Prosthetics & Orthotics
Welcome to the Department of Prosthetics & Orthotics, within the College of Health Sciences!
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.
ASU is the only university in the state of Alabama to offer the Master of Science in Prosthetics & Orthotics, and only one of 13 in the nation to offer the degree. Cohorts of 10 students are admitted once annually to begin a sequence of five semesters (Fall-Spring-Summer-Fall-Spring), at full-time enrollment. The program does not have an online option – it is in-person instruction only. The application deadline to be considered for admission is January 1.
Students will learn how to assess patients with impairment of human movement or musculoskeletal abnormalities, formulate appropriate prescription recommendations, implement O&P treatment plans using effective clinical decision-making and problem-solving skills, comply with practice management plans, and integrate in lifelong learning skills. Students will engage in educational activities in foundational and applied sciences, clinical decision-making, principles of research, application of evidence-based practice, and other necessary areas in the context of effective prosthetics and orthotics practice.
Graduates from the program will seek employment at residency sites and complete 12 months in the discipline of prosthetics or orthotics, or 18 months for both disciplines simultaneously. Completion of residency is required for eligibility in professional certification, and board certification exams are completed after this time as well. Further details on residency and certification can be found at the websites below.
- National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE): www.ncope.org
- American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics (ABC): www.abcop.org
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Mission and Objectives
Curriculum
Clinical Laboratory
Clinical Rotations
Tuition and Costs
Prerequisites and Application Information
Faculty and Staff
Accreditation
The Alabama State University MSPO Program admitted its first cohort of students in Fall 2012. On March 15, 2019, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) awarded Alabama State University's Prosthetics and Orthotics Program with continuing accreditation. The recent peer review conducted by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) and CAAHEP's Board of Directors recognizes the program's compliance with the nationally established accreditation standards.
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Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
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Student Outcomes
The MSPO Program aims for student success throughout the program as well as in the many steps following graduation to ultimately work as a certified professional. The following chart summarizes these outcomes, following the path from graduation to residency and board certification examinations.
| Cohort (year) | Students entering | Students graduating | Residency employment | Residency completion | Professional certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (2012) | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 2 (2013) | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 |
| 3 (2014) | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| 4 (2015) | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| 5 (2016) | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| 6 (2018) | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 |
| 7 (2019) | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 7 |
| 8 (2020) | 10 | 9 | 9 | 6 (4 IP) | 2 |
| 9 (2021) | 7 | 7 | 7 | (7 IP) | |
| 10 (2022) | 10 | 10 | |||
| 11 (2023) | 8 | ||||
| 12 (2024) | 10 |
2023 Graduate Satisfaction Survey:
100% - "I am satisfied with my choice in pursuing a career in P&O."
100% - "I am satisfied with my choice in achieving my professional degree at ASU."
100% - "I believe ASU's P&O Program prepared me to be successful in my residency position."
100% - "I believe ASU's P&O Program prepared me to be successful on my certification exams (those that I have taken)."
updated 2/2024