What are orthotics and prosthetics? These two related sciences, while frequently linked together, involve separate specialties. Orthotics involves the use of bracing to correct and support a body part, while prosthetics concerns the utilization of artificial replacement limbs. Orthotists would be more likely to become involved with athletes. However, because a growing number of handicapped people are successfully participating in sports, it would not be unusual for a prosthetic specialist to design a limb to enable an athlete to participate, for example, in gymnastics or football.
Although certified in both areas, Myers has concentrated his efforts in euthotics. Within this field, his subspecialties include pediatrics, sports medicine, and spinal deformities. For example, one device he has constructed to assist athletes is the body jacket (known in the profession as an anterior flexiform spinal orthosis). Myers has used the jacket to treat football linemen and gymnasts for a fracture of the vertebrae of the spine. This injury is common to those types of athletes because of the stress and impact they put on their back and spine. The body jacket has enabled these people to return to practice and competition.
Myers is typical of people who have recently entered the field. He graduated from the program of prosthetics and orthotics of New York University. Following placement in the field, working under the supervision of a certified professional for one year each in prosthetics and orthotics, he took his examinations to become certified. Satisfactory completion of these comprehensive tests qualifies a person as certified, and the designation "C.P.O." may he placed after the name, such as "Andrew M. Myers, B.S., C.P.O." Now the individual can engage in the profession.
Sports Medicine Paraprofessionals
Love sports but don't wish to experience extensive education? Consider a career as a paraprofessional.
Numerous paraprofessionals assist in a variety of capacities in the sports medicine profession. The term paraprofessional here refers to health personnel who assist professionals (doctors and physical therapists, for example) in the performance of their duties. These aides, with advanced training and under supervision recently have been permitted to undertake many of the duties previously handled only by professionals.
Specific characteristics of paraprofessionals include:
1. Paraprofessionals serve under the supervision of a professional. The amount of responsibility given to the paraprofessional varies with experience and training. For example, a physical therapy assistant may provide rehabilitation instructions to an injured high school basketball player with a sprained ankle.
2. The career usually requires the completion of an education training program, normally at a college. Some paraprofessionals may have shorter programs. For example, most podiatric assistants receive on the job training. However, to become certified, they must pass an examination prepared by the American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants. On the other hand, physical therapy assistants are required in most states to complete a two year college training program, followed by a state exam for licensing.
3. The nature of the paraprofessional's education training resembles that of the profession to which it corresponds, except that it is shorter and more limited in content. For example, the physical therapy assistant program typically includes curriculum courses such as anatomy, physiology, psychology, physical therapy procedures, and philosophy of rehabilitation. However, it is not as detailed or lengthy as the course work required for certification as a physical therapist.
Paraprofessionals now work in many sports medicine fields. This offers the individual with an interest in sports medicine the opportunity for an enjoyable and rewarding career. Following are some examples of these occupations.
Medical Assistants and General Sports Medicine Aides
It is possible to attend college for two years and obtain a degree as a medical assistant. The program at Arkansas Tech University focuses upon general knowledge combined with science courses and those related to office procedures and medicine.
Somewhat related are medical secretarial curricula. A number of business schools and community colleges around the country offer programs combining word processing or secretarial courses with courses on medical topics.
Many sports medicine professionals and clinics employ individuals as aides. These people, most of whom learn their duties on the job, assist both professionals and paraprofessionals. Many become very interested in their career and will seek schooling to improve themselves and their salaries. If you are interested in the occupation, apply directly to the private offices of sports medicine professionals or to centers that specialize in sports medicine. Often these jobs provide excellent insight into the world of sports and make good summer positions. In addition, future job opportunities will continue to expand.
Sports Podiatric Assistants
Podiatric assistant's help podiatrists perform functions related to the medical health of the sport participant's feet. Among the assistant's duties are recording patient histories, preparing instruments and equipment, applying surgical dressing, preparing patients for treatment, assisting with routine office procedures, and similar tests.
While many programs are developing to educate podiatric assistants, most receive on the job training. Many qualify for the designation PAC (Podiatric Assistant Certified) from the American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants. Eligibility for certification requires membership in the society and the passing of an exam prepared by it. Normally, certification carries with it improved prestige and increased salary.
Physical Therapy Assistant and Aide
Two paraprofessionals aid the physical rehabilitation patient-the physical therapist assistant and the physical therapy aide. Assistants graduate from a two year program with a major in physical therapy, while aides typically learn on the job. Both of these types of paraprofessionals work under the supervision of a professional physical therapist, who in turn works under the supervision of a physician.
Other Sports Paraprofessionals
A variety of additional sports paraprofessional careers are available to interested sports medicine enthusiasts.