Pitt School Of Health And Rehab Sciences Announces New Master's Program In Prosthetics And Orthotics

Main Category: Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Article Date: 15 Feb 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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The University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) has announced the addition of a new master's program to its curriculum. The Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Science, with a concentration in Prosthetics and Orthotics (MSPO) will be available to students this fall. Applications currently are being accepted.

This two-year program within the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology is designed to prepare students to be certified prosthetists and orthotists.

"Prosthetics and orthotics is rapidly changing the profession with recent advances in materials, intelligent components, and in assessment and limb fitting technologies," noted Rory A. Cooper, Ph.D., chairman of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Technology at SHRS and director of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL). "The University of Pittsburgh has been at the forefront of advancing technology for people with disabilities and older adults, and we are excited about expanding our activities in prosthetics and orthotics."

Orthotics and prosthetics is the evaluation, fabrication and custom fitting of artificial limbs and orthopaedic braces. These braces, also known as orthoses, are used to stabilize or unload joints, normalize motion and stresses on tissue, substitute for muscle weakness or paralysis and assist in normal growth, development or function. Orthoses can be applied to the head, neck, trunk or limbs. Artificial limbs, also known as prostheses, are used to replace missing limbs or portions of limbs, and to restore more normal function for the upper and lower extremities.

As a strategic part of the health care team, prosthetists and orthotists work hand-in-hand with physicians and therapists to provide the orthotic and prosthetic needs of patients. On a daily basis, they are responsible for the following:

- Performing a comprehensive assessment of the patient's orthotic/prosthetic needs
- Creating an orthotic/prosthetic treatment plan to meet the needs and goals of the patient
- Performing the necessary procedures to deliver the appropriate orthotic/prosthetic services, which may include fabrication of the orthosis/prosthesis
- Providing continuing patient care and periodic evaluation to assure, maintain and document optimal fit and function of the orthosis/prosthesis
- Participating in personal and professional development through continuing education, training, research and organizational affiliations
- Developing, implementing and/or monitoring policies and procedures regarding personnel, business and organizational management

The University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences was established in 1969, and today is dedicated to moving lives forward through academic research, technology design and rigorous training to educate the next generation of health professionals who will help others reach their fullest potential. As one of the university's six Schools of the Health Sciences, SHRS is the academic partner to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, which is associated with a variety of multidisciplinary centers including the Facial Nerve Center, the Jordan Balance and Vestibular Laboratory, Sports Medicine Institute, Centers for Rehab Services and the Comprehensive Spine Center. The school also has established the Center for Assistive Technology, the NIDRR Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center, and HERL, the Pitt/VA Human Engineering Research Laboratories.

University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences