Master of Prosthetics-Orthotics

UT Southwestern has been a leader in prosthetics-orthotics education since 1982. Today, our Master of Prosthetics-Orthotics Program gives students world-class training in one of health care’s most fascinating and rewarding professions.

As you review potential P&O programs, keep these unique UT Southwestern advantages in mind:

  • Our program blends academic, clinical, and research experiences for a comprehensive, well-rounded education.
  • Our location on a large medical center campus offers outstanding opportunities within our hospitals, clinics, and academic community.
  • We’re affiliated with Dallas’ top hospitals—ranked among the best in the nation: Children's Medical Center Dallas, Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Parkland Health & Hospital System, UT Southwestern University Hospital–St. Paul, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, and UT Southwestern University Hospital–Zale Lipshy.
  • We operate an integrated patient care clinic where faculty members treat patients and remain current with clinical trends. Their experience translates into unique learning opportunities in the classroom and the most up-to-date clinical education available.
  • Our faculty members encourage curiosity and creative thinking as students explore current concepts and discover creative solutions for difficult clinical problems.
  • Our pathology-based approach to patient management teaches how common problems affect both orthotic and prosthetic patients.
  • Our tuition and fee rates are among the most reasonable in the country.
  • All of our students find residencies—often before graduation.
  • We’re located near the heart of Dallas, a thriving center for health care, business, education, and the arts.

You deserve the best education possible as you prepare for a career in prosthetics-orthotics. At UT Southwestern, we’re dedicated to empowering you for success.

About Prosthetics-Orthotics

Each year thousands of people lose vital motor functions due to trauma or disease. When a limb is lost, physicians prescribe a prosthesis to take its place. Created and fitted by prosthetists, these artificial limbs are sophisticated tools for daily living that enable patients to walk, grasp, and function more fully. When injury or disease causes disability, orthotists design and fit orthoses that protect, strengthen and support existing extremities. By increasing the stability of the back, neck, arms, legs, and other parts of the body, these innovative appliances help patients balance, walk, and move more easily and comfortably.

Prosthetics and orthotics professionals help people with amputations, musculoskeletal disabilities, and injuries regain self-confidence and improve quality of life. P&O practitioners care for patients with a wide range of orthopedic and neuromuscular problems, including amputation, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, diabetes, stroke, trauma, or muscular dystrophy. They work in partnership with the entire rehabilitation team, including physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, case managers, nurses, and family members.

Prosthetics-Orthotics Today

According to the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, there are currently more than 5,600 certified P&O practitioners. Nearly 1,500 are 55 or older and likely to consider retirement within the next 10 years.

Outlook for Tomorrow

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 54 million Americans have functional limitations due to an impairment or health condition, and more than 1.5 million Americans have had amputations and need ongoing care. With an aging population and the increased incidence of diabetes, arthritis, and other disabling chronic conditions, the need for certified prosthetists and orthotists will grow.

Employment opportunities are excellent. After residency, 100 percent of graduates find employment, and most choose to make it a lifelong profession. Prosthetists and orthotists work in a variety of settings, including private practice, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, and specialty clinics. According to data from the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association, the average salary in 2008 for a certified prosthetist-orthotist with 15 years of experience was $95,667.

Additional Information

Here are more resources for information about prosthetics-orthotics, P&O education, and professional opportunities.

Professional organizations

Other resources

Journals

Magazines