Many people enter college with an exact idea of what they want to focus in, some flip flop around until they settle in on a major and others have no clue what they want to study while they are in college. Believe it or not, all three categories can make a student feel very overwhelmed.

According to Muse writer Ashley Faus, there are three things all students should ask themselves when they are at a crossroad of what they should focus in during college. Faus proposes 3 Questions to Ask Yourself When You Don’t Know What You Want to Do. Breaking these questions down can hopefully get a student on the track that helps them determine what to study.

Many students think they want to study a subject because they are fascinated by it. However, once college freshmen learn more about the major and potential careers related to it, students might begin to change their mind. Instead of picking your future based on what captivates you, ask yourself, “What am I passionate about?” This opens up several new doors that you may have not been aware of. It is okay to try different things and explore different options. This exploration will help you pinpoint exactly what you want to do. Choosing a career opposed to choosing a job are two unique things. Make sure you are choosing a career you are passionate about and that you will enjoy waking up every day and doing.

What does my dream job look like? When choosing a career path, you need to evaluate all that job will entail. Take into consideration work hours, dress code and growth opportunities. In addition, you want to evaluate where you see yourself in this career one, five and ten years down the road. Faus says that “While you never really know how your role will evolve over time (or even what jobs might be available in the future!), it’s important to explore how the role tends to change as you advance.” How does this job fit into my life?

Whatever field you end up claiming as your dream job, know that the average worker today stays at each of his or her jobs for 4.4 years, according to the most recent available data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It may take a few jobs until you reach the apex of your career. It’s impossible to plan for every step along the way, but asking yourself big-picture questions about what you want from a career can help you chart a path at any stage.

The Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) program at St. Petersburg College was founded in 2005 and has since grown into a national leader in developing and providing Orthotics and Prosthetics training through its $11-million J.E. Hanger College of Orthotics and Prosthetics. A career in O&P is one that will allow you to make a difference in the lives of patients with disabling conditions. It is a career that is in demand now and will continue to grow in the coming years. As the demand for O&P professionals grows, so do the requirements. This is where our program comes in, St. Petersburg College offers three options; industry certifications, an Associate in Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics Technology, and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics.

Industry Certifications
SPC offers continuing education for current licensed professionals or three types of industry certifications for those looking to get into the field without going through the full program to obtain an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. The types of certificates available are:
– Orthotic Fitter: Students enrolled in this course will be trained to fit, adjust and modify off-the-shelf orthotic devices. The program requires online coursework, a two-day Orthotic Fitter lab, 1,000 hours of orthotic fitting patient care and a passing score on the certification exam before earning the credential of Certified Fitter-Orthotic (CFo). Click here to register for an upcoming course.

– Mastectomy Fitter: These allied health professionals are specifically trained to provide post-mastectomy services including breast prosthesis and accompanying devices. To receive the credential of Certified Fitter-mastectomy (CFM) ], students must complete online coursework, a one-day Mastectomy Fitter lab, 500 hours of mastectomy fitting patient care and earn a passing score on the certification exam. If you would like to register for the next one-day course, follow this link to register.

– Pedorthist Certificate: This program will train students in the fabrication, fitting, adjustment and modification of custom orthotic devices for the foot. To earn the credential of Certified Pedorthist (C.Ped), students must complete online coursework, a 10-day Pedorthic lab, 1,000 hours of orthotic fitting patient care and earn a passing score on the certification exam.

Associate in Science – Orthotics & Prosthetics Technology
SPC offers a 77-credit-hour program to earn an Associate in Science degree in Orthotics & Prosthetics Technology, which prepares students to become O&P Technicians. As part of this program, students will learn O&P fabrication, repair and maintenance, current fabrication techniques, material properties, how to use appropriate equipment, and laboratory and inventory management. The credit breakdown to earn this degree is as follows:
– 15 credits for general education requirements
– 3 credits for a support course in psychology
– 13 credits for Anatomy & Physiology, Developmental Psychology of the Life Span, and   Medical Terminology
– 38 credits for major core courses
– 8 credits for major elective courses

Upon completion of the coursework, students will be prepared to complete the certification exam.

Bachelor of Applied Science – Orthotics & Prosthetics
SPC offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics, and in partnership with Florida State University, a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering with a specialization in Engineering Management of Orthotics and Prosthetics. This kind of partnership program helps prepare our students to enter the field quicker and in a more cost-effective way by allowing you to earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in three years. The program at SPC features the following:
– Prepares you for Certified Orthotist (CO) and/or Certified Prosthetist (CP) national certification exams
– Provides hands-on instruction in state-of-the-art laboratory and clinical space
– Distance learning with FSU’s virtual classroom, allowing students to complete Master’s coursework locally.

Upon completion of the coursework, students complete 12-18 months of orthotic and/or prosthetic residency, followed by the certification exam.

Why SPC?
St. Petersburg College gives you a solid foundation for achievement and success in school and the workplace. Our flexible schedules makes it easy for you to earn your degree while working to support a family. Our facilities are some of the best in the industry, giving students in our program access to over 5,100 square feet of actual lab space and another 3,443 square feet of lab support space with CAD, machining, lamination, plaster room, thermal forming, mill/lathe and material testing.

If you have any questions about our program, or which of our three programs would best suit you, feel free to contact us to schedule an advising appointment.