Programs for orthotics fitters are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels at schools throughout the country. Students interested in having a broad range of career options may want to consider a program that also offers coursework in subjects related to orthotics, such as prosthetics or pedorthics.
Schools with Orthotic Fitter Programs
Aspiring orthotic fitters can get relevant training at these schools:
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Tuition (2018-2019)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology | Stillwater, OK | 2-year, Public | Associate | $9,019 in-state, $24,539 out-of-state |
| St. Petersburg College | Clearwater, FL | 4-year, Public | Associate | $2,682 in-state, $9,286 out-of-state |
| Baker College of Flint | Flint, MI | 2-year, Private | Associate | $9,800 |
| Century College | White Bear Lake, MN | 2-year, Private | Associate, Diploma | $5,435 |
| Joliet Junior College | Joliet, IL | 2-year, Public | Associate | $4,380 in-district, $12,360 in-state, $13,140 out-of-state |
| Spokane Falls Community College | Spokane, WA | 2-year, Public | Associate, Certificate | $3,547 in-state, $8,914 out-of-state |
| University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center | Dallas, TX | 2-year, Public | Master's | $5,882 in-state, $15,863 out-of-state |
| University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, PA | 2-year, Public | Master's | $22,846 in-state, $38,736 out-of-state |
| Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center for Education and Research | Evanston, IL | 2-year, Private | Master's | $54,120 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
School Selection Criteria
Consider the following when looking into and choosing an orthotic fitter school:
- Check whether the program is an NCOPE-approved program to ensure that you will be able to complete the mandatory NCOPE approved course for ABC certification.
- Keep in mind that 2-year programs offer the basics to meet NCOPE requirements, while bachelor's degree programs provide more comprehensive education.
- Look into the clinical experience opportunities provided through the program.
Associate Degrees
An associate degree in orthotic fitting generally takes two years to earn and requires students to complete general education requirements alongside orthotic studies. Courses in both plastic and metal orthotics for upper and lower extremities are typically included in the curriculum. Students may have the option to study specific aspects of the field, like diabetic orthotics. Most programs require students to complete an internship prior to graduation.
Bachelor's Degrees
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) programs in orthotic fitting typically include coursework in prosthetics as well. Students often need to complete prerequisite classes in subjects like anatomy, physiology, biology and mathematics before taking their major coursework. Courses in orthotics often focus extensively on the lower limbs, upper limbs and spine. Clinical experience in the form of internships, externships and clinical practicum rotations is typically mandatory.
Students interested in a career in orthotic fitting should look for a program approved by NCOPE, meaning it meets the coursework and clinical experience standards required for certification.
