OSU’s O&P Programs Earn Accreditation

Two O&P certificate programs at the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Institute of Technology, Okmulgee, have been accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE), according to a university announcement. The Orthotics & Prosthetics Technical program and the Pre-fabricated Orthotic Fitter program were accredited in late July. The accreditation will allow graduates to sit for the national credential exams offered by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC).

Keith Crownover, CPO, director of OSU's O&P program, said "Within the states that require a license--and Oklahoma is one of those states--accredited programs meet the standard for an accepted level of education. Therefore, accredited orthotic and prosthetic programs provide the educational means for graduates to obtain licenses within their scope of practice and national credentials."

The university states that students in its programs learn to how to design and fabricate devices and provide patient care.

Jerry Wilson, chair of the university's Health and Environmental Technologies Division, which includes the orthotics and prosthetics program, stated, "The field of healthcare and the specialty of orthotics and prosthetics is one that provides many opportunities and job security throughout the foreseeable future.... In fact, without educated, competent young people entering the orthotics and prosthetics field, we face a very real possibility of being unable to take care of those who desperately need care. Currently, there are approximately 185,000 amputations performed every year and approximately 1.3 million amputees in the U.S."

For more information, visit: www.osu-okmulgee.edu/academics/health_and_environmental/orthotics_and_prosthetics/