College of Health Sciences

This specialization focuses on the design and provision of orthotic and prosthetic devices to enhance mobility and quality of life for individuals with physical disabilities. Students explore biomechanics, materials science, anatomy, and rehabilitation engineering. The program emphasizes technical skills, clinical knowledge, and engineering principles to create customized solutions. Graduates are prepared for careers in orthotic and prosthetic clinics, rehabilitation centers, and medical device manufacturing.

Learning Goals:

• Understand the design and manufacture of prosthetic and orthotic devices.
• Develop skills in biomechanical analysis, material selection, and device fabrication.
• Learn techniques for assessing patient needs and designing customized devices.
• Explore rehabilitation engineering to improve patient outcomes.
• Understand regulatory standards, ethical considerations, and patient care.
• Analyze challenges and opportunities in prosthetic and orthotic fields.
• Develop teamwork and problem-solving skills for clinical and engineering projects.

Main Curriculum:

1. Introduction to Prosthetics and Orthotics
   • Overview of orthotic and prosthetic devices and their applications.
   • Fundamentals of biomechanics, anatomy, and materials science.
2. Biomechanics
   • Principles of biomechanics and techniques for biomechanical analysis.
3. Materials Science
   • Basics of materials science, material selection techniques, and fabrication methods.
4. Anatomy and Physiology
   • Principles of anatomy and physiology related to prosthetic and orthotic design.
5. Design and Fabrication of Orthotic Devices
   • Principles of orthotic device design, including design and fabrication technologies.
6. Rehabilitation Engineering
   • Methods for integrating engineering principles with rehabilitation practices.
7. Clinical Evaluation and Patient Care
   • Principles of clinical evaluation and patient-centered care techniques.
8. Regulatory Standards and Ethical Considerations
   • Understanding regulatory standards and ethical practices in the prosthetic and orthotic field.
9. Emerging Trends
   • Analyzing innovations such as 3D printing and advanced materials.
10. Graduation Project
    • A hands-on project to apply learned skills in designing or fitting orthotic and prosthetic devices.

Evaluation Methods:

• Design projects for orthotic and prosthetic devices, biomechanical analyses, clinical evaluation plans, research papers, group projects, and internships.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Orthotics and Prosthetics in Rehabilitation" by Phil Stevens.
• "Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System" by Richard N. Hinrichs.
• "Materials Science and Engineering" by William D. Callister Jr.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge in biomechanics, materials science, anatomy, and engineering principles. Suitable for students in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, physical therapy, and related fields.

Program Duration:

Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree, including coursework, projects, and internships.

Certification:

Graduates may earn a degree in prosthetics and orthotics and pursue certifications like Certified Orthotist (CO) or Certified Prosthetist (CP).

Target Audience:

Aspiring orthotists, prosthetists, biomedical engineers, and rehabilitation specialists aiming to specialize in the design and fitting of orthotic and prosthetic devices.

This specialty equips students with the skills necessary to excel in the orthotics and prosthetics field, supporting advancements in rehabilitation engineering and patient care.