Looking for a mentor to help me become a Prosthetist

[JSix]

I want a career in prosthetics, but I don't know where to start at this point in my life.

The good news is I already have a B.A. The bad news is I went to an art school. I majored in Photography but by the time I finally graduated I just had a general education degree. My grades weren't anything to scream about. This was pre-economic collapse when kids were still given the advice to go to college just to go to college, and that only losers took a couple years off to work and "find themselves."

Anyway, enough of the rant. I'm in my thirties now, and my network is limited to my family because I've moved around a lot. I don't know any professionals that work in the field. My sister comes closest, and she's a veterinarian. Currently I live in Wichita, KS but I will be moving to Houston, TX in the very near future.

Since I'm no longer an undergrad and can't undo the mistakes of my twenties that make my transcripts look like an academic horror film, I'm not sure how to get myself into a position where I could even seriously apply to one of the few schools that offer an O&P program. I've heard that volunteer work and a solid recommendation from a professional is more important than grades, but I don't know how many grains of salt should be included in this advice.

I should say that I'm also studying robotics and basic computer science on my own. I'm interested in every aspect of the field from research and design of prostheses, to manufacturing, to fitting and working with patients.

Can anyone offer me any help here?

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[Louisville04]

Here is an old thread. Read response #6

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=640914

 

[JSix]

Thank you for taking the time to reply Louisville04.

I have seen that thread, and other than another thread inquiring about a prosthetists salary, it seems to be the only one on the topic of being a prosthetist. However, the thread is more about job prospects after completing a program rather than how to get into a program. I'm looking for more specific guidance on what I need to do to get into a program, and finding a mentor that can help me along that path. Specifically what do I need to do to make up for my poor academic record as an undergrad?

As stated in response #6 having a residency already lined up before starting a program is sound advice. How does one do that especially since I would be more than happy to move?

 

[JSix]

Does anyone have any thoughts that they might want to share on this topic?

 

[Tromner]

Does anyone have any thoughts that they might want to share on this topic?

I'm not sure if this is obvious, but unfortunately this forum is really about Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (physicians that learn how to prescribe prosthetics and orthotics). It is a different thing than a Prosthetist who designs and builds the hardware. If you are looking to go to medical school and eventually specialize in O&P, we could certainly give you some advise. Otherwise, I don't know how many prosthetists read this forum.

Here are some online resources I looked up for O&P that might yield more help. I would email them to see if there are established mentor programs for students.

http://www.aopanet.org/
http://www.oandp.org/contact/
https://www.aopanet.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57&Itemid=401
http://www.opcareers.org/

 

[JSix]

Thanks for the reply Tromner, and thanks for the links. That's very kind of you to look those up.

I do understand that this forum is for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. I just haven't been able to find an O&P forum, and since there were at least two people on here that completed an O&P program I thought I would see if I could draw out some more. Also that other thread didn't seem to go anywhere, and only two people responded so I wanted to get some more voices on the topic if I could.

I will take your advice and send some emails. Thanks again.