This online course provides an introduction to health and medical conditions commonly encountered in O/P 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 O/P practice. Learning activities assist students in integrating this knowledge to form the basis for clinical decision making, building interdisciplinary relationships, and O/P 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 O/P 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.
This course integrates clinically relevant aspects of human anatomy, physiology, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, kinesiology and biomechanics. Included are an introduction to motor learning and control principles that support human functioning; and clinical concepts in bioengineering and electrophysiology. Onsite coursework will include cadaver prosection, surface anatomy palpation, and task analysis to support assessment skills. Each section of this course will relate the didactic concepts to clinical O/P practice. Please note that this course is taught as three separate classes: Human Systems, Anatomy of Movement, and Human Movement Science Practicum.
This course highlights the fundamental principles of O/P practice and the relationship of the foundational sciences to the theoretical constructs that guide O/P practice, including human function and impairment, interface mechanics, shape acquisition, suspension, modification and rectification principles, alignment guidelines, component selection, force & power analysis, device creation and functional integration. The profession's Practice Analysis is used as a framework for clinical analysis that includes evidenced based practice, problem-solving, inter-professional collaboration, and research investigations. These fundamental concepts will be integrated with synchronous, online activities to promote mastery of the practical application of this knowledge during onsite clinical practicum coursework and laboratory experiences.
This course has online and onsite segments covering Exploration and evaluation of sociocultural perspectives of health and disability, Rehabilitation science and O/P practice perspectives, Defining professional behavior, Relationships with other healthcare professionals, peers, industry and government entities. Legal, healthcare and payment systems and the Implications of professional issues on O/P practice and clinical decision making, both locally and globally. This course is designed to assist the student in defining his/her roles and responsibilities, professionally and personally, by exploration of ethics and values. By the conclusion of this course, the student will demonstrate professional conduct and develop a plan for lifelong professional development.
The online and onsite segments of this course include Fundamentals of personality development, Self-awareness as a clinical caregiver, Personal values and ethics, Concepts of self-care and self-health, Psychosocial aspects of health and disability and its meaning in the lives of people with disability, The impact of rehabilitation and O/P care on quality of life and Principles of effective interpersonal communication. Related activities will be integrated throughout the onsite clinical practicum coursework and laboratory experiences. Please note that this course is taught as two separate classes: Behavioral Sciences 1 and Behavioral Sciences 2.
This course focuses on the theories and hypotheses of contemporary and emerging technologies used in O/P practice including Technologies employed in assessment / measurement & shape acquisition, Structural assessment of materials and components and Fabrication machinery and related safety. Discussion will explore psychosocial issues surrounding human/technology integration, the role of O/P professionals and student perspectives. The clinical application of concepts presented didactically online will be integrated into the onsite practicum coursework and laboratory experiences.
Guided and reflective professional clinical experiences illustrate the relevance of foundational educational concepts and demonstrate how they are integrated and applied in actual practice. Observations will be offered in multiple settings including O/P clinical sites, Interdisciplinary clinics, Acute care hospitals, Rehabilitation facilities, Manufacturing and central fabrication settings, and Governmental entities. Structured objectives are established for each placement; review and reflection will be conducted with faculty, clinical supervisors and classmates. Please note that this course is taught as four separate classes: Supervised Clinical Experience 2, 3, 5 and 5.
The online and onsite segments of this course provide the entry-level clinician with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct critical evaluation of published research and to identify the clinical implications for patient care. Topics covered include Principles of structured literature reviews, Research methodology, Ethical considerations in research and human subject trials, Clinical impact of research results, Evidence-based clinical decision making and Utilization of research to expand professional competencies. Please note that this course is taught as three separate classes: Research 1, Research 2, and Research 3. Students will also complete a Capstone Project that may be suitable for the Directed Study project required during their Residency.
This onsite laboratory course integrates concepts of human movement, physiology, pathology and function with principles of measurement to begin identification of abnormal findings and formulation of potential O/P solutions for a wide range of biomechanical deficits. Content includes Provider/client engagement, Evidence driven assessment, tests and measures, Assessment techniques, Communication skills and Impact of assessment on prescription formulation, resource utilization, and clinical documentation.
These hands-on, core courses provide a series of supervised clinical experiences and learning exercises that integrate concepts from earlier coursework into clinical practice. Students apply this knowledge by creating and fitting trial prostheses and orthoses for educational models who have neuromuscular impairments including limb deficiencies. Each module focuses on one specific body segment: head & trunk, upper limb and lower limb. Initial projects introduce basic skills; subsequent experiences involve progressive more complex challenges and technologies. Students will demonstrate mastery by discussing and applying relevant foundational knowledge to formulate and implement an intervention to enhance an individual’s independence and quality of life. Essential skills include Clinical reasoning & judgment, Assessment techniques, Shape acquisition, Basic fabrication skills, Patient/client education, Follow up assessment and Practice management skills.Affective and psychomotor skills will be rigorously assessed during these onsite laboratory courses to confirm that the graduate will be ready to begin the mandatory structured Residency prior to national Board examinations. Please note that this course is taught as seven separate classes: Orthotic Practice: Head Spine & Trunk, Orthotic Practice: Upper Limb. Prosthetics Practice: Upper Limb, Orthotics Practice: Distal to Knee, Prosthetics Practice: Distal to Knee, Orthotic Practice: Proximal to Knee, and Prosthetic Practice: Proximal to Knee.
The Special Topics course provides an opportunity for concentrated learning about an area of special interest within the practice domain of prosthetics & orthotics. Structured didactic and interactive sessions empower students to investigate areas of personal interest and to collaborate with other students interested in the chosen area of focus. Mentors will be identified to facilitate understanding of more advanced concepts. Potential topics include all domains of the profession’s Practice Analysis such as emerging knowledge or technologies, specialty areas (i.e. pediatrics) or business/public policy issues.
This course provides the second-year master’s student with an overview of business issues such as reimbursement and financial/legal documentation, cost accounting, personnel, management, quality assurance, and facility accreditation. Concepts of professional practice within the context of multiple stakeholders are explored. Participants will develop a basic understanding of the contemporary government/legal, industry and business environment and best practices that support the effective application of clinical skills in different O/P settings.
