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Orthotics & Prosthetics
In this podcast we talk with Amber Lewis ‘25OP, a first-year student in the inaugural Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) program at Salus University. She gives us insight on the program and why she chose Salus O&P.
Lewis: I actually chose O&P back in high school. I did a shadow day in my senior year, and I instantly knew that's what I wanted to do. I've always been interested in the different types of orthoses and prostheses, and I just want to be able to use what I learn here at Salus to help my patients and fit them with what they need in order to do what they love.
Q: How did you choose Salus?
Lewis: At first glance, it was the location. Since I'm local to here, it's only about 20 minutes from my house, and the next closest school is at least four hours away, if not further. But once I came to visit, I knew I wanted to be here. The campus is small, but it's amazing. It's so pretty and everybody here is so welcoming and willing to help. And when I did come to campus, Dr. [Chad] Duncan and Julie [Quinlan] gave me a tour of the space and gave me more information about the program. I also knew our class size would be small, which is something I've always liked, having a smaller class size and then you get the help you need as well as maintaining more of a relationship with instructors and other students. And Salus just has a lot to offer, both inside the classroom and outside.
Q: What was your application process like?
Lewis: We have a portal called OPCAS. It's kind of like the common app for O&P schools, similar to the undergrad common app. I used that to apply as well as to the Salus website. After submitting my application, I was offered an interview with Dr. Duncan, Julie, and Admissions, and about a week or so later I was accepted into the program.
Q: Now that you've been here for a couple of months, what has been your favorite part about the program so far?
Lewis: My favorite part is being hands-on so early in the process. We have a class called Principals and Techniques, and we've been able to mess with all the upper limb orthotics and practice putting them on our partners in class. We also just started our first project making a wrist/hand orthosis, so that's been fun being super hands-on. I also just love our cohort. There are only eight of us, so getting that chance to be together all the time and building those relationships with them as well as the faculty. The faculty is just as excited to be here as we are, and they want nothing more than for us to succeed. And that's what I love about being here.
Q: How does it feel being the first O&P class at Salus?
Lewis: It's awesome. It's so amazing. It's such a privilege to be here as the first class, and I'm super excited about it. I guess I'm excited telling different faculty staff and students that are like, “Oh, what program are you now?” I was like, “Oh, I'm in the O&P program. It's new. There's only eight of us.” And they're just like, “Wow, that's so cool, how is it?” I just love all of the opportunities that I've had since starting here because we're so new.
Q: What would you say to others who might be looking into the O&P profession?
Lewis: Do your research, see what is out there. All different offices and places have different things. Do your prerequisites. Make sure you're all set before applying. Make sure you apply early to schools and get as many observation hours as you can. See what you like, see what you don't like, what Certified Prosthetist/Orthotists (CPOs) do on a daily or weekly basis.
For more information about the O&P program, you can visit salus.edu/OP.
