Main Content:
  1. Overview
  2. po Curriculum

Curriculum

Pitt's Prosthetics and Orthotics program has a diverse curriculum that covers a wide range of topics including:

  • Trans-tibial, trans-femoral and upper extremity prosthetics
  • Lower and upper extremity and spinal orthotics
  • Rehabilitation biomechanics
  • Rehabilitation engineering and technologies

Learn from faculty who are connected with industry leaders and have global networks through research or academic collaborations and advocacy.

Program Structure

The program is five consecutive terms in length, including one summer term, and requires a total of 65 credits. It is designed to meet all standards for accreditation by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) and for preparing students to complete residencies and take the American Board of Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics examinations.

Accreditation Status

The Master of Science Program in Prosthetics and Orthotics has been granted accreditation by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE). Our graduates are fully eligible to do an NCOPE residency, and then upon successful completion of the residency, take the certification examinations offered by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC).

Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics Curriculum Overview

Fall Term, Year 1

  • PO 2101 - FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY AND KINESIOLOGY
  • PO 2102 - PATHOLOGY IN ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS
  • PO 2103 - INTRODUCTION TO MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND FABRICATION
  • PO 2104 - REHABILITATION BIOMECHANICS FOR THE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONS
  • PO 2105 - PROFESSIONAL ISSUES IN PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS
  • PO 2106 - PATIENT MANAGEMENT IN ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS
  • RT 2105 - INTRODUCTION TO EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE & RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES

Spring Term, year 1

  • PO 2201 - ORTHOTICS 1
  • PO 2202 - PROSTHETICS 1
  • PO 2203 - CAPSTONE FOR PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS
  • PO 2204 - INTRODUCTION TO EVIDENCE - BASED PRACTICE IN ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS
  • RT 2208 - ETHICAL ISSUES IN HEALTHCARE

Summer Term, Year 1

  • PO 2301 - ORTHOTICS 2
  • PO 2302 - PROSTHETICS 2
  • PO 2303 - SPINAL ORTHOTICS

Fall Term, Year 2

  • PO 2401 - ORTHOTICS 3
  • PO 2402 - PROSTHETICS 3
  • PO 2403 - ISSUES IN THE HEALTH SYSTEM
  • RT 2101 - FUNDAMENTALS OF REHABILITATION & ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS
  • RT 2103 - INDIVIDUAL & SOCIAL EXPERIENCE OF DISABILITY

Spring Term, Year 2

  • PO 2501 - MASTER OF PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS CLINICAL INTERNSHIP
  • PO 2502 - SCHOLARLY PAPER
  • PO 2503 - PRACTICE MANAGEMENT IN PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS

Program Total = 65 credits

View Program Catalog and Course Descriptions

Courses

Each course in the curriculum is offered only once during the academic year, therefore, any departure from completing a course in its planned sequence (for example: failure, for any reason, to satisfactorily complete a required course; an unresolved "G" or "Incomplete" grade) will result in a one year delay in completing the course, the remaining program requirements, and the year of graduation.

Clinical Internship

During the last term of the program, the student completes a clinical internship of 340 hours. Many students relocate out of Pittsburgh to complete this requirement. We work closely with the student to set up this internship site for the final term.

Comprehensive Exam

At the beginning of the final term of study, a comprehensive examination will be given, covering all aspects of the Program. Students will be required to pass this examination prior to graduation.

Thesis/Non-Thesis Options

All MSPO students are required to complete at least a Capstone Project, under the direction of a faculty advisor and an additional faculty reader. However, as a substitute for the Capstone Project, the student may elect to complete a master's thesis, under the direction of a faculty advisor and thesis committee. Students electing to pursue the thesis option will complete 3 credits of Graduate Research Proposal (PO 2924) in place of the 1 credit Capstone (PO 2203) and 2 credits Scholarly Paper (PO 2502). They will also complete 3 credits of Graduate Research (PO 2925). This will change the total amount of completed credits to 68.