Program Description
The entry-level Master of Science degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics (el-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 a 500-hour clinical affiliation supervised by the professional development committee. 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 2010 standards of the profession.
Professional Association
Students and graduates are eligible for membership in the American Academy of Orthotics and Prosthetics (AAOP). The objective of the association is to foster development and improvement of service and education. This organization grants student membership at a nominal cost to students of approved schools. The el-MSOP student is required to become a member of this association while in the program and is encouraged to read the Journal of Orthotics and Prosthetics (JPO) and attend AAOP sponsored or approved local or national meetings.
Professional Practice Requirements
Satisfactory completion of the el-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 orthoprosthetic 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
3 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.Application Deadlines
| Quarter | Application Open | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn of 2020 | Oct 1, 2019 | — | Sep 7, 2020 |
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
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.
