College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions
MS in Prosthetics and Orthotics
The University of Hartford’s College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions collaborates with Hanger Clinic to offer a Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics (MSPO). The professions of prosthetics and orthotics are specialized allied health professions that combine a unique blend of clinical and technical skills. Professionals in this field design, fabricate, and fit orthoses and prostheses for a broad range of clients from pediatric to geriatric.
Practitioners interact directly with clients and their families, advising and supporting the rehabilitation process. They work closely with other members of the rehabilitation team, including orthopedic surgeons, rehabilitation physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and nurses.
- 60 credits
- 2 years full-time
- Priority application deadline: Dec. 1
- Summer start
- Course catalog
- Request information
Questions? Contact the Program Director
Undergraduate Program
- We also offer a five-year combined BS/MSPO program. Learn more
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.
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.
MSPO I
Gross Anatomy
Kinesiology
Lower-Limb Orthotics
Biomechanics
Material Methods in Prosthetics and Orthotics
Spinal Orthotics
MSPO II
Scientific Inquiry II
Upper-Limb Orthotics
Neuroscience
Upper-Limb Prosthetics
Integrated Internship
Advanced Pediatric Examination and Intervention
Duffy Felmlee
Associate Professor, Rehabilitation Sciences
“There are so many avenues of impact in prosthetics and orthotics, whether it’s research or education or business. Patient care extends beyond the clinical setting—even to scuba diving."
The Hursey Center - Our New 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.
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.
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.
MSPO Prerequisite Courses
Biology 1 - 4 credits
General Physics 1 & 2 with lab - 8 credits
Human Anatomy & Physiology with lab - 8 credits
Chemistry with lab - 4 credits
Introduction to Psychology - 3 credits
Human Growth and Development OR Abnormal Psychology - 3 credits
Statistics - 3 credits
Trigonometry - 3 credits
If this list of prerequisite courses differs from the official University of Hartford Graduate Bulletin, the University Bulletin takes precedence.
Additional Information
Graduates since 2013: 137
Graduates seeking residency position: 134
Graduates securing residency position: 134
Non-residency seeking graduates (Certified Prosthetist Orthotists): 3
Provide entry-level clinical services in a safe, legal, ethical, and professional manner while providing patient-centered care.
Upon successful completion of the program, the students/graduates will:
- practice in a safe manner.
- demonstrate professional behavior.
- practice in a manner consistent with established legal and professional standards and ethical guidelines.
- be prepared to enter financial management (purchasing, billing and reimbursement, time, space, equipment, marketing, public relationships) consistent with regulatory, legal, and facility guidelines.
Employ effective communication strategies with colleagues, clients, and the public.
Upon successful completion of the program, the students/graduates will:
- adapt delivery of prosthetics and orthotics services with consideration for patients' differences, values, preferences, and needs.
- employ effective communication strategies.
- Communicate consistent with the knowledge level of the audience.
Engage in the process of evidence-based practice, scientific inquiry, and development of new knowledge.
Upon successful completion of the program, the students/graduates will:
- create and defend a research plan.
- apply current knowledge, clinical judgment, and the patient's values and perspective in patient management.
- collect and analyze data from selected outcomes measures in a manner that supports accurate analysis of individual patient and group outcomes.
- perform a patient examination using evidence-based tests and measures.
- establish a plan of care that is evidence-based.
Embrace the role of collaboration as a member of the interdisciplinary team.
Upon successful completion of the program, the students/graduates will:
- participate in internship opportunities in diverse settings.
- have opportunities to participate in collaborative learning with other healthcare professionals.
- have the ability to engage in identifying unique standards of practice within the healthcare community.
- engage in community service.
- connect to a core of clinical adjunct faculty who provide liaisons with local clinical sites.
Value cultural diversity within the profession and the community.
Upon successful completion of the program, the students/graduates will:
- adapt delivery of prosthetics and orthotics services with consideration for patients' differences, values, preferences, and needs.
- apply current knowledge, clinical judgment, and the patient’s values and perspective in patient management.
- establish a plan of care that is safe, effective, patient centered and evidence based.
- determine with each patient encounter the patient’s need for further examination or consultation
Demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge of the fundamental science in human function into a comprehensive orthotic/prosthetic treatment plan.
Upon successful completion of the program, the students/graduates will:
- identify areas of basic human function (physical, cognitive, social, physiological) and incorporate them into patient assessment.
- apply foundational sciences throughout the assessment, formulation, implementation, and follow-up phases of treatment plan.
Assume a proactive role in partnership with communities in healthcare decisions, including increasing access to healthcare to those with unmet needs.
Upon successful completion of the program, the students/graduates will:
- be familiar with local and national resources available to patients (e.g. support groups, free clinics, pro bono opportunities).
- offer/provide appropriate prosthetics/orthotics perspective within the healthcare team's treatment plan.
Participate in outcome assessments, peer reviews, and self assessments.
Upon successful completion of the program, the students/graduates will:
- identify the level of appropriate participation for each assessment.
- hold a constructive role in critiquing, collaborating, or conducting various assessments.
The MSPO Program will
- use outcomes data collected through post-graduation surveys of alumni, employer, and patients to enhance/update any programmatic aspects.
- consider any recommendations to continue academic improvement.
Foster a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
Upon successful completion of the program, the students/graduates will:
- embrace knowledge-based practice within the healthcare arena.
- seek out continuing-education opportunities to expand professional knowledge.
- change environment through fostering continuing-educational opportunities in clinical staff and/or peers.
- foster professional development through leadership and participation in professional organizations.
Become critical thinkers who are academically and clinically prepared to meet professional standards and address patient expectations.
Upon successful completion of the program, the students/graduates will:
- utilize and interpret evidence-based practice appropriate to individual patients during treatment.
- demonstrate appropriate perspective to maximize functional attributes of the patient.
- employ critical thinking when applying appropriate treatment outcomes.
- Think critically when viewing profession as a whole.
For the most up-to-date information, see the Graduate Tuition and Fees page.
Tuition rates and fees are subject to change
To discuss ways to finance your program of study, contact the Financial Aid Office:
Program Contact
Heather Johnson
Program Specialist
Prosthetics and Orthotics Program
860.768.5207
hejohnson@hartford.edu
Graduate Admission Office
860.768.4371
800.945.0712
GradStudy@hartford.edu
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.