Orthotics and Prosthetics

Degrees/certificates at a glance

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

You and your advisor will use this program map as a starting point in creating your own personal education plan, customized to your needs. We meet you where you are and help you reach your goals.

You and your advisor will use the Program Map located on this page to create a personal education plan customized to your interests and goals, your start quarter, full- or part-time status, any prior credits you have, and the classes available each quarter.

For an up-to-date list of all classes that satisfy the requirements for your degree or certificate, click here, then select the specific degree or certificate you are pursuing.

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

Bio

Mpuana is excited to take on the role of Curriculum Advisor. She previously worked in Title III at Spokane Falls Community College, which gave her time to learn about the community through engagement with students and staff. Through her studies, she has finished her A.A. at North Idaho College and is close to finishing her B.A. in English and Cultural Communication at the University of Hawaii.

Mpuana is happy to help serve as the Curriculum Advisor and point of contact for students in the Allied Health programs, Addiction Studies, and Social Behavioral Sciences.

Ambrose Cavegn
Orthotic-Prosthetic Techni
A.A., Spokane Falls Community College; B.A.S., South Seattle College
Ambrose.Cavegn@sfcc.spokane.edu
509-533-3732

Bio

Ambrose graduated from SFCC in 2009 with an AAS degree in O&P Technology. Since then, he has worked around the United States at several nationally renowned rehabilitation centers, including The Center for the Intrepid at Brooke Army Medical Center, the Washington DC VA Medical Center, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital. Ambrose has been a Certified Technician of Orthotics and Prosthetics since 2010, a Certified Prosthetic Assistant since 2012, and he became a Certified Prosthetist with the BOC in 2016. He has been teaching Prosthetic Technology since 2017 and last year became the Program Director. Ambrose earned his Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Professional Technical Education and Instructional Design from South Seattle College in 2019.
Ken Mandler
Orthotic-Prosthetic Techni
B.S., California State University
Ken.Mandler@sfcc.spokane.edu
509-533-3733

Bio

Ken attended college at Cal State Fullerton and then graduated as an orthotist in 1989 from the Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center. After becoming ABC certified in 1991, he worked in California at Johnson Orthopedics for 12 years before moving to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to work at Kootenai Prosthetics for the next six years. Ken opened his own orthotics practice in Spokane Valley, staying for 4 years before the lure of Hawaii pulled him away. Since 2011, Ken has worked as the O&P Manager at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Honolulu.

Ken speaks with enthusiasm about his work with pediatric patients and describes how in 2016 he was the second orthotist trained in the US on the Cheneau-Gensingen scoliosis brace, a technologically advanced, German-designed, asymmetric scoliosis brace. Ken is now a trainer for other orthotists wishing to utilize this innovative, evidence-based bracing technology.

Ken and his wife, Jackie, have two adult daughters and two grandchildren. Jackie recently accepted a surgery scheduler position with the MultiCare Valley Hospital. Ken is excited about the possibility of adding a new member to the family and hopes to find “man’s best friend” once he is settled in Spokane.

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

Pre-requisites: 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.

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Orthotics And Prosthetics