Orthotics/Prosthetics Technician

Orthotics & Prosthetics Equipment and Materials

The student will be able to identify equipment, tools, and materials used to manufacture various orthotic and prosthetic devices. Safety policies and procedure will be presented and the student will demonstrate basic skills and techniques in the operation of each machine. Applied math skills necessary for equipment and materials utilization will be taught.

Upper Limb Orthotics

The student will use principles learned in previous courses to design and fabricate upper limb support systems. Metal and plastics will be used to customize each orthosis. Additional topics will include troubleshooting and repair.

Clinical Orthotics

The student will participate in a clinical externship in an approved facility offering supervised experiences in the application of learned principles to the fabrication and delivery of orthotic or prosthetic services.

Transfemoral Prosthetics

The course is designed to build upon the knowledge and skills acquired in the previous two prosthetic courses. Socket position, knee components and their relationship to prosthetic feet in static alignment are important issues the student technician will experience and understand. Socket design and fabrication with various reinforcing materials will be a topic of instruction and application.

Spinal Orthotics

Course is designed to build upon the knowledge and skills acquired in previous orthotics courses. Application of plastics, metal and leather will be utilized in the design of various spine supports. Additional topics will include strength and properties of various materials to obtain a desired biomechanical effect in each system.

Transtibial Prosthetics

Students will be introduced to the fabrication processes involved in transtibial prosthetics. The student will begin to learn about wood, titanium and aluminum components, static and dynamic alignment, and the use of instruments to transfer alignment. Classroom learning will be reinforced with laboratory experience. Laminating with epoxy, acrylic, and polyester resins along with many different reinforcing materials will be used. Applied mathematical skills needed to mix resins correctly will be taught.

Transradial/Transhumeral Prosthetics

The student will fabricate a prosthesis for a long transradial amputee followed by the more complex short transradial prosthesis with rigid hinges. A transhumeral prosthesis is then fabricated using commercially available elbow and forearem components.

Advanced Transtibial Prosthetics

The student will use knowledge and principles learned in previous courses to fabricate a pediatric symes prosthesis, a thermal plastic BK prosthesis with flexible inner liner and rigid frame and a partial foot prosthesis. Utilizing an understanding of material strengths, alignment, the student will also make repairs and perform general maintenance on prosthetic components.

Lower Limb Orthotics

The student will demonstrate competencies in the development and manufacture of foot orthosis, ankle-foot orthosis, knee-ankle-foot orthosis, and orthotic shoe modifications. Various materials and procedures will be used in the design of each project.

Clinical Prosthetics

The student will participate in a clinical externship in an approved facility offering supervised experiences in the application of learned principles to the fabrication and delivery of orthotic or prosthetic services.