Education Opportunities for the Allied Health Professional

My students ask what I enjoy most about working in/teaching O&P rehabilitation and my resounding answer is always: learning. This is a fascinating field filled with hard-working, education-seeking individuals, compassionate, dedicated clinicians, and evolving technology. Every corner you turn is an opportunity to learn more and grow. To me, this is exhilarating!

I can truly say the past 16 years I have learned something new each week serving as the PT Coordinator of an Orthotics & Prosthetics Clinic.  I am fortunate to collaborate with a skilled & committed interdisciplinary network in concert with referred patients. Our goal is to prescribe optimal O&P interventions to maximize functional potential.  A meeting of the minds.  Listening to patients offers more than clinical knowledge for the human experience shapes us as individuals. I do not presume holding a doctorate degree indicates having the answers. For who knows one’s body better than the inhabitant.  Drawing on each of the team members’ professional expertise allows for scholarly discussions and a unique learning opportunity for all involved. A sharing of perspectives with a focus on patient autonomy makes for a perfect union.

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Continuing Education

Orthotics & prosthetics rehabilitation education is readily available to the user and the provider as long as you know where to look. The O&P PT is committed to providing resources for both. Let’s explore options for the professional…

There are a number of courses available online for the Allied Health Professional focused on O&P rehab. While I have not attended them all, I will share with you my research and personal experiences. Please note I am not affiliated with any of these programs nor do I receive any compensation for endorsement as The O&P PT is strictly a non-commercial educational blog.

Amputee Walking School

This unique educational experience can either be enjoyed solely as a professional or shared with your clients. I had the pleasure joining this program with 2 friends of mine who have undergone transfemoral amputations. Together we gained knowledge from AWS co-founders and Paralympians Todd Schaffhauser and Dennis Oehler. I have implemented their teachings into practice and in my O&P DPT course with positive results.

If you’re in the greater NY area, there is an upcoming AWS course in Port Jefferson NY on May 20, 2023 located 5 minutes from the ferry at St. Charles Hospital.

Image with permission from Amputee Walking School

Hanger Clinic

I have had wonderful experiences both in-person and on-line learning from the talented professionals at Hanger Clinic. Affordable, well-organized, evidence-based seminars covering a variety of O&P rehabilitation topics. Without a doubt, my most treasured encounter was learning from the illustrious Kevin Carroll. What a kind and compassionate soul who gives generously of his time and expertise. I am confident you will gain from these courses as well.

Mission Gait Foundation

I came across this dynamic program out of Virginia while researching a few years ago for teaching. I am grateful I was able to attend their online seminar Gait Rehabilitation: Core Concepts & Treatment Strategies composed by David Lawrence, Tracy Rauk and Will Riddick. What a comprehensive course focused on gait analysis and interventions relating to PT and O&P! I highly recommend it.

There is an upcoming course this weekend in Yorktown VA or you can explore their virtual course catalog.

Image with permission of Mission Gait Foundation

Online Resources

Here are some other courses offered online. While not all offer CEUs for therapists, there is an abundance of helpful information to aid you in patient care and with your professional development. Please use the comments section to share any other continuing education opportunities and help our community grow. Many thanks and have fun learning!