Orthotics and Prosthetics is an allied health profession in which the practitioner evaluates, measures, fabricates and custom fits artificial limbs or custom orthopedic braces. The profession offers a variety of exciting employment opportunities including O&P Practitioner, Fitter and Technician.

An Orthotist is specifically prepared to provide, or manage the provision of, custom-designed and fabricated orthopedic braces, also called orthoses, to patents with disabling conditions. A Prosthetist is trained and educated to provide custom-designed and fabricated artificial limbs, also called prostheses, to patients with complete or partial absence of a limb or part of a limb.

OSU-Okmulgee's program prepares students for the Technician credential. The Orthotic and/or Prosthetic Technician designs, fabricates, repairs and, under the supervision of a Certified Practitioner, may participate in associated patient care.

The ideal candidate possess very strong interpersonal skills, listening skills and in particular, an aptitude for math and science. O&P is a "hands on" profession, where your knowledge, commitment and dedication will translate into tangible physical improvements for each patient.

OSU-Okmulgee offers the Associate in Applied Science degree in Orthotics or Prosthetics. The 60 credit hour curriculum consists of three categories: Departmental requirements, 30 credit hours; Inter-departmental, 4 credit hours; and general education requirements, 26 hours. Students must also successfully complete an internship experience which substantially increases knowledge and earning power.

Highly qualified, OSU-Okmulgee's faculty continually network with industry/program advisory committees. All instructors have certification and related job experience. The low student-to-faculty ratio allows for plenty of attention and instruction, creating individual student/teacher interaction and graduate success.

To match the quality of our faculty, our state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms meet the highest of standards. The Orthotic and Prosthetic Program features areas for each component of fabrication, patient care and educational instruction. OSU-Okmulgee facilities provide on-site patient care in order to provide our students with real world experience. State-of-the-art equipment and technologies enhance the student's ability to master essential clinical and laboratory skills and techniques.

• Orthotics Plan of Study