Orthotics and prosthetics degree overview

An orthotics and prosthetics degree prepares students to design, create, and fit medical devices that help people with physical limitations. Orthotics focuses on devices that support or correct the function of specific body parts, like braces or foot orthotics. Prosthetics, on the other hand, involves designing artificial limbs for people who have lost a limb due to injury, illness, or congenital conditions. This degree blends healthcare with technology, teaching students to work directly with patients to improve mobility and quality of life.

In this program, students study subjects like human anatomy, biomechanics, and materials science to understand how to create devices that work with the body. They also learn how to use specialized tools and software to design and fabricate these devices. Practical skills are a big part of the training, so programs often include lab work and hands-on practice where students can work on real-life scenarios. Clinical internships are common, giving students a chance to work with patients under supervision and apply their skills in real healthcare settings.

Orthotics and prosthetics programs offer several degree and certification paths, each providing different levels of training and specialization within the field.

• Associate Degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics Technology: An associate degree focuses on technical skills needed to fabricate and repair orthotic and prosthetic devices. This two-year program trains students to work as technicians, supporting licensed practitioners by building and maintaining customized devices for patients.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics: A bachelor’s degree covers both the design and clinical application of orthotic and prosthetic devices. This four-year program includes coursework in anatomy, biomechanics, and materials science, along with practical lab work and patient care training. Students typically complete clinical internships to gain hands-on experience and prepare for certification exams.
• Master’s Degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics: For those with a bachelor’s degree in a related field, a master’s program in orthotics and prosthetics offers advanced clinical training and specialization. This graduate program meets certification requirements and includes extensive clinical residencies, preparing students to work directly with patients as certified practitioners.

An orthotics and prosthetics degree equips students with a mix of technical, medical, and interpersonal skills essential for a career in the field.

Students learn the principles of biomechanics to understand how the body moves and how devices can support or replicate this movement. This knowledge is vital for designing devices that improve mobility and reduce pain. They also study anatomy and physiology to gain insight into the musculoskeletal system and how different medical conditions or injuries affect movement and functionality.

The degree program provides hands-on training in device design and fabrication, including how to use specialized tools and materials to create customized braces, prosthetic limbs, and other assistive devices. Students practice using 3D printing and computer-aided design (CAD) software to build and refine their designs. Additionally, they gain skills in patient care and communication, learning how to work closely with individuals to understand their needs and provide ongoing support, adjustments, and follow-up care for optimal outcomes.

An orthotics and prosthetics degree provides specialized training, preparing graduates to improve patient mobility and support independence by designing and fitting customized assistive devices.

• Orthotist and Prosthetist: Graduates can become certified orthotists and prosthetists, professionals who design and fit medical devices like braces or artificial limbs for people with physical limitations. Working directly with patients, they assess individual needs, create customized devices, and ensure a comfortable fit that enhances mobility. Common workplaces include hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private clinics.
• Orthotics and Prosthetics Technician: Technicians specialize in the technical fabrication and repair of orthotic and prosthetic devices. They support practitioners by building, adjusting, and maintaining devices based on patient specifications. Technicians often work in prosthetic labs, manufacturing companies, and rehabilitation centers, where they handle the physical creation of each custom device.
• Research and Development Specialist: For those interested in innovation, roles in research and development within medical device manufacturing allow graduates to design and improve orthotic and prosthetic products. In these positions, professionals focus on new technologies and materials that enhance device performance, ensuring they meet patient needs more effectively.