Prosthetics & Orthotics Degree (BS)
Careers

The prosthetist-orthotist is a specialized health professional educated to provide and manage an individual’s prosthetic and orthotic care. These practitioners work collaboratively with other members of the healthcare team to enhance the lives of individuals who have neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders, or a partial or total absence of a limb.

The practitioner combines knowledge and skills of the biological, medical, mechanical, and social sciences to provide comprehensive prosthetic and orthotic care. They facilitate independence through restored or improved ambulation/mobility and increased functional abilities.

The prosthetist-orthotist works in conjunction with physicians and therapists to develop a treatment plan to meet the needs of the patient/client and achieve optimal outcomes. The practitioner is responsible for completing a patient/client assessment, formulating a treatment plan, implementing a treatment plan, and following-up to monitor and maintain optimal outcomes.

Prosthetist-orthotists are employed by small and large private practices, and hospital and university-based clinics. There are also opportunities to work in research related activities and in the business sector.

National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) Residency Requirement

All graduates of the prosthetic-orthotic professional phase curriculum must complete a 12-month residency program accredited by National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) in cooperation with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) to become eligible to apply for the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics (ABC) examinations.

Residency programs are one year in length for each discipline and are available at various sites throughout the United States. Approved programs are listed on the NCOPE website.

National Certification

The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics (ABC) is the national certifying and accrediting body for the prosthetics-orthotics profession. After students graduate from the program and complete an NCOPE residency in each discipline, they are eligible to sit for the certification examinations.

Washington State Licensure

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) oversees the licensing of prosthetist-orthotists as set forth in WAC 246-850-020.

To qualify for licensure, applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree or have completed a certificate program in orthotics and/or prosthetics. They must also complete an NCOPE residency for each discipline and obtain passing scores on the ABC written and written simulation examinations administered after July 1, 1991. These requirements are subject to change and updated information on the orthotics and prosthetic rules can be found on the DOH website.

To learn more about the Prosthetics & Orthotics Program at the University of Washington, please explore the links below:

• Program Description
• Diversity & Equal Opportunity
• Accreditation
• Applying
• Eligibility Requirements
• Selection Process
• Curriculum
• Tuition & Financial Aid
• Faculty Members
• Living in Seattle
• Photo Gallery
• Contact Information