizing evidence-based practice.
Prosthetic Management of the Lower Limb I
Management of amputations distal to the knee, including Transtibial, Symes and Partial Foot. Patient assessment, formulation of treatment plan, implementation, and follow up through measurement, casting, fabrication, and fitting of patients. Pathologies, surgical procedures, components, biomechanics, gait, and outcome measures.
Prosthetic Management of the Lower Limb II
Management of amputations proximal to the knee, including Knee Disarticulation, Trans Femoral and Hip Disarticulation. Includes all aspects of patient assessment, formulation of treatment plans, and implementation through measurement, casting, fabrication and fitting to promote positive outcomes.
Applied Technologies in Orthotics and Prosthetics
Integration of non-traditional techniques in the measurement, fabrication, and delivery of devices in contemporary O&P practice. This includes knowledge of computer aided design, electrical circuitry, instrumented gait analysis, and biomechanical and biomedical engineering concepts.
Sub-specialties in O&P
Student driven course in areas of advanced skills, infrequently used devices, or unique goals in O&P. Lecture and demonstration with pediatric, geriatric, recreational and special use clients. Development of evaluation, assessment, and treatment plans through case studies and live interaction
Capstone Activity for O & P
MS in Health Science, O&P Option requires a portfolio as the culminating experience. The portfolio is an accumulation of a directed research paper, practical exams, written & written simulation exams, oral exams, gait analysis and clinical patient scenarios.
Clinical Practicum in Orthotics and Prosthetics
Fieldwork and in-depth study of discipline related topics under the direction of Division of Health Sciences faculty member. Repeatable for credit for up to a maximum of eleven units. 540 hour placement in private sector or institutional facility. Supervised observation/assistance of patient evaluation, assessment, measurement, casting, fitting, and follow-up. Documentation and case analysis.
Practicum A: 60 hours, Observation and assistance in private and public O&P facilities.
Practicum B: 240 hours, placement in O&P facility during summer year 1.
Practicum C: 240 hours, placement in O&P facility during spring year 2.
Directed Research in Orthotics and Prosthetics
Research on a subject related to the option that is suitable for professional presentation or publication.
The essential elements of research methods and data analysis will be covered. This course will focus on identifying and critically analyzing the scientific literature.