All posts by Rick Hill

First graduates receive O&P master’s degrees

O&P Grads Brian Moran, Gabriel Henao, Stephanie Poling, Orializ Gonzales and Tony Ferraro awaiting to receive their Master's diploma
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O&P Grads Brian Moran, Gabriel Henao, Stephanie Poling, Orializ Gonzales and Tony Ferraro awaiting to receive their master’s diplomas

On August 8, 2015 the first 14 SPC graduates of the orthotics and prosthetics master’s program received their specialized O&P engineering degrees at a Florida State University graduation ceremony in Tallahassee.

Our SPC graduates earned their Master of Science in Industrial Engineering, with a specialization in Engineering Management of Orthotics and Prosthetics. This is a joint program between SPC and FSU, which meets the new entry-level requirement for orthotists and prosthetists. The program is part of a consortium accredited by the Commission on Accreditation and Allied Health (CAAHEP).

Through the consortium, students first earn their Bachelor of Applied Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics at SPC’s $11 million J.E. Hanger College of Orthotics and Prosthetics. They then take their master’s courses directly from the Caruth Health Education Center via the J.E. Hanger College of Orthotics & Prosthetics. They earn their bachelors’ and master’s degrees in three years.

We would like to congratulate these pathfinding graduates who have now moved on to residency: Michael Adams, Mel Carver, Zachary Coker, Emily Crawford, Tony Ferraro, Paula Gomez, Orializ Gonzales, Michael Grchan, Sean Harris, Gabriel Henao, Brain Moran, Stephanie Poling, Ky Schadoffsky, and Michael Sosa.

New Orthotics and Prosthetics program receives accreditation

technician in OP
Orthotics and Prosthetics

This Fall marks the implementation of the newly accredited orthotics and prosthetics technician AS degree program from CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Care Educational Programs), which is the first and only associate degree for orthotic and prosthetic technicians in Florida.

The initial full roster of 24 students will begin their two-year Associate in Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics Technology degree this week, preparing them to  fabricate artificial limbs and orthopedic braces, as well as to take the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics Technician Certification Exams.

Once certified, graduates of the program can find work in orthotic and prosthetic practices, hospitals, central fabrication facilities and orthotic and prosthetic manufacturing companies. More details can be found on the Orthotics and Prosthetics Technology A.S. degree home page.

ABC board exam returns to SPC

Clinical Patient Management exams
Orthotics and Prosthetics

American Board for CertificationThis month, the J.E. Hanger College of Orthotics & Prosthetics will once again have the privilege of hosting the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics. During the second and third week of June, St. Petersburg College will serve as the site for the ABC Clinical Patient Management exams.

ABC’s Director of  Clinical Resources Stephen B. Fletcher sums up four reasons for the return to the O&P building this year: Program Director Arlene Gillis and staff, availability, accessibility and weather.

“The staff graciously volunteers their time and works late into the day when needed. During the exams, if a problem arises, there is always someone there to resolve the problem or lend a tool,” said Fletcher.

With between 100 to 200 candidates participating in the examination process, many of the rooms serve multifunctional purposes and are easily accessible for any and all who partake in exams.

ABC Executive Director Catherine Carter agrees with Fletcher and applauds the hard working SPC faculty and professional volunteers who help with the successful administration of the clinical exams.

“Volunteers in the profession care so much about the future of the profession that they give their time and talent to ensure that the exams are professional and contemporary,” she said.

SPC graduates benefit from the board exam being hosted at their alma mater, because they get to work in a familiar environment.

“It’s like being back home,” said graduate Laura Freeman. “You’re familiar with the layout of the rooms  and know where everything is.”

Since 2009, the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics has recognized ABC and the National Commission on Orthotics and Prosthetics Education as a Category 1 Professional pathway in O&P. This means that any student who has graduated from a program accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, completed an NCOPE residency, and passed the ABC practitioners exams in both orthotics and prosthetics will receive credentials that are recognized globally.

Spotlighting Women in Orthotics and Prosthetics – Arlene Gillis

Arlene Gillis with Veterans climbing Mount Kilimanjaro,Tanzania.
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ABOVE: Arlene Gillis, center, with veterans climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists is dedicated to promoting professionalism and advancing the standards of patient care through education, literature, research, advocacy and collaboration. This month they spotlight Arlene Gillis, our director of the J.E. Hanger College of Orthotics and Prosthetics here at St. Petersburg College.

The Women in Orthotics and Prosthetics group was formed in 2005 by a group of young women at Georgia Tech and is now a committee within the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists. One of the goals of the Women in Orthotics and Prosthetics Committee is to connect leaders within O&P who are willing to assist or provide feedback to other practitioners on an as needed basis on their topics of expertise.  For a more in-depth interview with Arlene continue the Spotlight here.

Since 2005, SPC has been a national leader in developing and providing Orthotics and Prosthetics training. SPC offers a bachelor’s degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics that articulates to a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering, with a specialization in Engineering Management of Orthotics and Prosthetics at Florida State University; an A.S. degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics Technology and continuing education courses for current practitioners.

SPC hosts student interviews for technician positions

Orthotics and Prosthetics

9-22-08_0415-X2Are you looking for a technician for your orthotic and prosthetic facility? St. Petersburg College Orthotics and Prosthetics  A.S. Technician program will be conducting student interviews for technician positions on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015.

This job fair will provide you with an opportunity to meet and interview our graduating seniors all at one time. If you are interested please contact Cyndy Donnelly at 727-341-4151 or email donnelly.cyndy@spcollege.edu  by Oct. 1, 2015.

Orthotics and Prosthetics student accepted into REVAMP

Orthotics and Prosthetics
Orthotics and Prosthetics student Brittany Robinson
Orthotics and Prosthetics student Brittany Robinson

This April, St. Petersburg College Orthotics and Prosthetics student Brittany Robinson was accepted into the Georgia Tech REVAMP -REU (Research Experience for Student Veterans Advanced Manufacturing Program) Summer 2015 program. The Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute is hosting the program to train undergraduate students about discoveries within manufacturing science’s innovative commercial products and processes.

The program also provides her entrepreneurship training through seminars and development planning for commercializing a technology related to the research she will be participating in. We wish Brittany the best of success in this 10-week program, and look forward to hearing of  the innovations she will be researching this Summer. Read more about REVAMP.