Program Mission:

The MSPO Program is an entry-level professional program that prepares student practitioners with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to provide services to both the traditional and underserved communities in the field of prosthetics and orthotics. 

 

Program Aims:

• Prepare prosthetics and orthotics practitioners who possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to provide services to both the traditional and underserved communities
• Produce prosthetics and orthotics practitioners who will join the workforce of certified practitioners in Alabama, the Southeastern US and beyond
• Facilitate the goal of the American Board for Certification to increase the number of entry level practitioners with master’s degrees
• Improve prosthetic and orthotic care in the treatment of persons with physical disabilities
  
  

Goals for Graduates:

• Meet the necessary requirements to sit for national certifying exams in prosthetics and orthotics
• Apply effective clinical decision making and problem solving skills
• Demonstrate the integration of knowledge, theory, and application of the clinical and technical aspects of the prosthetics & orthotics disciplines
• Exemplify the role of the prosthetist-orthotist in providing ethical, patient-centered care experiences that are congruent with the core values and code of ethics and standards of the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) Code of Professional Responsibilities in clinical practice
• Comprehend and demonstrate knowledge of the collaborative role of the prosthetist-orthotist as a member of the interdisciplinary rehabilitation team in providing patient-centered care
• Demonstrate an awareness and respect for all patients and related individuals within a diverse and multicultural society
• Demonstrate the ability to participate as a critical consumer of research and to integrate research findings as evidence in clinical practice
• Demonstrate an appreciation for the value of life-long learning and a commitment to public/community service
  

Program Vision:

• Incorporate individual student goals
• Poise students for career success
• Prepare students to pass certification exams on the first attempt
• Support student acceptance into residency positions and programs
• Provide students with the tools and knowledge necessary to be confident and proficient in their P&O skillset