Master of Prosthetics & Orthotics (MPO)
Prospective Students

The program is committed to training a diverse group of prosthetists-orthotists who come from a wide range of ethnic, cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Admission to the MPO program is based not only on academic achievement, but also on non-academic factors, which ensure that candidates can complete the essential functions of the academic program required for graduation. The Division of Prosthetics-Orthotics has the responsibility to ensure that its graduates become fully competent and caring practitioners. Enrollment in the program is limited to 12 students each year, and the application process is competitive.

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Bachelor's Degree  Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree in any major from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or its equivalent from a foreign institution.

Grade Point Requirements  Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (B) on the most recent 60 semester or 90 quarter credits to be considered for admission. In addition, applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (B) in the required prerequisite courses with no single course graded less than 2.0 (C). It is highly recommended that all prerequisite course grades be 2.5 or above. If you have any prerequisite course grade between 2.0 and 2.4, your academic record will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Grades lower than 2.0 in a prerequisite course will not be accepted.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)  In response to the COVID-19 health crisis, the UW MPO program is suspending the use of the Graduate Records Examinations (GRE).

Prerequisite Requirements  The most competitive applicants have completed a majority of the prerequisite courses either by the time of application or by the end of the term in which the application is submitted. It is highly recommended that anatomy and physiology be among the completed coursework. All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to entering the program in Autumn Quarter. Applicants will be asked to submit a reasonable plan for completing any remaining unsatisfied prerequisite courses prior to program entrance.

• Two course physics series w/labs
• One course life science with lab (e.g. biology, microbiology)
• One course chemistry with lab
• One course anatomy with lab*
• One course physiology with lab*
• One course general psychology
• One course in developmental psychology or in abnormal psychology
• One course in statistics

 *or a two course A&P series w/labs

For more detail information about prerequisite requirements visit the Prerequisite Page.

Volunteer Experience (highly recommended)  Although volunteer experience is not required to apply to the program, the most competitive applicants have a minimum of 50 hours volunteering, observing, or job shadowing in a P&O clinic. Gaining direct understanding of the daily experiences of a prosthetist-orthotist is the best way to help a potential applicant make the decision to pursue an education and career in prosthetics-orthotics. Exposure in more than one setting is ideal.

To locate clinicians in a specific area, use the directory tool on The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics web site.

Application Instructions

The University of Washington MPO program requires two applications for submission: one application through the O&P Centralized Application System (OPCAS) and one through the UW Graduate School. The deadline for OPCAS and UW Grad School application submission is October 15.

1. Online application through OPCAS

Please submit the following to OPCAS:

• Application essay
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended

2. Online application to the UW Grad School

Applicants must submit an online application to the University of Washington Graduate School. OPCAS captures the bulk of information needed for consideration, but applicants need to fill out basic information in the Grad School online application.

Please note that on the UW Grad School application, underrepresented minorities may choose to submit an additional, optional personal statement that addresses personal history, family background, and other influences on intellectual development. The statement should address educational, cultural, and economic opportunities and disadvantages experienced by the applicant, as well as how these experiences have affected the development of special interests, career plans, and future goals.

DEADLINE: The deadline for OPCAS and UW Grad School application submission is October 15.

Residency Requirements

Applications are open to residents of any state. Contact the Residence Classification Office at (206) 543-4188 or visit the residency website for information about establishing residency in Washington State.

International Applicants

Detailed information about International student applications to the Graduate School of the University Washington is on the Grad School website.

International students must have a visa status that allows academic study at the University of Washington. International applicants include students who hold U.S. visas, such as F-1, J-1 Exchange Visitors, H1-B, any dependent visas or any other non-immigrant classifications. (You are not an International applicant if you hold a U.S. "Green Card or Immigrant" status.)

Selection Process

Applications must be complete and applicants must meet all eligibility requirements detailed above in order to be have their applications reviewed by the Prosthetics & Orthotics Admissions team. Applicants for admission will be evaluated based on scholastic achievement, written essay, references, and involvement in activities or work related to health professions. Applicants are strongly encouraged to work or volunteer in the profession to demonstrate their interest in, and understanding of, the profession. Competitive applicants will be contacted by faculty to schedule a virtual interview.

Background Check

Students who accept a position in the MPO program will be asked to complete a comprehensive background check.

The State of Washington requires this background check to identify individuals who have been convicted of felonies against vulnerable populations. The hospitals and clinics that are used for training are not allowed to employ or train people with these backgrounds.

Tuition and Program Costs

MPO program students pay Tier II graduate tuition and fees. Please consult the Graduate Tuition Dashboard for detailed tuition information.The complete program is seven consecutive quarters, including a summer quarter.

Additional Expenses:

Other expenses include tools, books, supplies, room and board, travel expenses associated with clinical education, and lab fees, which are currently approximately $2,200 per year paid on a quarterly basis. Lab fees vary according to the number of hours spent in Prosthetics & Orthotics classes and the materials used. Lab fees are subject to annual increases. A fee of $185 is assessed annually for the Health Sciences Immunization Program.

The Prosthetics & Orthotics Program involves a full-time course load each quarter. For this reason, most students find it difficult to work while in the program.

Financial Aid

Information on financial assistance and scholarships may be obtained from the University of Washington Office of Financial Aid. Students should apply for financial aid as soon as possible, and prior to potential admission to the program. Most students arrange for student loans if they need financial assistance.

Financial Assistance

Office of Fellowships and Awards: The UW Graduate School provides numerous resources for finding information on graduate school funding. We advise you to contact the Office of Fellowships and Awards for more information.

American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists: (AAOP) The AAOP offers scholarship awards to eligible students. The AAOP scholarship page

Graduate Opportunities and Minority Achievement Program (GO-MAP): GO-MAP, a unit of The Graduate School, has limited funding for students whose individual experiences and/or academic interests will bring diversity to scholarly perspectives and endeavors, and to the academic community. Students must be nominated by their department. For information, please review the GO-MAP funding information page.