College: Health Sciences

The Orthotics specialization focuses on the design, manufacture, and fitting of orthotic devices to support, align, prevent, and correct deformities and to improve movement and function. Students gain skills in biomechanics, anatomy, materials science, clinical assessment, and orthotic production, preparing them for careers in orthotic clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and related fields.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the principles of biomechanics and human anatomy.
• Develop clinical assessment skills and patient evaluation.
• Learn techniques for designing and manufacturing orthotic devices.
• Explore material science and its application in orthotics.
• Analyze gait analysis and movement disorders.
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills.
• Gain practical experience through clinical placements and internships.

Main Curriculum:

1. Introduction to Orthotics - Overview of orthotic principles, history, and industry trends.
2. Biomechanics - Study of human movement, forces, and their impact on the musculoskeletal system.
3. Human Anatomy and Physiology - In-depth study of human anatomy and physiology, with a focus on the musculoskeletal system.
4. Clinical Assessment and Patient Evaluation - Techniques to assess patient needs and design appropriate orthotic interventions.
5. Orthotic Design and Manufacturing - Principles of designing and manufacturing custom orthotic devices.
6. Materials Science in Orthotics - Study of materials used in orthotics, including their properties and applications.
7. Gait Analysis and Movement Disorders - Techniques for analyzing gait disorders and movement and designing orthotic solutions.
8. Lower Limb Orthotics - Specialized orthotic devices for the lower limbs, including foot and ankle orthoses.
9. Upper Limb Orthotics - Specialized orthotic devices for the upper limbs, including wrist and elbow orthoses.
10. Spinal Orthotics - Specialized orthotic devices for the spine, including back braces and scoliosis orthoses.
11. Practical/Clinical Training - Hands-on experiences in orthotic clinics, hospitals, or rehabilitation centers.
12. Capstone Project - Comprehensive project applying orthotic skills, such as designing a custom orthotic device, conducting a clinical assessment, or developing a manufacturing technique.

Assessment Methods:

• Principles of Orthotics and Biomechanics Analysis
• Human Anatomy and Physiology Projects
• Clinical Assessment and Patient Evaluation Projects
• Orthotic Design and Manufacturing Projects
• Materials Science and its Application Projects
• Gait Analysis and Movement Disorders Projects
• Lower, Upper, and Spinal Orthosis Projects
• Clinical Placement/Internship Reports
• Capstone Projects and Presentations

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Introduction to Orthotics"
• "Biomechanics"
• "Human Anatomy and Physiology"
• "Clinical Assessment and Patient Evaluation"
• "Orthotic Design and Manufacturing"
• "Materials Science in Orthotics"
• "Gait Analysis and Movement Disorders"
• "Lower Limb Orthotics"
• "Upper Limb Orthotics"
• "Spinal Orthotics"

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of biology, physics, and an interest in human movement and rehabilitation.

Program Duration:

Typically 4 years to earn a Bachelor's degree in Orthotics.

Certification:

Graduates can earn certifications such as:

• Certified Orthotist (CO) from the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, & Pedorthics (ABC)
• Certified Pedorthist (C.Ped) from ABC
• Certificates in specific orthotic design and manufacturing tools and software

Target Audience:

Aspiring orthotists, current orthotists, and professionals seeking careers in orthotic clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and related fields. This specialization equips students with the technical and clinical skills necessary to excel in orthotics, supporting careers in various roles within orthotic clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and related fields.