OPCA 1095 - Allied Prosthetic, Orthotic, and Pedorthic Care

Credits: 4
Hours/Week: Lecture 3 Lab 2
Course Description: This course prepares students for entry-level practice as an orthotic fitter and therapeutic shoe fitter, with emphasis on prefabricated orthotic and pedorthic devices. Integrated content covers relevant anatomy, gait, pathologies, patient assessment and measurement, device selection, fitting and modification, patient education, documentation, billing, and follow-up, within the defined fitter scope of practice and standards.
MnTC Goals
None

Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: Concurrent semester enrollment inOPCA 1055  , OPCA 1065  , OPCA 1075  , OPCA 1085  

This course may also be a standalone course for students interested in the Orthotic Fitter profession.

Major Content

1. Human anatomy
   1. gross musculoskeletal anatomy
   2. gross neuroanatomy
   3. circulatory system
   4. basic joint structure and range of motion
   5. medical terminology
2. Normal human gait
   1. normal human locomotion
   2. biomechanics of gait
   3. gait deviations
3. Pathologies
   1. spine
   2. lower extremity
   3. upper extremity
4. Patient evaluation and fitting
   1. psychology of the disabled
   2. examination techniques
   3. measurement tools and techniques
   4. orthotic forms
   5. interpreting referral documents
   6. prefabricated orthotic designs
   7. fitting, modifying and adjusting prefabricated orthoses
   8. evaluating the fit and function of the prefabricated orthoses
   9. documentation
   10. follow-up plan
5. Financial and regulatory awareness, including reimbursement and compliance standards

1. identify human anatomy, gait biomechanics, and common orthotic and foot/ankle pathologies relevant to prefabricated orthoses, therapeutic footwear, and prefabricated foot orthoses. 

2. differentiate between the functions of the nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary systems of the human body. (C.1.4)

3. perform patient assessment and measurement to select appropriate prefabricated orthotic and therapeutic footwear interventions within the orthotic fitter scope of practice. 

4. fit, adjust, and verify the function of prefabricated orthoses, therapeutic footwear, and foot orthoses using safe materials, tools, and procedures. 

5. educate patients on device use, care, wear schedules, and skin-protection and risk-reduction strategies appropriate to the devices provided. 

5. document services and demonstrate professional behavior by maintaining accurate records, reimbursements.

6. exhibit ethical, patient-centered communication and collaboration with other members of the healthcare team. 

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