Professional Master’s Programs

Traditionally, there have been two education pathways standards to become a clinical prosthetist-orthotist; a baccalaureate degree program or a post-baccalaureate certificate program. More recently Master's programs have been developed. These programs offer curricula preparing the student for entry-level clinical practice and each has unique characteristics based on their institutional and program goals and mission. A practice-oriented master's is intended for preparation for professional clinical practice. A research-oriented degree leads to a master's with emphasis on research training. There are also blended tracks that provide a mix of the practice and research tracks. Students are advised to contact each school for further details on the academic degree designation provided by the university.

Master's programs currently exist at Georgia Institute of Technology and Eastern Michigan University. The program at Georgia Tech balances training and education in clinical patient management together with applied research leading to the award of a Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics (MSPO). The MSPO is intended as preparation for professional practice or can include an applied research aspect to the curriculum which may expand opportunities for students beyond clinical practice and into a research-oriented path in academia, research or development.

Eastern Michigan's Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics (MSOP) offers students either a clinical or research track and offers students the option of completing an independent study or thesis. Classes are typically offered in the evenings and weekends, thus accommodating students who are also working or current O&P professionals interested in extending their credentials.

The National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE), the accrediting body for prosthetic-orthotic education works in cooperation with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in accreditation for prosthetic and orthotic education programs. NCOPE has mandated all new programs created must apply for accreditation at the master's level in 2010; and all existing programs must transition enrolling students into a master's level curriculum by 2012. Therefore, there will be additional master's level offerings in the future.