Orthotics and Prosthetics, M.S.

Orthotics and Prosthetics, is a unique and evolving healthcare profession that involves the design and creation of engineered wearable technologies to control movement (i.e., orthoses and prostheses) as part of the treatment plan for persons with physical challenges. Orthoses are technologies that serve as “motion control treatment” for persons with dysfunction of the neuromuscular and skeletal systems of the limbs, spine and head due to stroke, cerebral palsy, scoliosis, arthritis, complex fracture, and other conditions. Prostheses are technologies that similarly serve as “motion control treatment” to enable persons with limb loss, limb difference or limb absence due to trauma, body system dysfunction or congenital abnormality to function to the best of their abilities. The orthotist-prosthetist is a clinical practitioner/technology manager and member of the healthcare team that collaborates with physicians, therapists and the client. Additionally, the orthotist-prosthetist evaluates the unique needs, challenges and goals of the client. Then they apply their knowledge and skills to create the optimal combination of technologies that allow the client to achieve their goals. The process of providing care occurs in a variety of settings such as acute trauma hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, ambulatory outpatient facilities, as well as research and education centers.

The Orthotics and Prosthetics program offers the entry-level Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics degree. The degree is designed to integrate classroom, research, applied device design/fabrication and applied clinical learning experiences; to prepare its graduates to carry out effectively the expanding responsibilities of orthotists and prosthetists as health care providers practicing in environments ranging from clinical care to research and device design and development. Students who enter the program will have strong but diverse academic backgrounds reflecting their abilities to think creatively and independently, evaluate critically and systematically, and exercise good judgment. Additionally, students in the program should display the personal qualities of flexibility, responsibility, and sensitivity to others.