Overview
Orthotics and Prosthetics is the evaluation, fabrication and custom fitting of artificial limbs and orthopedic braces. Orthopedic braces, or orthoses, are used to stabilize or unload joints, normalize motion and stresses on tissue, substitute for muscle weakness or paralysis, and assist in normal growth, development and function. Orthoses can be applied to the head, neck, trunk, or limbs. Artificial limbs, or prostheses, are used to replace missing limbs or portions of limbs, and to restore more normal function of the upper or lower extremities.
Orthotists and prosthetists work in a variety of settings, including private practice, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, and home health settings. Orthotists and prosthetists are currently in high demand, and the demand is expected to increase in the future.
Orthotists and prosthetists are part of the health care team, and as such, work with physicians, therapists, and other health care professionals to provide the orthotic and prosthetic needs of patients. Orthotists and prosthetists are responsible for 1) performing a comprehensive assessment of the patient's orthotic/prosthetic needs, 2) creating a comprehensive orthotic/prosthetic treatment plan to meet the needs and goals of the patient, 3) performing the necessary procedures to deliver the appropriate orthotic/prosthetic services, which may include fabrication of the orthosis/prosthesis, 4) providing continuing patient care and periodic evaluation to assure/maintain/ document optimal fit and function of the orthosis/prosthesis, 5) participating in personal and professional development through continuing education, training, research and organizational affiliations, and 6) developing, implementing and/or monitoring policies and procedures regarding human, business, and organizational management.
MS in Prosthetics and Orthotics
The Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics (MSPO), is presently under development, and the first class is expected to enter in the fall term of 2009. The MSPO Program is five consecutive terms in length, including one summer term, and requires a total of 66 credits. It is designed to meet all standards for accreditation by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) and for preparing students to take the American Board of Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics examinations.
Accreditation Status
At this time the Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics (MSPO) is seeking accreditation by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE). The MSPO Program will be submitting an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage. Submission of this document does not assure that the Program will be granted Candidacy for Accreditation status nor does it assure that the Program will be granted Accreditation.
Note: Out-of-State tuition for the MSPO Program is at the same reduced rate as other graduate entry-level professional programs in SHRS. Out-of-state MSPO students will pay only 70% of the regular out-of-state tuition for SHRS graduate programs.