About the Program

The Master of Prosthetics-Orthotics Program is a full-time, post-baccalaureate program that begins once a year in May and ends 19 months later in December. As the prosthetics-orthotics profession moves from Bachelor’s-level to Master’s-level preparation for certification, we’re proud to be the first program in the U.S. to complete the transition—two years ahead of schedule. We’ve strengthened and resequenced our proven curriculum to provide you with a clinically relevant, evidence-based educational experience.

The focus of our curriculum is to make you an excellent clinician with an appreciation for research and the value of evidence-based practice. You’ll share courses with other health-professions students, just as you’ll share patient care responsibilities once you begin your career. As a part of your studies, you’ll also engage in research projects, community service, clinical experiences on campus and in local clinics, and a one-month, off-campus clinical experience.

At the end of 19 months, successful students receive a Master of Prosthetics-Orthotics degree and go directly into residency training, currently 12 months for prosthetics and 12 months for orthotics. After completing their residencies, graduates are eligible to sit for prosthetics-orthotics certification exams administered by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics.

Objectives

The objectives of the Master of Prosthetics-Orthotics Program are to offer a solid knowledge base in related sciences and to teach the professional and technical skills necessary to meet the needs of patients requiring either replacement of a partially or totally absent limb, or fitting of a brace to a disabled spine or limb. Graduates of the program will be prepared to function as active members of the health-care team, collaborating with other health-care professionals in rehabilitating people with chronic disabling illnesses, injuries, or birth defects.

Specifically, successful graduates of this program will have the necessary skills to:

• Assess physical and functional deficits using a variety of evaluation procedures and measurements to determine the nature and extent of the patient’s needs.
• Plan a treatment approach, in collaboration with other health-care professionals, based on the analysis of individual patient needs.
• Fabricate and fit the prosthesis or orthosis that best meets the patient’s needs, evaluate the effectiveness of the fit and function, and make appropriate adjustments when indicated.
• Educate the patient, the family, and other professionals to assist them in understanding the purpose and use of the prosthesis or orthosis.
• Pursue research and development in the field of prosthetics-orthotics and contribute by reporting findings at professional meetings and publishing articles in professional journals.