The First Step

Julie Czech, like many other children in her generation, first encountered the field of prosthetics through the wonderful movie Dolphin Tale. In middle school at the time, her heart was set on becoming a marine biologist. But upon taking a career test that matched her perfectly with the field of orthotics/prosthetics, her interest in prosthetics was again piqued. Then, when her cousin, a young adult, underwent a leg amputation due to cancer and was able to get back to every previous activity through use of a prosthesis, Czech’s decision was solidified: orthotics and prosthetics was where she was meant to be. 

With Oakland University's School of Health Sciences being home to the only orthotist and prosthetist assistant program in the country, Czech knew that OU was the perfect school for her. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a specialization in Orthotist and Prosthetist Assistant Studies in 2023, and was able to begin working in the field immediately.

While Oakland fully prepared Czech for an assistant position, she had her eye on more. “Upon graduating, I began working under practitioners and clinicians, which is wonderful,” she says, “but I wanted to have the opportunity to be the clinician and practitioner. And I just wanted to continue to learn.” 

Czech is now pursuing a Master of Prosthetics and Orthotics (MPO) degree at Northwestern University. While distinct orthotics/prosthetics experience within the bachelor’s degree is not strictly required to pursue such graduate education, Czech found it extremely beneficial. “I feel more experienced and confident in my abilities and in class projects,” she says. “Now all the concepts I’m learning are just building off the foundation of knowledge from OU, and without that, things would be more challenging to understand.”

Czech will graduate with her Master’s degree in spring of 2025 and couldn’t be happier with her educational and career choices. “A patient can roll in on a wheelchair and leave walking,” she says passionately. “It’s just the most magnificent thing ever. And sometimes it’s not even that dramatic – perhaps making an adjustment to a prosthetic or an AFO (ankle-foot orthosis) to eliminate pain – the patient is so relieved and joyful. That interaction with people, providing distinct support through the device they need, is so rewarding.”

For anyone interested in the field, Czech says to “just go for it”. “You are never sure how much you know, until you start something,” she explains. “You can pick up the concepts of the field quickly, and anyone can have fun in O&P classes, because it is so cool and interesting.”

To learn more about the one-of-a-kind Orthotist and Prosthetist Assistant program offered through OU, visit the School of Health Sciences’ website.