Considering a career in Orthotics and Prosthetics?
Please join us Monday, October 12 from 6-7 p.m. at St. Petersburg College
Caruth Health Education Center in the Auditorium.
Become an orthotic or prosthetic technician
SPC, a national leader in orthotics and prosthetic training, offers a two-year Associate in Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics Technology, the first and only associate degree for orthotic and prosthetic technicians in Florida.
You’ll take classes at our $11 million J.E. Hanger College of Orthotics and Prosthetics, where we combine lectures and extensive hands on labs to prepare you to fabricate artificial limbs and orthopedic braces. The program meets the standards of the profession and prepares you to take the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics Technician Certification Exams.
Careers-The Orthotics and Prosthetics Technology A.S. degree prepares you to become a certified orthotic and/or prosthetic technician. Certified orthotic and prosthetic technicians fabricate, repair and maintain quality orthoses and/or prostheses under the direction of a certified orthotists and prosthetists. Technicians meet a growing patient need and are proficient in current fabricating techniques, familiar with material properties and skilled in the use of appropriate equipment.
Outlook-The Orthotics and Prosthetics field is growing at a much faster rate than other occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. With the geriatric and diabetic patient populations increasing, so is the need for orthotic and prosthetic professionals. Graduates of our program can find work in orthotic and prosthetic practices, hospitals, central fabrication facilities and orthotic and prosthetic manufacturing companies.
Growing Demand for O&P-Demand for O&P professionals continues to grow, as do the educational requirements. Careers in orthotics and prosthetics include practitioners (certified orthotists and certified prosthetists), pedorthists, assistants, fitters and technicians. The practitioner level provides comprehensive care, including assessment, treatment plans and practice management, and requires a master’s degree. Those who assist practitioners at various levels need post-secondary training and certifications.
Changing demographics and health factors will significantly raise the demand for trained O&P professionals. In fact, a recent study by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education estimates that without an increase in O&P graduates, the number of practicing orthotists can serve just 61% of patients who need them. The study also projects the number of people using prostheses to increase by 50%. Some reasons for the expected rise in need in the United States include:
- About 156,000 individuals lose a limb each year
- More than 1.5 million people have had amputations and need ongoing care
- More than 54 million people experience functional limitations due to impairment or health conditions
- Rising rates of obesity and diabetes will impact the need for services:
- Nearly one-third of the adult population is obese and another one-third is overweight.
- Estimates indicate the rate of diabetes may rise as high as one in three for people born after the year of 2000, with as many as 29 million people affected by 2050.
- By 2030, 20 percent of the United States population will be 65 or older.
- Arthritis is on the rise in America with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention projecting that 67 million people will be afflicted by 2030. Orthoses may be used to stabilize joints, reduce pain and improve function.
- People who survive strokes are often left with physical disabilities requiring orthotic devices.
- The number of amputees returning from Iraq and Afghanistan is more than double that of other wars, with more than 30,000 soldiers with significant injuries requiring O&P services.
We hope to see you!
St. Petersburg College
Caruth Health Education Center
7200 66th Street North
Pinellas Park
VISIT: www.spcollege.edu/hec
