The Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics (MSPO) is a two-year graduate program housed within the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology.
| Program Summary | |
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| 65 credits (full-time only) | Program starts fall term only |
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2 years (5 terms including 1 summer term) |
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What is Prosthetics and Orthotics?
Prosthetics and Orthotics 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.
Prosthetists and orthotists work in a variety of settings, including private practice, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes and home health settings. Prosthetists and orthotists are currently in high demand, and the demand is expected to increase in the future.
Prosthetists and orthotists 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. Prosthetists and orthotists are responsible for the following:
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Performing a comprehensive assessment of the patient's orthotic/prosthetic needs creating a comprehensive orthotic/prosthetic treatment plan to meet the needs and goals of the patient
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Performing the necessary procedures to deliver the appropriate orthotic/prosthetic services, which may include fabrication of the prosthesis/orthosis
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Providing continuing patient care and periodic evaluation to assure/maintain/document optimal fit and function of the prosthesis/orthosis
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Participating in personal and professional development through continuing education, training, research and organizational affiliations
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Developing, implementing and/or monitoring policies and procedures regarding human, business and organizational management.
You can learn more about the field of Orthotics and Prosthetics by visiting opcareers.org.
Our program is one of 14 Master of Science Prosthetics and Orthotics programs in the nation. We offer a small class size and a variety of hands-on learning opportunities from the classroom to the clinic!
Program Costs
Tuition and Fees
Click here to view current tuition rates and fees
Summer Term Tuition
Summer tuition cost is the University per graduate credit rate x 10 credits. The MSPO curriculum consists of one summer term.
Additional Estimated Program Expenses
Withdrawal/Refund Policies
Clinical Information
The curriculum includes a 340-hour clinical internship. Students take 7 credits of internship during the final term of the program. The P&O program has over 100 contracted location sites throughout the country. Students are highly encouraged to leave Pittsburgh and explore internship sites offering specialty practices that meet their interest.