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About

The UW P&O program has graduated leaders in the profession since 1972 and is proud to reside in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, which is consistently ranked in the top four Rehab Departments by US News & World Report. The primary goal of the program is to train students to become practitioners with strong interdisciplinary communication skills who will work to enhance participation in life activities for persons with limb absence or disabling neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions. The signature features of the University of Washington’s MPO Program are the accomplished faculty; multidisciplinary courses taken with PT and OT students; intimate learning environment (instructor/student ratio 1:12); and clinical skill development through experiential learning.

Accreditation

The University of Washington Prosthetics & Orthotics Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE). As an accredited program, the University of Washington curriculum adheres to this national professional organization's standards and guidelines. CAAHEP is located at 25400 US Highway 19N, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763.

Student Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, the University of Washington School of Medicine awards students a Master of Prosthetics and Orthotics degree. Following graduation, the student must complete a one-year residency in each discipline at a National Commission on Orthotics and Prosthetics Education (NCOPE) approved site. This residency requirement must be completed for eligibility to apply for the National Certification Boards administered by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC).

Graduates of the UW P&O master’s program will: 

• Exemplify the role of the prosthetist-orthotist by providing ethical and responsible patient-centered care.
• Demonstrate awareness of the humanity and dignity of all patients and individuals within a diverse and multicultural society.
• Serve as knowledgeable, competent, and capable members of multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams.
• Effectively and appropriately communicate with patients, peers, and other clinical service providers.
• Understand, critically evaluate, and appropriately integrate scientific evidence into clinical practice.
• Integrate knowledge of human function and prosthetic-orthotic concepts in the assessment of patients and the formulation, implementation, and follow-up of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Mission and Goals

The primary goal of the program is to train students to become practitioners with strong interdisciplinary communication skills who will work to enhance participation in life activities for persons with limb absence or disabling neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION & CURRICULUM

​The program begins in the fall quarter of the academic year and is seven consecutive quarters in length (including a summer quarter between year one and year two). Attendance is full-time during the day, Monday through Friday. Students complete 114 required credits over the course of the program and take from 15 to 18 credits per quarter.

The degree program consists of foundational courses, research courses, and core prosthetic and orthotic courses.

Foundational courses (taken with the occupational and physical therapy students) during the first three quarters of the program provide the theoretical groundwork for the professional competencies and encourage an interdisciplinary perspective.

Core prosthetics and orthotics courses instruct students in the principles of designing and fabricating prostheses and orthoses, developing patient evaluation skills and creating individualized treatment plans. Patient volunteers participate throughout the span of the program allowing students to gain practical experience in all aspects of the clinician-patient experience.

Core courses related to research methods and evidence-based practice provide the student with the knowledge and skills to critically evaluate research, to use research evidence to inform clinical practice, and to integrate outcome measures to evaluate clinical practice interventions.

Clinical rotations begin the fourth (summer) quarter of the program. Students attend a local clinic once a week for the full quarter, and then continue to rotate one day a week at a different clinic each subsequent quarter. During the break between summer and fall quarters, students complete a concentrated, two-week rotation at a site outside of the region.

Upon successful completion of the program, the University of Washington School of Medicine awards students a Master of Prosthetics and Orthotics degree. Following graduation, the student must complete a one-year residency in each discipline at a National Commission on Orthotics and Prosthetics Education (NCOPE) approved site. This residency requirement must be completed for eligibility to apply for the National Certification Boards administered by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC).

For a complete list of courses, please see the MPO course schedule.

• Foundational course descriptions
• P&O specific course descriptions

RESEARCH

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PEOPLE

Core Faculty

The following educators make up the University of Washington Prosthetics & Orthotics Program faculty:

Brian Hafner, PhD

Susan L. Kapp, MEd, L/CPO, FAAOP

Cody McDonald, CPO, MPH, PhD

Susan Spaulding, MS, L/CPO

Ann Yamane, MEd, CO/LO

Current Students

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Advisory Board

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EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION 

The goal of the Master of Prosthetics and Orthotics (MPO) Program at the University of Washington (UW) is to produce highly effective prosthetist-orthotists who will drive innovation and excellence in the profession.  In our holistic student selection process, we seek students who are committed to providing culturally responsive service in our increasingly diverse world. In making our admission decisions, we consider a balance of an applicant’s experiences, attributes, and academic history.

The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in accordance with University policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations.

Follow the link for information on the Department of Rehabilitation's commitment to diversity.

In addition, the University of Washington is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation, contact the Prosthetics & Orthotics program office or Disability Resources for Students (DRS) at (206) 543-8924/V, (206) 543-8925/TTY, (206) 616-8379 (FAX), or e-mail uwdss@uw.edu at least ten days in advance. For more information on DRS, please visit http://www.washington.edu/students/drs/.

 

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Admissions Requirements

 

The program is committed to training a diverse group of prosthetists-orthotists who come from a wide range of ethnic, cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Admission to the MPO program is based not only on academic achievement, but also on non-academic factors, which ensure that candidates can complete the essential functions of the academic program required for graduation. The Division of Prosthetics-Orthotics has the responsibility to ensure that its graduates become fully competent and caring practitioners. Enrollment in the program is limited to 12 students each year, and the application process is competitive.

 

Eligibility Requirements:

Candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree: Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree in any major from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or its equivalent from a foreign institution.
• Grade Point Requirements: Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (B) on the most recent 60 semester or 90 quarter credits to be considered for admission. In addition, applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (B) in the required prerequisite courses with no single course graded less than 2.0 (C). It is highly recommended that all prerequisite course grades be 2.5 or above. If you have any prerequisite course grade between 2.0 and 2.4, your academic record will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Grades lower than 2.0 in a prerequisite course will not be accepted.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE): In response to the COVID-19 health crisis, the UW MPO Program is temporarily suspending the use of the Graduate Records Examinations (GRE) for applications for the cohort entering Autumn 2021. Applications for Autumn 2021 are now open through OPCAS. 
• Prerequisite Requirements: The most competitive applicants have completed most of the prerequisite courses either by the time of application or by the end of the term in which the application is submitted. It is highly recommended that anatomy and physiology be among the completed coursework. All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to entering the program in Autumn Quarter. Applicants will be asked to submit a reasonable plan for completing any remaining unsatisfied prerequisite courses prior to program entrance.
• Two course physics series w/labs
  • One course life science with lab (e.g. biology, microbiology)
  • One course chemistry with lab
  • One course anatomy with lab*
  • One course physiology with lab*
  • One course general psychology
  • One course in developmental psychology or in abnormal psychology
  • One course in statistics

*or two course A&P series w/labs

For more detail information about prerequisite requirements visit the Prerequisite Page.

• Volunteer Experience (highly recommended) Although volunteer experience is not required to apply to the program, the most competitive applicants have a minimum of 50 hours volunteering, observing, or job shadowing in a P&O clinic. Gaining direct understanding of the daily experiences of a prosthetist-orthotist is the best way to help a potential applicant make the decision to pursue an education and career in prosthetics-orthotics. Exposure in more than one setting is ideal.

To locate clinicians in a specific area, use the directory tool on The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics web site.

FAQ

In progress.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND DEADLINES 

The University of Washington MPO program requires two applications for submission: one application through the O&P Centralized Application System (OPCAS) and one through the UW Graduate School. The deadline for OPCAS and UW Grad School application submission is November 15.

• Online application through OPCAS
  • Please submit the following to OPCAS:
  • Application essay
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended
• Online application to the UW Grad School
  • Applicants must submit an online application to the University of Washington Graduate School. OPCAS captures the bulk of information needed for consideration, but applicants need to fill out basic information in the Grad School online application and submit GRE test scores to the UW, using institution code 4854.

Please note that on the UW Grad School application, underrepresented minorities may choose to submit an additional, optional personal statement that addresses personal history, family background, and other influences on intellectual development. The statement should address educational, cultural, and economic opportunities and disadvantages experienced by the applicant, as well as how these experiences have affected the development of special interests, career plans, and future goals.

Deadline: The deadline for OPCAS and UW Grad School application submission is November 15.

Residency Requirements

Applications are open to residents of any state. Contact the Residence Classification Office at (206) 543-4188 or visit the residency website for information about establishing residency in Washington State.

 

International Applicants

Detailed information about International student applications to the Graduate School of the University Washington is on the Grad School website.

International students must have a visa status that allows academic study at the University of Washington. International applicants include students who hold U.S. visas, such as F-1, J-1 Exchange Visitors, H1-B, any dependent visas, or any other non-immigrant classifications. (You are not an International applicant if you hold a U.S. "Green Card or Immigrant" status.)

Selection Process

The Prosthetics & Orthotics Admissions Committee will evaluate each applicant for admission through a review of scholastic achievement, written essay, references, and involvement in activities or work related to health professions. Applicants are strongly encouraged to work or volunteer in the profession to demonstrate their interest in and understanding of the field. Committee members conduct independent assessments of each candidate.

Candidates for admission are then recommended to the Prosthetics & Orthotics Advisory and Evaluation Committee, who make the final decision on admissions. Written notification of admission or non-a

Background Check

Students who accept a position in the MPO program will be asked to complete a comprehensive background check administered by Verified Credentials. The cost for the background check is currently $69.00.

The State of Washington requires this background check to identify individuals who have been convicted of felonies against vulnerable populations. The hospitals and clinics that are used for training are not allowed to employ or train people with these backgrounds.  Admission is emailed to each applicant by mid-March to mid-April.

COSTS AND FINANCES

MPO program students pay Tier II graduate tuition and fees. (Resident and Nonresident rates for Academic Year 2016-2017 only. These rates do not include summer quarter tuition.) The complete program is seven consecutive quarters, including a summer quarter.

Additional Expenses: 

Other expenses include tools, books, supplies, room and board, travel expenses associated with clinical education, and lab fees, which are currently approximately $2,200 per year paid on a quarterly basis. Lab fees vary according to the number of hours spent in Prosthetics & Orthotics classes and the materials used. Lab fees are subject to annual increases. A fee of $185 is assessed annually for the Health Sciences Immunization Program.

The Prosthetics & Orthotics Program involves a full-time course load each quarter. For this reason, most students find it difficult to work while in the program.

Information on financial assistance and scholarships may be obtained from the University of Washington Office of Financial Aid. Students should apply for financial aid as soon as possible, and prior to potential admission to the program. Most students arrange for student loans if they need financial assistance.

Scholarships

Office of Fellowships and Awards: The UW Graduate School provides numerous resources for finding information on graduate school funding. We advise you to contact the Office of Fellowships and Awards for more information.

American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists: (AAOP) The AAOP offers scholarship awards to eligible students. The AAOP scholarship page

Graduate Opportunities and Minority Achievement Program (GO-MAP): GO-MAP, a unit of The Graduate School, has limited funding for students whose individual experiences and/or academic interests will bring diversity to scholarly perspectives and endeavors, and to the academic community. Students must be nominated by their department. For information, please review the GO-MAP funding information page.

CURRENT STUDENTS

Community

Living in Seattle gives you access to almost any outdoor recreation imaginable, including camping and hiking, kayaking, white water rafting, rock climbing, skiing and snowboarding. For more information see the Living in Seattle page.

Not much is better than student life at the University of Washington. For more information to get involved, see the UW Groups and Activities page.

The Department of Rehabilitation Interdisciplinary Student Organization, known as DRISO, focuses on promoting interdisciplinary and interprofessional collaboration in rehabilitation through the catalyst of student action. This registered student organization provides opportunities for students in physical therapy, occupational therapy, prosthetics and orthotics, speech and hearing sciences, and rehabilitation science to participate in a variety of activities, including service learning, extracurricular educational programs and social engagement from an interdisciplinary perspective. For more information, visit the DRISO website (UW NetID required).

Students can also take part in service learning through the student organization Global Rehabilitation Organization at Washington, more commonly known as GROW. GROW developed from a shared interest in global health and community outreach among students in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine. The goal of the group is to inspire rehabilitation professionals to become more engaged in their communities and play a part in building a better world.

Photo gallery, current and past students (link)

In the MPO Program

Student Health Insurance: As a student in our program, you will be involved in clinical rotations in the community starting summer quarter of your first year. Since you are not considered an employee of the clinical site while on rotation, you are not covered by the site's Worker's Compensation plan. You are encouraged and advised to obtain comprehensive health and accident insurance to provide you with coverage while at the clinical rotation site, as well as for your own health needs. Furthermore, many affiliation sites now require a student to carry health insurance.

For more information on Medicaid and Healthcare Exchanges, please start here.

Resources (table)

After Graduation

Residency Requirements: All graduates of the prosthetic-orthotic professional phase curriculum must complete a 12-month residency program accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) in cooperation with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) to become eligible to apply for the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics (ABC) examinations.

Residency programs are one year in length for each discipline and are available at various sites throughout the United States. Approved programs are listed on the NCOPE website.

 

National Certification: The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics (ABC) is the national certifying and accrediting body for the prosthetics-orthotics profession. After students graduate from the program and complete an NCOPE residency in each discipline, they are eligible to sit for the certification examinations.

Washington State Licensure: The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) oversees the licensing of prosthetist-orthotists as set forth in WAC 246-850-020.

To qualify for licensure, applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree or have completed a certificate program in orthotics and/or prosthetics. They must also complete an NCOPE residency for each discipline and obtain passing scores on the ABC written and written simulation examinations administered after July 1, 1991. These requirements are subject to change and updated information on the orthotics and prosthetic rules can be found on the DOH website.

NEWS & EVENTS

The latest happenings and upcoming events in the Prosthetics & Orthotics program.

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Prosthetics and Orthotics Education and Training Fund

Prosthetics and Orthotics Scholarship Fund