Program
Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics Degree
The MSOP curriculum is a two year, full time, 70 credit hour degree.
Courses will weave interprofessional education together with evidence-based practice along with core courses in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Rehabilitation.
The majority of courses will be taught on campus because we believe it is critical for students (as future O&P professionals) to engage with faculty, their peers, and patients on-site through intensive learning experiences that build, among other things, people-oriented skills.
Upon graduation with an ETSU MSOP degree, students will be eligible to pursue an accredited residency program (18 months of combined disciplines in orthotics and prosthetics).
Upon completion of residency, individuals will be eligible to complete the board examinations and eventually gain certification and licensure, which is required to practice O&P in a growing number of states across the U.S.
Program Objectives
The overarching objectives of the Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics degree are:
1.) To prepare competent practitioner-scholars that provide evidence-based services for persons requiring O&P intervention.
2.) To prepare practitioners that engage in interprofessional collaboration, based on the philosophy whereby patient care is significantly informed and effective when provided in collaboration with other disciplines.
3.) To prepare practitioners that employ evidence-based “best practice” through participation in scientific inquiry and clinically relevant research
4.) To prepare practitioners to provide excellent care to improve quality of life for patients in Southern Appalachia and beyond.
These objectives will meet and exceed the minimum requirements for preparing competent entry-level Orthotist/Prosthetist practitioners in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavioral) learning domains.
Program Details
The MSOP program begins in the spring semester each academic year and consists of six consecutive sessions, each corresponding with an academic semester. Attendance is full time during typical business hours, Monday through Friday. Students will complete 70 required credits over the course of the program and take between 9-15 credits per session.
Courses:
The MSPO program consists of foundational courses, prosthetics and orthotics, and courses. A Clinical Experience will be incorporated into the 5th sessions. A detailed list of the O & P curriculum can be found HERE (subject to change).
Foundational Courses
During the first two sessions of the program, foundational courses provide the theoretical groundwork for the professional competencies and encourage an interdisciplinary perspective. These courses include (but are not limited to) Clinical Biomechanics and Kinesiology, Functional Human Anatomy, Materials Science, Seminar in Pathophysiology and Clinical Conditions, and Psychological Aspects of Chronic Illness and Disease.
Core O&P Courses and Research
The core O&P curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive clinical and lab-based instruction. Students learn the principles of designing and fabricating prostheses and orthoses, develop essential patient evaluation skills, and create individualized treatment plans. The involvement of patient models throughout the program allows students to gain practical, hands-on experience, enriching their understanding of the clinician-patient relationship.
Our core O&P curriculum is complemented by evidence-based practice courses focused on research methods. These courses equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to critically evaluate research, utilize research evidence to inform clinical practice, and integrate outcome measures to assess the effectiveness of clinical interventions. This approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to implement best practices and deliver high-quality patient care. These courses will also prepare the student for their capstone requirement.
Clinical Experience
During the second summer of the program, an essential component involves gaining clinical
experience, which may extend beyond the Johnson City, TN area. The MSOP faculty and
staff are committed to assisting students in securing suitable clinical placements.
However, students are responsible for arranging their living accommodations during
this three-month period. Collaborating with faculty to arrange a clinical site near
family or friends outside the region could help minimize housing expenses. In addition
to participating in their clinical rotation for three days/week, students will continue
with online coursework during this period, ensuring they remain engaged with the program’s
academic requirements while gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
Program Completion and Residency
Upon successful completion of the MSOP program at East Tennessee State University, graduates are awarded a Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics degree. Following graduation, students must complete an 18-month dual residency at a site approved by the National Commission on Orthotics and Prosthetics Education (NCOPE).
The ETSU MSOP program provides comprehensive guidance and support to students in their residency search. While there is no formal matching program in the orthotics and prosthetics profession, we anticipate that our graduates will find it manageable to secure residency positions. Given that local positions can be limited, we encourage students to seek opportunities nationally.
Completing the residency requirement is essential for eligibility to apply for the National Certification Boards administered by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC).