Orthotic-Prosthetic (O&P) health professionals possess a unique combination of skills and expertise in anatomy and physiology, materials science, biomechanics, technology, human-device interfaces, mechanical design, gait analysis, and interdisciplinary patient care. They use these qualities to perform a thorough evaluation, fabricate, fit, and maintain follow-up care in the provision of orthoses (braces), and prostheses (artificial limbs) - including education to address patient-specific needs along the process. They integrate scientific knowledge when making decisions about the most appropriate technologies throughout this continuum of care. O&P professionals provide safe, comprehensive patient care that promotes health equity, and community engagement, and aligns with the goals of collaborating healthcare providers. Orthotic-Prosthetic (O&P) health professionals possess a unique combination of skills and expertise in anatomy and physiology, materials science, biomechanics, technology, human-device interfaces, mechanical design, gait analysis, and interdisciplinary patient care. They use these qualities to perform a thorough evaluation, fabricate, fit, and maintain follow-up care in the provision of orthoses (braces), and prostheses (artificial limbs) - including education to address patient-specific needs along the process. They integrate scientific knowledge when making decisions about the most appropriate technologies throughout this continuum of care. O&P professionals provide safe, comprehensive patient care that promotes health equity, and community engagement, and aligns with the goals of collaborating healthcare providers.
Orthotists-prosthetists' work involves the evaluation, and identification of functional limitations and participation restrictions, formulation of treatment plans, and patient-centered treatment of individuals with various clinical conditions and associated presentations, such as limb loss due to complications of diabetes, musculoskeletal complications of cerebral palsy, or limb paralysis caused by stroke.
Work Settings. Orthotists-prosthetists can be employed in any of the following settings: private practices, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, universities, or central fabrication laboratories. Team Collaboration. They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as rehabilitation therapists, nurses, and physicians, to develop comprehensive care plans. They collaborate closely with O&P Assistants, O&P Technicians, and sometimes engineers (e.g., bioengineers). Patient Evaluation. They evaluate a patient's physical condition, environmental factors and lifestyle to determine specific functional needs. Treatment Planning. They design patient-specific O&P care plans that include coordination with interdisciplinary healthcare professionals, formulation and design of O&P interventions, short- and long-term planning, outcome assessment, consideration of unique personal and environmental factors, patient education, and follow up. Outcome Assessment. They evaluate the effectiveness of the O&P interventions throughout the continuum of care and continuously optimize them to address changes in the patient’s health condition to enable ongoing performance of daily tasks and participation in essential activities. Patient Education. They educate patients and their families about the condition, preventative measures, proper use and care of their prosthesis or orthosis, and offer guidance on maintaining their overall health and mobility. Documentation. They maintain detailed records of patient evaluation treatment plans and device specifications in accordance with healthcare regulations.
Work Settings. Orthotists-prosthetists can be employed in any of the following settings: private practices, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, universities, or central fabrication laboratories. Team Collaboration. They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as rehabilitation therapists, nurses, and physicians, to develop comprehensive care plans. They collaborate closely with O&P Assistants, O&P Technicians, and sometimes engineers (e.g., bioengineers). Patient Evaluation. They evaluate a patient's physical condition, environmental factors and lifestyle to determine specific functional needs. Treatment Planning. They design patient-specific O&P care plans that include coordination with interdisciplinary healthcare professionals, formulation and design of O&P interventions, short- and long-term planning, outcome assessment, consideration of unique personal and environmental factors, patient education, and follow up. Outcome Assessment. They evaluate the effectiveness of the O&P interventions throughout the continuum of care and continuously optimize them to address changes in the patient’s health condition to enable ongoing performance of daily tasks and participation in essential activities. Patient Education. They educate patients and their families about the condition, preventative measures, proper use and care of their prosthesis or orthosis, and offer guidance on maintaining their overall health and mobility. Documentation. They maintain detailed records of patient evaluation treatment plans and device specifications in accordance with healthcare regulations.
Length. Orthotist-Prosthetist education culminates in a Master's degree. Prerequisites. Applicants should have a baccalaureate degree and appropriate coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, algebra, human anatomy, and physiology, as well as any other coursework specified by the institution. Curriculum. The professional curriculum includes formal instruction in biomechanics gait analysis/pathomechanics, kinesiology, pathology, materials science, research methods, diagnostic imaging techniques, measurement, impression taking, model rectification, diagnostic fitting, definitive fitting, postoperative management, external power, static and dynamic alignment of sockets related to various amputation levels, and fitting and alignment of orthoses for lower limb, upper limb, and spine with various systems to be included. The curriculum also includes clinical experiences. Length. Orthotist-Prosthetist education culminates in a Master's degree. Prerequisites. Applicants should have a baccalaureate degree and appropriate coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, algebra, human anatomy, and physiology, as well as any other coursework specified by the institution. Curriculum. The professional curriculum includes formal instruction in biomechanics gait analysis/pathomechanics, kinesiology, pathology, materials science, research methods, diagnostic imaging techniques, measurement, impression taking, model rectification, diagnostic fitting, definitive fitting, postoperative management, external power, static and dynamic alignment of sockets related to various amputation levels, and fitting and alignment of orthoses for lower limb, upper limb, and spine with various systems to be included. The curriculum also includes clinical experiences.
American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics 330 John Carlyle Street Suite 210 Alexandria, VA 22314 Phone: 703-836-7114 Website: http://www.abcop.org American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics 330 John Carlyle Street Suite 210 Alexandria, VA 22314 Phone: 703-836-7114 Website: http://www.abcop.org
Before embarking on your allied health journey, delve into the essential requirements of your desired profession. Understanding the certification, registration, or licensure process will help you select the right education program and confidently pursue your career goals. The following organization(s) can assist you in becoming an allied health professional:
American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists 8116 Arlington Blvd., PMB214 Falls Church, VA 22042 Phone: 202-380-3663 Website: http://www.oandp.org Before embarking on your allied health journey, delve into the essential requirements of your desired profession. Understanding the certification, registration, or licensure process will help you select the right education program and confidently pursue your career goals. The following organization(s) can assist you in becoming an allied health professional:
American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists 8116 Arlington Blvd., PMB214 Falls Church, VA 22042 Phone: 202-380-3663 Website: http://www.oandp.org
American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics 330 John Carlyle Street Suite 210 Alexandria, VA 22314 Phone: 703-836-7114 Website: http://www.abcop.org
