Prosthetics Schools and Training Programs
Prosthetic technology helps those with debilitating injuries or deformities lead active and normal lives. If you're interested in pursuing an education to become a prosthetic assistant, prosthetic technician or certified prosthetist, keep reading. Learn about the coursework, certification requirements and continuing education opportunities for prosthetics professionals.
What You Need to Know
Prosthetics education is offered in a wide variety of training options, including certificate and diploma programs, as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees. Schools should follow the guidelines set by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedothics. Programs may offer you distance and in-person training, allowing you to complete the work necessary to obtain the certification you want.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Schools</b></td><td>Make sure you choose a school that meets the requirements of the National Commission on Orthotics and Prosthetics Education</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Training</b></td><td>Certificates, diplomas, associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees may be offered. Work experience and residencies are frequently required for certification</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Classes</b></td><td>Biostatistics, advanced physiology, kinesiology, biomechatronics and course work on prosthetics</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatTypeOfCertificationsCanIObtain">What Type of Certifications Can I Obtain?</h3><p>Depending upon your career goals, you can pursue certification as a prosthetic assistant, prosthetic technician (CPT) or prosthetist (CP). The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC) issues these credentials. Applicants are those who have completed a program approved by the National Commission on Orthotics and Prosthetics Education (NCOPE). State licensure for all levels of prosthetic medicine is generally dependent upon ABC certification.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatLevelOfDegreeWillINeed">What Level of Degree Will I Need?</h3><p>To qualify for the prosthetic assistant credential, you must have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. Additionally, you must either complete some college coursework in anatomy, physics and medical terminology plus one year of clinical training. Finally, you must pass an ABC exam.
</p><p>In order to obtain certification as a prosthetic technician, you may follow two pathways. The first is education-based: complete a certificate or diploma program approved by NCOPE and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The second is to complete a minimum amount of professional hours under the supervision of a certified prosthetist; with this pathway, you may have a high school diploma, GED or college degree. Prosthetic technicians also need to pass an ABC examination.
</p><p>For prosthetist certification, you complete either an accredited baccalaureate program in prosthetics or earn any bachelor's degree along with a postgraduate certificate in prosthetics. In addition, you're required to complete a residency program and successfully complete a comprehensive examination. Beginning in 2020, you must possess a minimum of a master's degree and complete a prosthetics residency program to be eligible.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatTypeOfCoursesWillITake">What Type of Courses Will I Take?</h3><p>Your prosthetics program may involve coursework in biostatistics, advanced physiology, kinesiology and biomechatronics. You may learn how to formulate prescriptions for prosthetic limbs, perform measurements, take casts and conduct fittings and modify components. Some programs may mix online coursework with hands-on clinical experience.
</p><p>Other coursework includes:
</p><ul><li>Human Movement
</li><li>Materials Science
</li><li>Clinical Sciences
</li><li>Introduction to Prosthetics
</li><li>Finishing Procedures for Varying Prostheses
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatKindsOfSchoolsWillIAttend">What Kinds of Schools Will I Attend?</h3><p>Any program you attend should the requirements of the National Commission on Orthotics and Prosthetics Education, to ensure your program meets the educational standards of the orthotics and prosthetics field. Some programs that provide accredited training include:
</p><ul><li>Loma Linda University School of Allied Health Professions
</li><li>California State University
</li><li>Northwestern University Prosthetic-Orthotic Center
</li><li>Eastern Michigan University
</li><li>University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatPostgraduateOpportunitiesWillIHave">What Postgraduate Opportunities Will I Have?</h3><p>Many schools offer postgraduate certificate or degree programs that allow you to continue your education. You may have the opportunity to enroll in a residency program following a minimal amount of preparatory studies and training. Residency programs allow you to work in a clinical lab, working with materials in the fabrication process of prosthetics. You may also be able to obtain hospital or rehabilitation facility experience working one-on-one with patients and professionals.</p>