Celebrate International Prosthetics and Orthotics Day with us by learning more about the profession!
What is Prosthetics and Orthotics?
The coolest healthcare profession you’ve never heard of: combining art, science, and medicine.
Certified Prosthetists – Orthotists (CPOs) complete a Master’s Degree to assess patients and build their custom prosthetic and orthotic devices.
A prosthetic device is made for someone that has a missing arm or leg, and an orthotic device is a special brace made to fit onto someone’s existing body part. Both prosthetic and orthotic devices are designed to improve patient mobility.
To build these devices, we use materials like carbon fiber and plaster molding. We often work with our hands, power tools, and large machinery, though sometimes we can use digital technology to help with the design and fabrication. We interact with many healthcare professions, such as Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists, Surgeons and Psychologists, and many other rehabilitation professionals.
Find out more:
- View this 1-page summary
- Watch a 2-minute video
- Check out WhatIsPOP.org
We look forward to hosting an event to celebrate Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Pedorthics Month in March 2025.
Contact us to learn more:
Graci.Finco@unthsc.edu
Joshua.Utay@unthsc.edu