Faculty: Health Sciences The Orthotics major focuses on the design, fabrication, and fitting of orthotic devices to support, align, prevent, or correct deformities and improve mobility and function. Students gain skills in biomechanics, anatomy, materials science, clinical assessment, and orthotic fabrication, preparing for careers in orthotic clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and related fields. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand the principles of biomechanics and human anatomy. - Develop skills in clinical assessment and patient evaluation. - Learn orthotic design and fabrication techniques. - Explore materials 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 rotations and internships. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to Orthotics** - Overview of orthotics 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, focusing on the musculoskeletal system. 4. **Clinical Assessment and Patient Evaluation** - Techniques for evaluating patients' needs and designing appropriate orthotic interventions. 5. **Orthotic Design and Fabrication** - Principles of designing and fabricating 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 and movement disorders and designing orthotic solutions. 8. **Lower Limb Orthotics** - Specialized orthotic devices for the lower limbs, including foot orthoses and ankle-foot 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. **Clinical Rotations/Internship** - Real-world 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 fabrication technique. **Assessment Methods:** - Orthotics principles and biomechanics analyses - Human anatomy and physiology projects - Clinical assessment and patient evaluation projects - Orthotic design and fabrication projects - Materials science and application projects - Gait analysis and movement disorder projects - Lower, upper, and spinal orthotics projects - Clinical rotation/internship reports - Capstone projects and presentations **Recommended Textbooks:** - "Introduction to Orthotics" - "Biomechanics" - "Human Anatomy and Physiology" - "Clinical Assessment and Patient Evaluation" - "Orthotic Design and Fabrication" - "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. **Major Duration:** Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree in Orthotics. **Certification:** Graduates may pursue certifications such as: - Certified Orthotist (CO) from the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC) - Certified Pedorthist (C.Ped) from ABC - Certifications in specific orthotic design and fabrication tools and software **Target Audience:** Aspiring orthotists, pedorthists, and professionals seeking careers in orthotic clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and related fields. This major equips students with the technical and clinical skills needed to excel in orthotics, supporting careers in various roles within orthotic clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and related fields.