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Spotlight: Magda Ksiazak

Magda Ksiazak is one of the first 66 students enrolled in Joliet Junior College's new Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) Technology program, which is one of only five in the country.

Ksiazak, 23, wasn't always interested in the field, which specializes in the design and fabrication of custom-fit devices, such as orthopedic braces and artificial limbs. She began her education at JJC as a music student but after seeing posters advertising the new program, Ksiazak was intrigued.

"I like the fact that I'm creating something that's making a difference," Ksiazak, of Braidwood, said. "With this, I can see people benefiting from my work."

The program, which started in the fall of 2007, unites clinical and technical coursework while offering a combined orthotics and prosthetics A.A.S. degree, unique only to the JJC curriculum. Space was remodeled in the college's technical building to create two labs, which are 1,100-square-feet each and proffer a specialized room for fabrication of newer style, state-of-the-art prostheses and orthoses.

Ksiazak also cited her love of working with people and the 100 percent employment rate as motivation to enter the O&P program. Ksiazak's instructor and the program's coordinator, Michael Brncick, helped develop the college's curriculum. He envisions the program addressing a predicted shortage of orthotics and prosthetics workers.

"JJC was the only college that was able to respond to this need," Brncick said. "JJC is now positioned to provide technicians in the field of prosthetics and orthotics locally and around the country. Students will have the opportunity to find work anywhere in the nation."

Brncick quoted statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which he said reinforces the notion that the orthotics and prosthetics profession will continue to be a key component in the health care environment.

"With the increase in diabetes, obesity, arthritis, amputations and trauma from war, and an aging population, the need for trained O&P caregivers will increase as the years pass," he said.