J.E. Hanger College of Orthotics and Prosthetics

A Leader in the Field

St. Petersburg College has been a leader in orthotics and prosthetics training. Just take a look at what Program Director Arlene Gillis has been doing to help wounded veterans. Or how SPC is assisting in a study with Florida State University and the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop adjustable sockets that better fit on residual limbs.

At SPC, we offer a Bachelor of Applied Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics, with classes taught in our $11-million Banker's Insurance Group building at the Health Education Center.

To adapt to new master's level educational requirements for entry-level orthotists and prosthetists, SPC has developed a partnership with Florida State University. Students who earn their bachelor's degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics at SPC can attend FSU online to earn a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering, with a specialization in Management of Orthotics and Prosthetics.

Careers

Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) care plays a critical role in the health care delivery system of the United States. Orthotists provide care for patients with disabling conditions of the limbs and spine by designing, fabricating and fitting devices known as orthoses. A prosthetist provides care for patients with partial or total absence of the limbs by designing, fabricating and fitting devices known as prostheses.

Patients who require these specialized services usually are casualties of accidents or wars; are diabetic; or suffer from other diseases that restrict blood flow or interfere with joint and/or limb function.

Facilities

Extensive laboratory experiences are necessary in O&P education to master the computerized planning process, materials fabrication and professional patient skills. The O&P building has 5,151 square feet of actual lab space and another 3,443 of lab support space (CAD, machining, lamination, plaster room, thermal forming, mill/lathe, material testing, etc.).

SPC provides:

• Main laboratory with 48 individual work stations, 12 specialized fabrication devices, an overhead and wall projector system, and four industrial sewing machines
• Twenty-four (24) CAD/CAM systems
• Five specialized fabrication rooms with state-of-the-art industrial equipment
• Dedicated human model evaluation and practice treatment room that serves 10 patients at one time
• Plaster room with 16 workstations
• Thermal forming room with 12 workstations and three industrial ovens
• Dedicated model room with eight laser scanners; four GaitRite mat systems; two sports motion analysis systems and electronic F-socket sensor systems; three laser posture systems; an alignment system; and an upper limb myo-electric tester
• Evaluation rooms with related gait and motion equipment
• Mill room that houses two computerized Omega carvers
• Lamination room with eight laminating stations
• Multiple exam rooms for on-site patient treatment and full clinic facility

Growing Demand for O&P

Changing demographics and health factors will significantly raise the demand for trained O&P professionals. In fact, a recent study by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education estimates that without an increase in O&P graduates, the number of practicing orthotists can serve just 61% of patients who need them. The study also projects the number of people using prostheses to increase by 50%. Some reasons for the expected rise in need in the United States include:

• About 156,000 individuals lose a limb each year
• More than 1.5 million people have had amputations and need ongoing care
• More than 54 million people experience functional limitations due to impairment or health conditions
• Rising rates of obesity and diabetes will impact the need for services:
• Nearly one-third of the adult population is obese and another one-third is overweight.
• Estimates indicate the rate of diabetes may rise as high as one in three for people born after the year of 2000, with as many as 29 million people affected by 2050.
• By 2030, 20 percent of the United States population will be 65 or older.
• Arthritis is on the rise in America with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention projecting that 67 million people will be afflicted by 2030. Orthoses may be used to stabilize joints, reduce pain and improve function.
• People who survive strokes are often left with physical disabilities requiring orthotic devices.
• The number of amputees returning from Iraq and Afghanistan is more than double that of other wars, with more than 30,000 soldiers with significant injuries requiring O&P services.

Partnerships with Vendors and Manufacturers

Since its inception, the O&P program has partnered with J.E. Hanger Corp., one of the largest providers of orthotic and prosthetic services in the U.S. The J.E. Hanger Corp. is a long-standing benefactor of the program and partners with SPC on educational, clinical and material management activities.

There are many other opportunities to partner in research, enhancement, and development of products and materials. Some examples are:

• CAD CAM - Partnering with Ohio Willow Wood (Ohio)
• Cranial Shaping/Helmets - Partnering with Orthoamerica (California)
• GaitRite Training - Partnering with Prokinetics

Partnerships with Vendors

• Alro Metals
• Cascade Orthopedic
• Curbell Plastics
• Dick Blick
• Euro International
• Grainger Supply
• Hosmer Dorrance Corp.
• Patterson Medical
• Southern Prosthetic Supply
• WBC Industries

Partnerships with Health Care Providers

SPC has partnerships with more than 50 clinical agencies in Florida, including:

• All Children’s Hospital
• Becker Orthopedic
• Cascade Orthopedic
• Central Fabricators, Inc.
• College Park Industries
• Copeland Prosthetics & Research
• Donjoy Orthopedic
• Fiddle’s Orthopedic
• Fillaur Orthopedic
• Florida Brace & Limb
• Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc.
• HOPE Inc.
• James A. Haley VA Medical Center
• Norpro O & P
• Orlando Regional Medical Ctr.
• Otto Bock Industries
• Paterson Medical Supplies
• PEL Supply
• Shriners Hospital for Children
• Tampa General Hospital
• Willow Wood Prosthetics

Need more information on advising or admissions?

• Call us at 727-341-3687
• Visit us at the Caruth Health Education Center during the hours below

The shortest wait times are in the morning. To be sure you will see an advisor, please arrive at least one hour before closing. Limited services may be available up to an hour before closing, depending on the number of students waiting.

Program Costs

Download the estimated program costs. 

American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP)

As the pre-eminent professional organization in orthotics and prosthetics, the mission of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists is to promote high standards of patient care through advocacy, education, and literature & research. In keeping with this mission the Academy is the professional organization representing practitioners credentialed by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics.

American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC)

The American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) is the national certifying and accrediting body for the orthotic and prosthetic professions. The public requires and deserves assurance that the persons providing orthotic and prosthetic services and care are qualified to provide the appropriate services, and it was on this basis that the ABC was established as a credentialing organization.

American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA)

The American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) is a national trade association committed to providing high quality, unprecedented business services and products to O&P professionals.

International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO)

The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO), is a multi-disciplinary organization comprised of persons who have a professional interest in the clinical, educational and research aspects of prosthetics, orthotics, rehabilitation engineering and related topics.

Amputee Coalition of America (ACA)

The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) is a national, non-profit amputee consumer educational organization representing people who have experienced amputation or are born with limb differences. The ACA includes individual amputees, amputee education and support groups for amputees, professionals, family members and friends of amputees, amputation or limb loss related agencies, and organizations.

Orthotic & Prosthetic Assistance Fund (OPAF)

The Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund (OPAF) is a nonprofit organization, a 501(c)(3) public charity, established and incorporated by the Orthotics and Prosthetics National Office. Dedicated initially to providing financial and in-kind support to the 1996 Paralympics, the Fund now generates its own initiatives through partnerships with individuals, organizations, and institutions engaged in raising public awareness of physical disability; and improving the quality of rehabilitation medicine, science, and technology.

oandp.com, the global information portal for orthotics and prosthetics

oandp.com is an Internet portal dedicated to providing comprehensive information and services to the orthotics and prosthetics profession. The vision of oandp.com is to make as much information as possible freely available to both professionals and consumers, toward the goal of improving the quality of care provided by O&P professionals and the quality of life of their patients.

oandptech.com, website for O&P technicians

A new website dedicated to serving the needs of O&P technicians. Resources include a web forum for the discussion of technical issues, a classifieded section and educational information.