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Binson’s Clinician Tamara Treanore Director and Instructor, Orthotist and Prosthetist Assistant Studies is passionate about the unique field of Orthotics and Prosthetics.

Early work focus was on the vulnerable populations of the polio survivors, stroke patients, individuals with TBI, MS and other neuromuscular diagnosis. Her underlying interest was on the rehabilitation process and how to identify and reduce orthoses challenges that the patient would encounter during their recovery.

This led to her shifting her focus from diagnostic protocols to the fabrication and design end of the field, teaching for seven years in the Orthotic and Prosthetic Technicians Program at Baker College.

During this time, she also worked for the Hope Careers Consortium, a Department of Labor funded consortium of five colleges from around the country that were focused on expanding opportunities in the field of O and P.

Under the Consortium guidelines, she created OERs for “Introduction to the Orthotic and Prosthetic Office”, “Pathologies affecting the Field of Orthotics and Prosthetics”, updates to the “Orthotic and Prosthetic Fitter Program” as well as creating and running the Pedorthist Program at Baker for three years.

Her current position focuses on patient care plus continuing develop all aspects of the OPA Studies program, from lab design to lectures and formulation of the clinical portion incorporating insights from her years in the field.

ORTHOTIST AND PROSTHETIST ASSISTANT STUDIES

Academic thinking, patient care and hands-on design

Orthotist and/or Prosthetist Assistant performs patient management tasks under the supervision of a certified practitioner as well as assisting with fitting and follow up, fabrication , design and adjustments of the devices. Assistants also play an important role in the patient care team. Oakland's one-of-a-kind orthotist and prosthetist assistant studies program excels for its:

• Accredited curriculum: Our orthotist and prosthetist assistant program has received authorization from the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE).
• Collaboration with aligned disciplines: The program works in close partnership with Oakland University's outstanding exercise science and physical therapy programs. These collaborations broaden your base of knowledge and experience, greatly enhancing your career opportunities and earning potential.
• Practical skill development: Oakland's orthotist and prosthetist assistant program emphasizes job-ready skills that have immediate value in the workplace. You'll develop specialized expertise in bracing, fitting , and other skills.
• Real-world experience: The coursework component is supplemented by rigorous in-person training in patient-serving clinics.
• Focused faculty: You' ll learn directly from expert clinicians, as well as leaders in the industry's business, research and manufacturing branches.

PROGRAM OPTIONS

• Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (4-year degree elective): Specialization in Orthotist and Prosthetist Assistant Studies.
• Bachelor of Applied Health Science (2-year Associate to Bachelor or degree completion): Specialization in Orthotist and Prosthetist Assistant Studies.
• Minor studies available with any major: Minimum 18-credit hour minor in Orthotist and Prosthetist Assistant Studies.

ACCREDITATION

Oakland University is the first Assistant program granted Candidate for Accreditation status from the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE). The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is conducting a full review expected to occur with our first graduates in 2024.

OUTLOOK

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there is above-average job growth expected for Orthotist and/or Prosthetist Assistants over the next decade. The BLS reports that the median annual wage for medical appliance technicians, such as orthotist and/or prosthetist assistants, was $41 ,750 in 2020, while the median annual wage for clinicians was $70,190 in 2020. The Orthotist and/or Prosthetist Assistant salary is expected to fall within this range.

MORE INFORMATION

Contact Tamara Treanore, program director and instructor, at treanore@oakland.edu. Contact Info Orthotist and Prosthetist Assistant Studies Human Movement Science (248) 364-8868 I ttreanore@oakland.edu I oakland.edu/shs