Prosthetics and Orthotics, Master of Science

66 Credit Hours

Accreditation

The Prosthetics and Orthotics Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE). CAAHEP staff can be reached at 25400 US Highway 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763; (727) 210-2350; www.caahep.org.

Mission

The mission of the entry-level prosthetics and orthotics professional program is to prepare student practitioners with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to provide services to both the traditional and underserved communities in the field of prosthetics and orthotics.

Students will learn how to assess patients with impairment of human movement or musculoskeletal abnormalities, formulate appropriate prescription recommendations, implement O&P treatment plans using effective clinical decision-making and problem-solving skills, comply with practice management plans, and integrate in lifelong learning skills. Students will engage in educational activities in foundational and applied sciences, clinical decision-making, principles of research, application of evidence-based practice, and other necessary areas in the context of effective prosthetics and orthotics practice.

Program Goals and Objectives

The specific aims of the proposed Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics program are to:

1. Prepare prosthetics and orthotics practitioners who possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to provide services to both the traditional and underserved communities.
2. Produce prosthetics and orthotics practitioners who will join the workforce of certified prosthetists, orthotists and pedorthists in Alabama, the Southeastern United States and beyond.
3. Facilitate the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics goal to increase the number of entry level practitioners with master’s degrees.
4. To improve prosthetics and orthotic care in the treatment of persons with neuromuscular and musculoskeletal impairments.

Graduates of Alabama State University’s graduate program in prosthetics and orthotics will:

• Become certified prosthetists-orthotists;
• Apply effective clinical decision making and problem solving skills;
• Demonstrate the integration of knowledge, theory and application of the clinical and technical aspects of the prosthetics and orthotics disciplines;
• Exemplify the role of the prosthetist-orthotist in providing ethical, patient-centered care experiences that are congruent with the core values and code of ethics and standards of the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) Code of Professional Responsibilities in clinical practice;
• Comprehend and demonstrate knowledge of the collaborative role of the prosthetist-orthotist as a member of the interdisciplinary rehabilitation team in providing patient-centered care;
• Demonstrate an awareness and respect for all patients and related individuals within a diverse and multicultural society;
• Demonstrate the ability to participate as a critical consumer of research and to integrate research findings as evidence in clinical practice; and
• Demonstrate an appreciation for the value of life- long learning and a commitment to public/community service.

Graduates from the program will seek employment at residency sites and complete 12 months in the discipline of prosthetics or orthotics, or 18 months for both disciplines simultaneously. Completion of residency is required for eligibility in professional certification, and board certification exams are completed after this time as well.

Admission Requirements

In addition to satisfying the general admission requirements of The Harold Loyd Murphy Graduate School at Alabama State University, the following special requirements must be satisfied by students seeking admission to the Prosthetic and Orthotic Program:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale;
2. Completed application package for the prosthetic and orthotic program via the Orthotic and Prosthetic Centralized Application Service (OPCAS) at http://www.ncope.org/opcas/;
3. Completion of the required prerequisite courses;
4. A minimum of 100 hours of volunteer or paid service in orthotics and/or prosthetics under the supervision of a certified/licensed Prosthetist - Orthotist at a hospital, nursing home, rehabilitation center, outpatient clinic or community center. Two different settings are recommended.
5. Three recommendations are required: one from a Prosthetist - Orthotist documenting the applicant’s exposure to prosthetics and orthotics in a clinical setting and one from an instructor, academic advisor or recent employer who can evaluate the applicant’s academic abilities and character.
6. A written personal statement demonstrating the student’s ability to communicate clearly his/her interest in pursuing the Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics.
7. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or MAT scores. A passing score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Test of Written English (TWE) and the Test of Spoken English (TSE) for International Students. All exams results should be received by the application deadline.
8. A completed application to The Murphy Graduate School.

Prerequisite Courses

*Courses in any aspect of microscopic, vertebrate or human biology are recommended. Botany courses are not accepted as prerequisites.

**Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II will meet these requirements when both are taken

Note: Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the Prosthetics and Orthotics program. In many cases, competitive applicants will demonstrate credit hours beyond those indicated. Prerequisites are subject to change without notice.

Fall Year 1 (13 Credit hours)

Spring Year 1 (15 Credit hours)

Summer Year 1 (10) Credit hours)

Fall Year 2 (12 Credit hours)

Spring Year 2 (15 Credit hours)