Do you want to know how to become a cranial prosthesis specialist? This article will take you through the steps you’ll need to take.
Presently, there are 21 million documented cases of women in the United States suffering from alopecia.
Moreover, it is only 12% of those cases pursue their hair loss restoration treatment. Although alopecia is not the only kind of medical-related hair loss, it is common among those that are suffering from it.
Other causes of hair loss include chemotherapy, thyroid disorders, skin conditions, autoimmune diseases, and polycystic ovary syndrome.
However, most people suffering from medical-related hair loss are uneducated on the available resources or know they are qualified for medical grade units covered through insurance companies.
So, if you become a cranial prosthesis specialist, you will be able to help these people.
What Is the Cranial Prosthesis Specialist?
- What Is the Cranial Prosthesis Specialist?
- How To Become a Cranial Prosthesis
- Types of Work Experience
- To Find a Job as a Cranial Prosthesis Specialist
The cranial prosthesis specialist is someone that specializes in medical-grade wig units and applications.
Moreover, they work side by side with dermatologists and clients. The primary goal of the cranial prosthesis is to assist patients to achieve a sense of normalcy again after experiencing medical-related hair loss.
As a cranial prosthesis specialist, you will work with women, men and children to experience medical-related hair loss. However, you must have a Medical Wig Certification that will allow them to accept insurance for wigs.
Additionally, for you to become a cranial prosthesis specialist, you don’t have to be a licensed cosmetologist.
How To Become a Cranial Prosthesis
● Education and Training
The first step to becoming a cranial prosthesis specialist is education and training. Most cranial prosthesis specialists have a background in art, design or sculpture and a solid understanding of human anatomy and medical technology.
● Undergraduate Degree Options
An undergraduate degree in art, design, or sculpture can give you a solid foundation for a career as a cranial prosthesis specialist.
These programs will teach you about form function and aesthetics, all important aspects of creating a cranial prosthesis. Moreover, you will also learn diverse materials and techniques used to create prostheses and the principles of design and color theory.
Additionally, many art, design, and sculpture programs will include anatomy and physiology courses to give you a solid understanding of the human body and its workings. Another option for the undergraduate degree would be biomedical engineering.
This field has a combination of engineering principles with medical science to design medical devices. Moreover, the biomedical engineering program will teach you about material science, biomechanics and computer-aided design.
● Graduate Degree Options
An undergraduate degree can give you the foundation you need to become a cranial prosthesis specialist. However, you can find that many employers prefer to hire individuals with a graduate degree.
Some graduate programs are specially tailored to the cranial prosthesis. They can be more general and focus on biomedical engineering.
Furthermore, a graduate program specifically in cranial prothesis will give you a more in-depth understanding of the field. This will give you more hands-on experience. These programs will typically include advanced prosthetics, materials science, and biomechanics coursework.
● Training Programs
In addition to obtaining the degree, you will gain the skills and knowledge needed to become a cranial prosthesis specialist through training programs.
Moreover, some programs are offered through universities, while others are offered by companies specializing in cranial prostheses.
However, these programs include coursework and hands-on training in prosthetics, materials science and biomechanics.
● Certifications And Licensure
Certifications and licensure can be required for some positions in the field. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accredits certifying organizations for prostheses and orthotics.
It’s essential to check with your state and employer to see what certification and licensure are required. Moreover, it demonstrates to employers and clients that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to work as a cranial prosthesis specialist.
However, some certifications require passing the exam, while others can require a certain amount of education and experience. Furthermore, licensure is essential for work as a cranial prosthesis specialist. It is required by most states to practice as a prosthetist or orthotist.
Also, the licensure process includes passing the exam and meeting education and experience requirements.
● On-The-Job Experience
In addition to education and training, gaining hands-on experience is an essential step to becoming a specialist. You can gain this experience through internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training.
Types of Work Experience
You can gain experience working in different settings like hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practices. Furthermore, you can also work with diverse patient populations including those with traumatic brain injuries or cancer.
To Find a Job as a Cranial Prosthesis Specialist
There are various job opportunities available for cranial prosthesis specialists. Also, you can work in private practices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or research institutions. You can also work for companies that specialize in cranial prostheses.
Furthermore, meeting the bee people and making friends in your field is important for you to get a job as a specialist. This includes attending industry conferences, joining professional organizations, and connecting with other professionals in the field.
Conclusion
Becoming a cranial prosthesis specialist requires education, training, and hands-on experience. A degree in art, design or sculpture as well as a background in biomedical engineering can provide a solid foundation for the field.
