MHMOP Residency Program

M. H. Mandelbaum Orthotic & Prosthetic Services, Inc. provides exposure to almost every type of device that is expected of a resident. Our company provides custom fitted and custom made devices for pediatric through geriatric populations. There are presently three American Board Certified Practitioners on staff that a resident would be involved with.

Each one of us has different types of caseloads. It is the resident's responsibility to look into the appointment book and track which patients they would like to be exposed to. The resident could do a preliminary exam and report to the practitioner their findings. The resident needs to establish confidence in order to see patients on their own. The resident should also try to learn the necessary lab skills by partaking in the fabrication and adjustments of devices.

Although we are not hiring a resident at this time, if you have any further questions please
do not hesitate to call or e-mail marty@mhmoandp.com

Are you interested in becoming an orthotist or prosthetist?

Some commonly asked questions are:

 What do orthotists / prosthetists do?
Prosthetists and orthotists custom-make and fit prostheses (artificial limbs) and orthoses (braces).

 What is an orthotist?
Orthotists are allied health professionals who provide care to patients with disabling conditions of the limb and spine by designing, fabricating and fitting the patient with an orthosis, a custom made brace.

 What is a prosthetist?
Prosthetists are allied health professionals who provide care to patients with a partial or total absence of a limb by designing, fabricating and fitting the patient with a prosthesis, an artificial limb.

 What is an orthotic/prosthetic technician?
An orthotic/prosthetic technician fabricates orthoses and prostheses under the guidance of and in consultation with the orthotist or prosthetist.

 Are there other opportunities in O & P?
Yes. Opportunities are emerging for Mastectomy fitters and Orthotic and Prosthetic assistants. Mastectomy fitters fit and assist patients in choosing the appropriate breast forms. O & P assistants take patient information during evaluations, cast patients, and assist practitioners in a variety of other capacities.

 What courses should be taken in high school to better prepare one for a career in O & P?
In addition to a well rounded course load in the arts and humanities, students should take courses in biology, physics, chemistry, and computer science.

 Are there job related experiences for a high school student?
Job related experience in an O & P facility for high school students is limited but many practices encourage interested students to volunteer several hours of their time. This will a give the student a first-hand peak at the nature of this very rewarding profession.

 What training (college, apprenticeship, etc.) would you recommend after high school?
Students either can earn a bachelor's degree in O & P from an accredited program, or can, subsequent to earning an undergraduate degree in another major, complete a certificate program. Students interest in becoming technicians can attend a technician's program at select community colleges or can become an apprentice at an O & P facility.

 After completing the educational requirements in O & P how does one earn certification?
The American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) grants three credentials: CO-Certified Orthotist; CP- Certified Prosthetist; CPO-Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist.  In addition to the educational requirements listed above, practitioners must complete a one year residency for each discipline and must subsequently pass a rigorous written examination, written simulation, and a three day clinical examination.  Certified practitioners renew their credentials every five years by meeting continuing education requirements.

 What are the opportunities for advancement in this field?
Depending on the practitioner's skills, motivation, and the demand for O & P services, individuals can rise to manage a practice, buy into a partnership or open their own O & P practice. Likewise, technicians can advance to manage the day-to-day operations of an O & P laboratory.

 What rewards/sacrifices? might you make for this career?
The rewards of working with people and helping them regain lost function are many and too numerous to list here.  As with many health careers, dedicated individuals can expect to work long hours and be on-call.

 What is the outlook for this career for the future?
As with many allied health professions the demand for CPOs is growing.  Currently, there over 3,000 certified orthotists and prosthetists in the United States. Opportunities exist in private practice, hospitals and government agencies.

 Are there O & P journals/publications I can subscribe to?
Yes. The Journal of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics, Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics and The O & P Almanac are just three of many available publications.

 Where can I obtain additional information about career opportunities in orthotics and prosthetics?
Interested individuals should contact; The American Board for Certification (ABC) in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc. 1650 King Street, Suite 500 Alexandria, VA 22314-2747 (703) 836-7114.

Check out http://www.opcareers.org/

We wish you much success in your career endeavors!

Call us if you have additional questions at 631 473 8668 or E-mail

M. H. Mandelbaum Orthotic & Prosthetic Services, Inc.
116 Oakland Avenue, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
(631) 473-8668, Fax (631)473-8691
Email: info@mhmoandp.com