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Orthotic and Prosthetic Technology

If you want to improve the quality of life for people who have lost a limb or have a physical disability, consider a career in the growing and rewarding field of orthotics and prosthetics fabrication.

Continuing Education Opportunities available. Click here to learn more

Learn about how to enter the program

Learn about our innovative program curriculum

Discover what employers are looking for

Learn why professionals love this career

What You’ll Learn

  • Identify the basic biomechanics involved in human locomotion and how they are affected by the use of prosthetic limbs and orthotic braces.
  • Compare the functional properties of materials commonly used in the orthotic and prosthetic industry for safe application.
  • Demonstrate safe fabrication techniques required to assemble functional prosthetic limbs and orthotic braces.
  • Integrate fabrication techniques with biomechanics principles and materials science to design orthotic braces and prosthetic limbs.

You and your advisor will use this program map as a starting point to create a personal education plan customized to your needs. We meet you where you are and help you reach your goals.
Need more details? Check out the requirements for the Orthotic and Prosthetic Technician certificate.
  Course descriptions and course learning outcomes can be found in our online catalogue.

Program Map for

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Total Credits: 57

First Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
FMT 115
Leadership Dynamics
3
OR-PR 101
Foundations of Orthotic Technology
1
OR-PR 102
Foundations of Orthotic Technology Lab
3
OR-PR 103
Foundations of Prosthetic Technology
1
OR-PR 104
Foundations of Prosthetic Technology Lab
3
OR-PR 105
Orthotic and Prosthetic Terminology
2
OR-PR 106
Orthotic and Prosthetic Lab Safety
2
Total Credits
 
15

Second Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
CMST 121
Job Communication Skills
3
OR-PR 145
Orthotic Biomechanical Principals
5
OR-PR 146
Lower Extremity Orthotic Technologies
5
OR-PR 147
Upper Body Orthotic Technologies
2
Total Credits
 
15

Third Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ACCT 103
Fundamental Bookkeeping Procedures
3
OR-PR 115
Prosthetic Biomechanical Principals
5
OR-PR 116
Lower Extremity Prosthetic Technologies
4
OR-PR 117
Upper Extremity Prosthetic Technologies
3
Total Credits
 
15

Summer

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
OR-PR 188
OPT Practicum I
6
OR-PR 189
OPT Practicum II
6
Total Credits
 
12

Maximum estimated costs for completing this program

  • Tuition

  • Resident

    $
    6,174
  • Non-Resident

    $
    11,686
  • International

    $
    14,335
  • Books

    $
    28
  • Course Fees

    $
    2,347
  • Institutional Fees

    $
    981

  • The amounts listed for tuition and lab & course fees reflects a maximum estimated cost and may be lower based on courses selected.
  • The amount listed for books is a maximum estimated cost based on the price of new textbooks purchased during the previous school year. Costs may be lower based on student choices and availability (used books vs new, rental vs purchase).
  • For more information about costs, visit our page How Much Does It Cost?

  • Mapuana Carey
    Mapuana Carey
    Program Specialist 2
    Mapuana.Carey@sfcc.spokane.edu
    509-533-3288

  • Ambrose Cavegn
    Ambrose Cavegn
    Orthotic-Prosthetic Techni
    A.A.S., Spokane Falls Community College; B.A.S., South Seattle College
    Ambrose.Cavegn@sfcc.spokane.edu
    509-533-3732
  • Ken Mandler
    Ken Mandler
    Orthotic-Prosthetic Techni
    B.S., California State University
    Ken.Mandler@sfcc.spokane.edu
    509-533-3733

Meet Prosthetics Instructor Ambrose Cavegn

Meet Orthotics Instructor Ken Mandler

Learn about our national certifications

Learn about our industry advisory committee

Meet first year student Abby Peek

Meet first year student Kyrin McFarland

Meet recent graduate Lani Stewart

Meet Alumni Greg Bruno

Prerequisites: No
Number of students each start: Varies
Contact: mapuana.carey@sfcc.spokane.edu
Applications deadline: Continuous
Notes: Personal interview required for admittance. Orthotic/Prosthetic AAS degree = 2 years. Orthotic Certificate = 1 year. Prosthetic Certificate = 1 year.

Program Entry

Students may enter the orthotics and prosthetics program during the fall quarter. Students usually finish the program two years from the starting date. Orthotic and prosthetics classes are not offered during the summer. While there are no prerequisites required, general education courses run concurrently with the orthotic and prosthetic courses. This program has a selective entry process with an individual interview required along with a completed application.

Competency-based Learning

This program is taught in a competency-based format in which each student works with reasonable independence utilizing numerous learning resources, and individual and group instruction. Competency-based learning allows students to progress as they learn mastery of academic content and fabrication techniques.

Orthotic and Prosthetic Lab

The orthotic and prosthetic lab has 9,000 square feet of space, including individual workstations for 32 students. Surrounding the main lab space are multiple rooms filled with specialized tools and equipment. The adjoining 1,200-square foot classroom is used for lectures and guest speaker presentations. To learn more about the lab, visit out Orthotic and Prosthetic Lab page.

Technical Practicum

Following three quarters of formal classroom training, students participate in a five-week technical practicum experience to practice fabrication skills under the supervision of an ABC certified practitioner or certified O&P technician. The technical practicum may take place in Spokane or another city

Essential Requirements

Orthotic and prosthetic technicians are master craftspersons who work on their feet all day. They must be able to use their arms and hands in a wide range of motions, including balancing, pushing, pulling, bending, stretching, and grasping of various materials using power and hand tools. Fine and gross motor coordination and dexterity are essential requirements for any student considering this program. Individuals considering this career should carefully investigate the physical demands required of orthotic and prosthetic technicians.

Success in the Program

To be successful, you must be able to work independently from written instructional textbooks. While prior experience is not required, successful students typically have developed skill in the use of hand and power tools and possess fine-motor hand skills. You must also be able to demonstrate the ability to work safely with a wide range of power tools and will be required to pass a safety clearance check on power equipment usage. Anyone who cannot meet these requirements will be considered unqualified to continue in the program.

Have a question? Let's hear it.

Ambrose Cavegn

Program Director
ambrose.cavegn@sfcc.spokane.edu
509-533-3732

Māpuana Carey

Pathways Specialist
mapuana.carey@sfcc.spokane.edu
509-533-3502