By Hope J. Gibbs, Techniques Contributing Writer
The Francis Tuttle name has long been associated with career and technical education. As director of Oklahoma’s State Department of Vocational and Technical Education for almost two decades, Dr. Tuttle pioneered the way for career and technical education nationwide. His progressive ideas continue to flourish at the Francis Tuttle Technology Center, where success is found through academic studies such as those offered in its Orthotic and Prosthetic Technician Program.
The wholeness of man both spiritually and physically is a quest. This is most evident in the evolution of orthotics and prosthetics. History shows that the search for workable solutions to the ailments of man existed as far back as 210 B.C., when Pliny the Elder wrote about the Roman general, Marcus Sergius, who had suffered a right arm amputation and had an iron hand created to aid him in holding his shield for his return to battle.
The years between 1600 and 1800 brought several advancements in the medical field. The invention of blood clotting styptics, tourniquets, anesthesia and other drugs gave the injured time to heal, allowing early orthotists and prosthetists time to fabricate functional aids to improve the quality of life in making patients “whole” once again.
It was during this time that doctors such as the Dutch surgeon Pieter Verduyn introduced the first non-locking, below-the-knee prosthesis, and Douglas Bly invented and patented his famous Doctor Bly’s anatomical leg. Doctors, researchers and inventors such as Dubois Parmlee, Gustav Hermann, Heather Bigg and many others have contributed to the advancement of orthotics and prosthetics in some way.
Through the centuries, there have been some remarkable changes during the evolution of orthoses and prostheses. The heavy and cumbersome devices of yesteryear have been replaced with today’s lightweight plastics, making movement for individuals with disabilities an easier task. But there have also been changes in the education and training of orthotic and prosthetic technicians. Training technicians in the field goes way beyond the ancient art of splint and brace making. Areas of study include everything from the human anatomy to polymer processes. The Francis Tuttle program provides a comprehensive education in all disciplines for the aspiring orthotist or prosthetist technician.
The Francis Tuttle Orthotic and Prosthetic (O&P) Program was nationally accredited by NCOPE (National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education) in the spring of 2001. Student enrollment in the program has seen a steady increase, with average enrollment around 30 students per year over a five-year period.
The goal of the Francis Tuttle O&P program is to produce highly skilled and knowledgeable O&P technicians able to provide professional technical support to clinical prosthetists and orthotists. Francis Tuttle educates and trains these burgeoning O&P technicians through strong academics, laboratory and clinical experience.
The program overview starts with the basics—an explanation of what these highly skilled technicians do. O&P technicians assist individuals with disabilities by fabricating the orthopedic braces (orthoses) and artificial limbs (prostheses) necessary for rehabilitation. The O&P technician supports the O&P practitioner by providing the technical tasks of fabrication of the orthotic and prosthetic devices used in patient care. Under the guidance of the practitioner, the technician may fabricate, repair and maintain these invaluable devices.
The curriculum begins with the study of technical human anatomy and physiology. Orthotic prosthetic equipment and materials are introduced, and depending on whether the student is taking the path of the orthotic tech or the prosthetic tech—or as in most cases, both—the program content varies. For the orthotic tech, emphasis will be placed on more studies in the areas of lower, upper and spinal orthoses. The prosthetic tech will focus on transtibial, transradial, transhumeral, transfemoral and advanced transtibial prostheses. And, for the student seeking both AAS degrees, all of the above and more.
Skilled O&P technicians can find employment in a variety of venues—hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, specialty clinics and home health settings, and in private practice. But no matter where employment is secured, the O&P technician is a valued member of the rehabilitation team.
Although the O&P technician is not responsible for patient management, his duties require extensive knowledge and skill. These talented technicians support the practitioner whose role is helping patients reach their goals for recovery. Francis Tuttle’s program prepares students to assume important technical responsibilities in the fabrication of prostheses and orthoses.
What are the attributes for someone who may be interested in this field of study? The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (The Academy) says “first and foremost, an ideal candidate for the orthotic and prosthetic profession would have a passion for making a difference every day. No other attribute will be as important as the strong desire to improve the lives of your patients.”
The Academy also points out that the field of orthotics and prosthetics desires individuals who are quite dexterous and show high technical aptitude. These are exactly the type of students Francis Tuttle’s O&P program attracts.
“Our program also draws mechanical, artistic and creative students,” says Dee McKasson, CO (Certified Orthotist), who is an instructor at the Francis Tuttle Rockwell Campus where the program is based. “Our students enjoy helping others.”
McKasson began working with the program in 2000, shortly after its inception in August 1999. With more than 25 years in private practice, McKasson is actively involved with the Oklahoma Association of Orthotists and Prosthetists.
Francis Tuttle also addresses the occupational and physical characteristics of the O&P technician. As written in its program information guide, “Technicians are occasionally required to lift items up to 50 pounds briefly, and moderate upper-body and grip strength are required during fabrication of certain devices. Some contact with hazardous materials is expected, and precautions against inhaling the dust during grinding operations are required. Prolonged standing and working is necessary to accomplish tasks. Multi-tasking skills are highly desirable.”
Needless to say, O&P technicians need to be strong in both mind and body.
Another draw to the Francis Tuttle program is its state-of-the-art lab. “Francis Tuttle’s O&P lab is equipped with modern equipment and supplies,” says the program’s director, Joe Young, CPO (Certified Prosthetist Orthotist), who joined the faculty in 2004 after working for more than seven years in the field. He also has an associate of arts degree in psychology and a bachelor of arts degree in healthcare management/supervision. “The lab was designed by experts in the field of orthotics and prosthetics. The care taken in the creation of the lab has resulted in a safe, comfortable learning environment that has all the attributes of a state-of-the-art, real-world work environment. Feedback from business partners and others in the field state that our training facilities are outstanding.”
“Mr. Craig Gavras, executive director of the Limbs for Life Foundation, told students and faculty that we have one of the top four labs in the United States,” McKasson adds proudly. “Business and industry partnerships are a critical part of our success. They provide students with real-world experience so they can obtain employment in a growing healthcare field.”
Francis Tuttle values these professional relationships. Through a cooperative agreement with Oklahoma City Community College, students may earn credits toward an associate of applied science degree.
“The associate’s degree serves as an educational stepping stone to help students advance further in the field of orthotics and prosthetics,” says Young. “One of the nice attributes of the orthotic and prosthetic field is the ability to work your way up the ladder with a combination of education, training and work experience. By doing this, students have the ability to increase their knowledge and financial incomes throughout their careers in O&P.”
As with any program, there are different aspects that students find more difficult than others.
“The technical human anatomy and physiology course is the most academically challenging,” says Young. “The metal knee-ankle-foot orthosis fabrication in the lower limb orthotics course seems to be the most technically challenging Learning Activity Packet (LAP).”
LAPs are invaluable educational tools used for the development of the students’ technical skills.
There are also courses that students seem to love. “Students seem to enjoy the hands-on portion of the curriculum the best,” says McKasson. “They take great pride in the finished prosthesis or orthosis that they create. Running a close second are the 300-hour clinicals where they get a chance to test their knowledge and gain real-world experience.” The orthotic and prosthetic clinicals each run 300 hours and take place in an industry setting.
“We have both in-state and out-of-state clinical partners,” notes McKasson. “Some of our partners include Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics, Inc.; ORPRO Prosthetics and Orthotics, Inc.; the University of Oklahoma Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Orthotics and Prosthetics Section; Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center; Scott Sabolich Prosthetic and Research Center; Beverly Hills Prosthetics Orthotics Inc.; Scottish Rite Hospital for Children; Tuscaloosa Orthopedic Appliance Co., Inc.; and C.H. Martin Inc.”
This is an impressive group of support for this special program.
As the Francis Tuttle program continues to grow, so does the need for these talented, highly trained O&P technicians.
“The future of prosthetics and orthotics is very bright,” says Young. “The demand for prosthetic and orthotic devices is expected to increase around 2010, when the baby boomer population reaches the age that will require geriatric health care. This should further increase the already great demand for certified orthotic and prosthetic practitioners and technicians.”
McKasson concurs, adding that, “The future also holds great potential for advancement in technology. Prosthetics and orthotics is rapidly changing day to day in the technology that is used for materials, techniques and manufacturing processes.”
Francis Tuttle’s McKasson and Young keep close vigil on the world of technology to ensure that their program has access to the latest materials and advancements in the O&P field. In the spirit of Dr. Tuttle, this duo contributes toward making this unique program a model for other states to follow.
With a predicted shortage of O&P practitioners by 2010, this is a very viable career path. Shortages are predicted to reach as high as 34 percent for ABC Certified Practitioners. Even with a 10 percent increase in graduates in the year 2005 and in 2010, The Academy projects that the number of prosthetists and orthotists available will be unable to serve the total population of persons requiring such care.
The need for orthoses is expected to increase by at least 31 percent by the year 2020, and the total number of persons with paralysis, deformity or orthopedic impairments is expected to increase by 25 percent the same year. The Academy also says that, without an increase in graduates, the projected number of prosthetists available in the year 2010 will be able to serve only 66 percent or less of the population using prostheses.
Francis Tuttle is taking on the challenge of training qualified technicians to fabricate these life-changing devices, and providing its graduates with a solid foundation in becoming the O&P practitioners of tomorrow.
Francis Tuttle
For more information on the Francis Tuttle Orthotic and Prosthetic Technician Program, visit www.francistuttle.com. You can download a Program Information Guide that explains details of the program.
The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists
For more information about the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (The Academy), which is a member of the ACTE Business-Education Partnership, visit www.oandp.org. The Academy also makes complimentary career kits available for interested counselors, teachers and students. The kits are designed to increase awareness of careers and education in orthotics and prosthetics. For more information, visit www.opcareers.org.
Other sources for information regarding the O&P profession are:
National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE)
www@ncope.org
American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics Inc.
www.abcop.org
- Techniques May 2005 Issue - 
