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2008-2009 Speaker Series
Matthew Parente Prosthetics & Orthotics: Endless Possibilities
Friday, April 3, 2009, 12:00 noon in REDC 180
The School of Engineering at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, hosted a presentation by Matthew A. Parente, PT, CPO discussing orthotics and prosthetics (O&P), a specialized allied health profession which combines a unique blend of clinical and technical skills. Professionals in O & P assess, design, fabricate and fit custom orthotic and prosthetic devices to help persons with disabilities lead more active, independent lives. People who need orthoses and prostheses come from all age groups, from children to senior citizens.
Certified O & P practitioners combine knowledge of anatomy, physiology, psychology, material science, computer science, physics, biomechanics, tissue mechanics, rehabilitation, research, engineering, marketing, and more. The field also offers the unique combination of direct patient contact and device fabrication. At present, 100 percent of O & P programs graduates find employment in residency programs across the country. Not many fields can boast such an employment rate. The key to the future is through a proper education, which unlocks endless potential.
Matt completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy at the State University of New York at Buffalo. He is a graduate of the Newington Certificate Program in both Orthotics and Prosthetics. He completed both his prosthetic and orthotic residencies during his three years at Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Springfield, Massachusetts. He has traveled throughout the Northeastern United States and the Caribbean for outreach clinics. He is currently a licensed Physical Therapist, a Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist, and the Associate Director of the Newington Certificate Program in Prosthetics and Orthotics. He is also an adjunct professor to the University of Hartford's Graduate School of Education, Nursing and Health Professions. Matt has been an instructor at Newington since 2000. He is currently completing his Advanced Masters in Neuroscience at the University of Hartford.
Matt was nominated for National Educator of the year each of the past two years in Orthotics & Prosthetics. He has presented at several State Academy Chapter meetings and also internationally.
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All School of Engineering Speaker Series seminars are free and open to the public. We do ask that you notify us at (814) 898-6153 if you plan to attend the programs. For directions to the campus click here.