OPCA 1010 - Foundations of Orthotic and Pedorthic Practice

Credits: 2
Hours/Week: Lecture 1 Lab 2
Course Description: This course introduces safety practices, body mechanics, tools, equipment, and the materials, components, and basic classification of orthotic and pedorthic devices used in fabrication. Lab work emphasizes safe tool use, material handling, and basic hand skills-including cutting, contouring, riveting, sewing, and finishing-needed to fabricate properly functioning orthotic and pedorthic devices. Students must be able to perform physical tasks to complete course requirements.
MnTC Goals
None

Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: Concurrently enrolled in OPCA 1015, OPCA 1025, OPCA 1035, OPCA 1045

Major Content

1. Introduction
   1. toolbox for the orthotic and pedorthic lab
2. Lab safety
   1. machines/equipment
   2. safety procedures
   3. body mechanics / ergonomics
3. Classification
   1. devices
   2. components
4. Materials for orthotics and pedorthics
   1. material identification
   2. physical properties
   3. material handling

5. Fabrication techniques for orthotics and pedorthics

   1. riveting

   2. sewing

   3. cut metal bar stock

   4. contour metal bar stock

   5. finish metal bar stock

1. identify common tools used for fabrication.
2. demonstrate the safe operation of tools and equipment.
3. identify common devices and components used for orthotic and pedorthic care.
4. differentiate between a variety of materials and components used in orthotic and pedorthic practice.
5. perform basic hand skills required to fabricate orthotic and pedorthic devices.

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