Program Description
The entry-level Master of Science degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics (MSOP) degree is for individuals who wish to enter the profession of orthotics and prosthetics at the 2012 NCOPE-mandated level. The professional course work at Loma Linda University is ten quarters, which includes 700+ hours of clinical experience. The professional curriculum for the entry-level Master of Science degree in orthotics and prosthetics is designed to provide the student with the knowledge, behaviors, and skills required for entry into the clinical practice of orthotics and prosthetics as published in NCOPE's 2017 standards of the profession.
Professional Practice Requirements: Satisfactory completion of the MSOP degree requirements qualifies the student to enter a NCOPE accredited residency site of his/her choice. After completing either a twelve (12) month prosthetic and a twelve (12) month orthotic or an (18) month combined ortho-prosthetic residency, the resident then is eligible to sit for the certification exams offered by the American Board of Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC). Passing the ABC exam will award either a certification in orthotics (CO), a certification in prosthetics (CP), and or a dual certification as a Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist (CPO). In addition to the certification depending on the State the certified practitioner intends to practice in, it might be necessary to pass a State Licensure Exam in order to practice the profession.
Program Length
2.5 years (10 quarters)Possible Careers
Orthotists and Prosthetists work in a variety of settings: private practice, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, specialty clinics, home health settings and nursing homes.
Job opportunities abound throughout the country, and the need for skilled ortho-prosthetists is on the rise. Ortho-prosthetic education is a national priority according to the U. S. Department of Education. The demand for an ortho-prosthetist will increase yearly by about 20% through 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The salaries of American Board Certified Ortho-Prosthetists (CPO) range between $65,000 - $85,000 a year depending on geographical location, experience, and size of practice.
Application Deadlines
| Quarter | Application Open | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn of 2021 | Oct 1, 2020 | — | Sep 1, 2021 |
Admissions Requirements
The el-MSOP program accepts applicants with or without an earned bachelor degree. Students with or without an earned bachelor’s degree must comply with the profession's CAAHEP standards for admission into the el-MSOP program:
Prerequisites
RELIGION & HUMANITIES: (20 quarter/14 semester units minimum)
- Humanities: (The department recommends additional electives in this area.)
Select from at least 3 subject areas:
- History – 1 course required
- Philosophy – 1 course required
Select additional units from:
- Art/Music (Performing Arts limited to 4 qrt hrs), Literature, Foreign Language/American Sign Language
- Religion: (4 quarter units/year) (Religion courses are required ONLY if a student attended a Seventh-day Adventist College or University.)
NATURAL SCIENCES: (units may vary)
- Natural Sciences:
- Anatomy & Physiology/lab OR Biology/lab (full sequence for either) – required*
- Intro or General Chemistry/lab (one course)- required*
- Intro or General Physics/lab (one course) – required*
- Statistics – required*
SOCIAL SCIENCES: (2 areas, 12 quarter/8 semester units minimum) (The department recommends additional electives in this area.)
- Social Sciences:
- General Psychology - required
- Growth & Development OR Abnormal Psychology – required*
Select additional credits from:
- Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science
COMMUNICATION: (9 quarter/6 semester units)
- Communication:
- Freshman English, complete sequence (CLEP not accepted) - required
Select additional units from:
- Speech or computer
HEALTH AND WELLNESS: (The department recommends additional electives in this area.)
- Health and Wellness:
- 2 PE Activity Courses - required
ELECTIVES:
To meet the minimum total requirements of 96 quarter units/64 semester units.
Maximum of 105 quarter/70 semester units transferred from junior/community colleges.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Eighty (80) work/observation hours under the supervision of a CPO practitioner at two or more orthotic and prosthetic facilities of his or her choice are required.
PLEASE NOTE THAT C MINUS (C-) OR LOWER GRADES ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE FOR CREDIT
Discipline Accrediting Agency
National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE), 333 John Carlyle St, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314; (703-836-7114, www.ncope.org and Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 1361 Park St., Clearwater, FL 33756; (727) 210-2350, www.caahep.org
Expected Cost of Attendance
Academic Year 2020-2021
| Year of Program: | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $31,482 | $36,730 | $22,737 |
| Fees | $2,715 | $3,620 | $2,715 |
| Books & Supplies | $2,200 | $1,750 | $1,650 |
| Instruments | — | — | — |
| Misc (e.g., Boards, Licensing exam, Uniforms) | — | — | — |
| Total | $36,397 | $42,100 | $27,102 |
Notes
Expected costs for the 2020-2021 academic year are based on full time attendance. From year to year, increases are anticipated consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
The cost of attendance varies from year to year. Please contact the office of Student Finance for up-to-date costs.Estimated Living Expenses
Academic Year 2020-2021, off campus, with a roommate
| Year of Program: | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Months enrolled | 9 | 12 | 9 |
| Room & Board | $12,645 | $16,860 | $12,645 |
| Transportation | $2,880 | $3,840 | $2,880 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,070 | $2,760 | $2,070 |
Notes
- Amounts are what a student can apply to borrow for the number of months shown in each academic year based on living off campus with a roommate and not with a relative.
- International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on the numbers listed here.
- In general, to qualify for financial aid a student must be enrolled at least half time taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.