Over the last fifteen years, Great Steps Orthotics and Prosthetics has had a commitment to quality prosthetic and orthotic care. We keep our patients up-to-date with the latest technology and resources, but did you know we also offer internships? Our latest student to complete an internship was Tyler Spiczka.
Tyler is a recent University of Minnesota graduate with a degree in Biomedical Science. He was informed about the internship at Great Steps by his mother, who works at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School. An employee of Great Steps was in the area to promote their services, and Tyler’s mother thought he would be interested since he had always been intrigued by prosthetics and orthotics.
During his internship, Tyler spent Mondays and Fridays at Great Steps. On Mondays, he shadowed Prosthetist and amputee Fred Kjorlien and learned how to build and modify prosthetics. Some other opportunities Tyler had while interning at Great Steps included learning how to laminate casts, pulling test sockets, grinding rough edges on sockets, and putting leg components together.
On Fridays, Tyler shadowed Prosthetist Josie Johnson, who is also an amputee, and met with patients. He learned the proper way to communicate and consult with clients.
The most rewarding part about interning at Great Steps, in Tyler’s mind, was that he got to witness patients walking for the first time with their new prosthetic leg; some of the patients had been bound to a chair their entire life. Tyler enjoyed the look of relief on the client’s faces as their lives changed dramatically.
Tyler is grateful for his internship at Great Steps. Working with the human body is always something he has enjoyed and feels reward in working with people who are unable to be mobile. By conducting his internship in a business that is family run and close knit, Tyler got to know everyone well and was treated like one of the Great Steps family.
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