Master of Prosthetics & Orthotics

This online course provides an introduction to health and medical conditions commonly encountered in P&O practice, including information about pathologies, impairments, medical and therapeutic interventions, diagnostics and collegial collaboration. It includes basic concepts in epidemiology, etiology, clinical pathology, neuropathology, pharmacology, diagnostic imaging and other technologies and interdisciplinary practice that support P&O practice. Learning activities assist students in integrating this knowledge to form the basis for clinical decisionmaking, building interdisciplinary relationships and P&O practice skills in various clinical settings.

This course provides an introduction to relevant chemical, physical and structural properties of materials used to design, engineer and apply P&O devices as interventions that facilitate human function. Materials covered include metal alloys, thermoplastics, thermosets, synthetic reinforcement materials, fabrics and soft foam materials. Manufacturing methods and guidelines are discussed from the perspectives of clinical practice, research and development. Occupational safety and human tissue interface concepts are introduced and later integrated into the onsite practicum and laboratory experiences.

• Apply knowledge of anatomy, pathophysiology, injury process and impairments in relationship to P&O treatment plans.
• Formulate comprehensive treatment plans that integrate knowledge of biomechanics, kinesiology, normal and pathological gait, and material and component selection to improve function and meet patient/client needs in Lower Limb Prosthetics Design.
• Formulate comprehensive treatment plans that integrate knowledge of biomechanics, kinesiology, normal and pathological gait, and material and component selection to improve function and meet patient/client needs in Lower Limb Prosthetic Suspension Systems.
• Formulate comprehensive treatment plans that integrate knowledge of biomechanics, kinesiology, normal and pathological gait, and material and component selection to improve function and meet patient/client needs in Lower Limb Orthotics Design.
• Formulate comprehensive treatment plans that integrate knowledge of biomechanics, kinesiology and material and component selection to improve function and meet patient/client needs in Spinal Orthotics and Scoliosis. 
• Effectively interpret literature and research methods.

• Perform comprehensive assessments of the patient using standardized assessment tools and skills.
• Demonstrate proficiency in impression and measurement acquisition.
• Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate procedures and fabrication processes in the provision of P&O services.
• Use established recordkeeping techniques to document and record patient assessment, treatment plans, billing and reimbursement. 
• Demonstrate the skills to conduct and write a literature review.

• Demonstrate sound ethical and professional judgment in clinical patient/client management.
• Communicate effectively and in a professional manner, both verbally and in writing, with patients, caregivers and other healthcare personnel.

Students must be able to observe and interpret custom fabrication demonstrations in the manufacturing laboratory. They must have sufficient visual and auditory acuity to accurately determine and interpret physical findings in patients; and to evaluate the quality of the fitting of a P&O device to the affected portion of the body. The student must also have adequate touch perception to be able to palpate during physical examinations.

Students must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with patients, families and colleagues to elicit information in both verbal and non-verbal forms. The student must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients. Communication includes not only speech but also reading and writing in English.

A student must be able to demonstrate the required motor movements to safely perform basic P&O fabrication tasks and conduct physical examinations, including but not limited to palpation and obtaining accurate measurements and impressions of the affected portions of the body that are to be treated. This requires both gross and fine muscular movements, as well as coordination. The student must be able to adhere to universal precautions while performing these activities.

Students must be able to calculate, measure, reason, analyze and synthesize. Problem solving, which is the most critical skill required of prosthetist-orthotists, demands all of these abilities. Students must be able to participate and learn through a variety of modalities, including, but not limited to, classroom instruction, small groups, team and collaborative activities.

Students must possess the stable emotional health required for the exercise of good judgment, the timely completion of responsibilities related to the evaluation and care of patients and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients and colleagues. Students must be able to work collaboratively in a healthcare team and function in stressful work environments such as hospitals and clinics. They must be able to demonstrate reasonable flexibility in adapting to changing work situations.