Master's in Prosthetics and Orthotics

The Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center (NUPOC) Master’s in Prosthetics and Orthotics (MPO) program provides a strong theoretical foundation and clinical practicum to prepare individuals for residency, followed by the American Board for Certification (ABC) in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics Practitioner Certification Exam. Accredited by CAAHEP, the MPO consists of didactic and laboratory instruction in anatomy, kinesiology, pathology, behavioral sciences, research skills, normal and pathological gait, biomechanics, material science, evaluation, measurement, impression procedures, components, alignment, fitting, and fabrication. The Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center’s (NUPOC) Master’s in Prosthetics and Orthotics (MPO) is a competitive, 21-month postgraduate degree offering clinically focused education in a research-rich environment within the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Our curriculum prepares students to become proficient, compassionate P&O clinicians; serve persons with physical impairments; apply state-of-the-art research to clinical practice; and contribute significantly to the P&O profession. Blended Learning Format The MPO is built on a Blended Learning format where students will complete their first two quarters (six months) online. After demonstrating proficiency in fundamental concepts, students attend class at NUPOC’s Chicago campus for four focused quarters (12 months) of hands-on, supervised clinical education. During the on campus practicum, where they benefit from a 1:8 instructor-student ratio and learn hands-on clinical skills with people who actually use prostheses or orthoses, MPO students apply their knowledge and develop skills in assessment, design, fitting, and evaluation of prostheses and orthoses for Educational Models who have physical impairments, including amputations. The final quarter (three months) is conducted via distance education and offers students the opportunity to focus on an area of special interest while honing their clinical skills prior to beginning their NCOPE accredited residency. Students do not need to live in Chicago during this final quarter of the NUPOC MPO program. Clinical Sciences This online course provides an introduction to health and medical conditions commonly encountered in O/P practice, including information about pathologies, impairments, medical and therapeutic interventions, diagnostics and collegial collaboration. It includes basic concepts in epidemiology, etiology, clinical pathology, neuropathology, pharmacology, diagnostic imaging and other technologies and interdisciplinary practice that support O/P practice. Learning activities assist students in integrating this knowledge to form the basis for clinical decision making, building interdisciplinary relationships, and O/P practice skills in various clinical settings. Materials Science This course provides an introduction to relevant chemical, physical and structural properties of materials used to design, engineer and apply O/P devices as interventions that facilitate human function. Materials covered include metal alloys, thermoplastics, thermosets, synthetic reinforcement materials, fabrics and soft foam materials. Manufacturing methods and guidelines are discussed from the perspectives of clinical practice, research and development. Occupational safety and human tissue interface concepts are introduced and later integrated into the onsite practicum and laboratory experiences.