MS in Prosthetics and Orthotics

About the Program

The Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics (MSPO) is a full-time, on-campus program that prepares students for entry into the fields of prosthetics and orthotics. We are one of 13 accredited MSPO programs in the United States.

Admission into the program is offered to those who hold a bachelor's degree, have completed the prerequisite courses, and otherwise qualify for admission. 

We also offer an online graduate degree program for currently certified prosthetists and orthotists. See transitional MSPO for additional information.

Blending material science, engineering, and health care 

Prosthetists design, fabricate, and fit devices known as prostheses (artificial limbs) for individuals who have partial or total absence of a limb.

Orthotists design and fit devices known as orthoses (orthopedic braces) to enhance function and provide care for patients who have disabling conditions of the limbs and spine.

New design innovations and advances in technology offer dramatic benefits to people who utilize prostheses or orthoses. For example, advanced prosthetic knees can be controlled by microprocessors that improve gait stability and walking pattern efficiency. Othoses equipped with Bluetooth devices can electronically interface with nerves to enhance motor control. The exciting combination of material science, engineering, and health care makes the prosthetist/orthotist a uniquely qualified member of today's healthcare team. Just as the technology has advanced, so too, has the challenge of educating future orthotic and prosthetic clinicians.

Our faculty is made up of expert clinicians with advanced degrees who are committed to advancing the profession of prosthetics and orthotics and mentoring those who will become the new professionals of tomorrow. Our graduates are prepared to meet the intellectual, social, cultural, and economic challenges of our changing healthcare system.

For more information about the fields of prosthetics and orthotics, visit the American Academy of Orthotics and Prosthetics or Whatispop.org. 

Program Requirements

The MSPO curriculum provides students with strong foundational coursework in biomechanics, neuroscience, and kinesiology. A sequence of scientific inquiry courses provides students with the opportunity to engage in evidence-based practice as key members of the health care community. The curriculum is presented in the context of a collaborative university environment that includes the health professions, especially physical therapy, engineering, and technology. Elective courses in pediatrics and education are available as a support for future professional concentrations.

Upon completion of the degree requirements, all graduates are mandated to participate in a postgraduate, two-year residency as a prerequisite for the board certification exams. These residency programs are located in hospitals, research centers, private patient care facilities, clinics, and rehabilitation facilities.

The MSPO is a 60 credit, two-year, full-time program. A sample of courses is listed below.  

For more information, and to see a complete list of degree requirements, visit the Course Catalog.

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The Hursey Center - Our Academic Building

The Hursey Center opened in Fall 2021 and includes state-of-the-art labs and classrooms for ENHP students. Facilities include labs for motion analysis, human performance, physical therapy, prosthetics and orthotics, nursing simulation and more. 

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Admission

Post-baccalaureate students may apply to the MSPO program. An overall GPA of 3.2 is preferred. Students must have earned at least a "C" or 2.0 grade in each of the prerequisite courses. While GRE test scores are not required, they may be submitted to strengthen the application. The Admission Committee will consider all application materials. Candidates will be accepted on a competitive basis.  The priority filing date for receipt of all application materials is December 1.

Application Requirements:

• Non-refundable application fee of $50 for those applying directly through UHart. OPCAS applicants are required to pay a non-refundable processing fee as designated by OPCAS in lieu of an application fee.
• Letter of Intent
• Official transcripts for all collegiate level coursework
• Two letters of recommendation
• GRE scores are not required but can be submitted to strengthen your application

International applicants:

We are currently unable to accept applications for F-1 international students to the Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics program for summer 2024. We anticipate we will be able to accept F-1 international student applications for summer 2025. Please contact gradstudy@hartford.edu with additional questions

International applicants who do not require an F-1 visa are also required to submit the below materials: 

• Transcript evaluation: All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member, such as WES, IEE, or SpanTran. If the transcript is written in English, a course-by-course evaluation is still required, as grading systems vary from country to country. 
• Non-native speakers of the English language are required to submit scores from one of the following English-proficiency tests. Countries that are considered native English speaking can be found here.

• • TOEFL: minimum of 80 (Internet-based test – iBT), and 550 (Paper-based test – PBT Total).
  • PTE: minimum score of 58
  • IELTS: minimum score of 6.5 overall
  • Duolingo: minimum score of 110 combined

The MSPO program starts classes the first week of June. The admissions committee will conduct a fair and thorough process for all applicants. Applicants submitting their completed application prior to December 1 will receive preferred notification. The application window allows us the opportunity to provide our accepted students sufficient time to make preparations to attend.

All prerequisite courses must be satisfactorily completed prior to the start of the program. See a list of the MSPO prerequisite courses below.

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Additional Information

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Accreditation

The Prosthetics and Orthotics program offered by the Newington Certificate Program (NCP) in Orthotics and Prosthetics/Hanger Inc. joined with the University of Hartford to offer the MSPO Program in 2011. Our MSPO program is fully accredited as an orthotic and prosthetic education program by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE). The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) also accredits the program. Additionally, the Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics has been approved by the State of Connecticut Department of Higher Education.

Professional Licensing disclosure

As a CAAHEP-accredited program, graduates are eligible to initiate a NCOPE-accredited residency. Upon completion of this residency, candidates are eligible to sit for the American Board of Certification (ABC) practitioner certification exams. Please click here to read the full ABC requirements. Successful completion of these steps and additional criteria may be required for an individual to become licensed by an individual state. An interactive map of state licensing requirements may be found here.