10 Best Master’s in Prosthetics & Orthotics (P&O)

People who are interested in the design, fabrication, and fitting of prosthetic limbs or orthopedic supports often find themselves drawn to the field of Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O). It’s a specialized clinical area dedicated to improving movement and quality of life through:

• Enhancing mobility
• Supporting those with limb loss or limb differences
• Creating and fitting orthopedic devices

Because of that focus, there are relatively few dedicated master’s programs in P&O compared to mainstream healthcare degrees.

What is Prosthetics & Orthotics (P&O)

Unlike a general physical therapy or rehabilitation program, a Master’s in Prosthetics & Orthotics trains students to become experts in device-based and support-based mobility solutions. To elaborate:

• Specialized clinical focus – The curriculum is built around:
  • assessment, design, fabrication, and fitting of prosthetic limbs (for amputees)
  • orthotic supports (braces, orthoses) rather than general therapy
• Technical + clinical skills – Students learn:
  • mechanical materials, biomechanics, anatomy, patient-fitting techniques, alignment
  • clinical residency or internship
• Professional credentialing differences – In many countries (including the U.S.), prosthetist/orthotist credentials are regulated. However, not every master’s program automatically leads to licensure unless the program is properly accredited and residency/board certification routes are completed.

Who it’s for: It’s targeted, hands-on, device-centric, and meant for people who want to build/design/fabricate/support mobility devices rather than providing only therapeutic services.

Career Paths and Industry Relevance

Graduates of a master’s in prosthetics & orthotics can step into several career pathways. Some common roles include:

• Prosthetist / Orthotist Practitioner – Fitting and managing prosthetic limbs or orthotic supports in clinics, hospitals, or private practice.
• Orthotics Technician / Device Designer – Working on the fabrication, design, and modification of devices, often collaborating with clinicians and engineers.
• Rehabilitation Clinic Specialist – Serving as part of a rehab team, advising on prosthetic/orthotic use, patient training, adjustments, and follow-up care.
• Researcher / Clinical Specialist – Studying new materials, biomechanics, or new device technologies (smart limbs, 3D-printed supports) and helping translate them into practice.
• Educator / Program Director – Teaching in P&O programs, running device fabrication labs, or overseeing clinical residencies and accreditation processes.

Salary and Job Outlook

Although the field is fairly niche, demand remains steady because of the following:

• Aging populations
• Increased survival of traumatic limb loss
• Advancements in device technology.

The specific salary data for “prosthetist/orthotist” roles vary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Median annual wage: $78,310
• Top 10% earn: More than $118,730
• Top-paying states: Mississippi ($98,140), South Carolina ($97,370), Oregon ($95,210), Kentucky ($94,890)
• Largest employment: California, New York, Michigan
• Job growth: 13% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average
• Annual openings: Approximately 900 per year

10 Best Master’s in Prosthetics & Orthotics (P&O)

Northwestern University

Master’s in Prosthetics-Orthotics (MPO)

• Length: 21 months
• Tuition: Estimated $75,000–$80,000 total
• Format: Blended (online coursework + on-campus clinical labs)
• Courses Include:
  • Normal and Pathological Gait
  • Biomechanics and Material Science
  • Evaluation and Measurement Techniques
  • Clinical Fitting and Fabrication
  • Anatomy and Kinesiology
• Standout Features:
  • Oldest and largest accredited P&O training institution in the Western Hemisphere.
  • Combines theoretical learning with an extensive hands-on clinical practicum.
  • Strong focus on patient-centered design and device innovation.
  • Backed by the Feinberg School of Medicine’s research excellence.

Learn more: Northwestern – MPO

University of Pittsburgh

Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics

• Length: 2 years (5 terms, including one summer term)
• Tuition: Estimated Total (In-State): $65,163; Estimated Total (Out-of-State): $78,611
• Format: On-campus, full-time
• Courses Include:
  • Trans-tibial, Trans-femoral, and Upper Extremity Prosthetics
  • Rehabilitation Biomechanics
  • Lower and Upper Extremity and Spinal Orthotics
  • Rehabilitation Engineering and Technologies
• Standout Features:
  • NCOPE-accredited program with full eligibility for ABC certification
  • Early hands-on training with patient models and advanced fabrication labs
  • Strong interdisciplinary collaboration with physical therapists, physicians, and rehabilitation engineers

Learn more: Pittsburgh – MSPO

University of Washington

Master of Prosthetics and Orthotics

• Length: 7 quarters (approximately 2 years)
• Tuition: Estimated Total (Resident): $52,500; Estimated Total (Non-Resident): $91,500
• Format: Full-time, on-campus
• Courses Include:
  • Human Anatomy and Kinesiology
  • Clinical Biomechanics
  • Lower and Upper Limb P&O
  • Evidence-Based Practice and Research Methods
• Standout Features:
  • Taught by faculty who are national leaders in prosthetics and orthotics education and research
  • Strong interdisciplinary training that emphasizes collaboration with medical and rehab professionals
  • Prepares graduates for ABC certification and advanced clinical practice

Learn more: UW – MPO

University of Hartford

Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics

• Length: 2 years (60 credits, full-time)
• Tuition: ~$39,240
• Format: On-campus
• Courses Include:
  • Gross Anatomy
  • Kinesiology
  • Lower-Limb Orthotics
  • Upper-Limb Prosthetics
  • Biomechanics
• Standout Features:
  • The only program in the country with all faculty designated as AAOP Fellows
  • Hands-on training at the new Hursey Center and the Hanger Clinic’s Institute for Clinical Research and Education
  • Offers unique global learning experiences serving underserved communities worldwide

Learn more: Hartford – MSPO

Kennesaw State University

Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics

• Length: 2 years (48 credit hours, full-time)
• Tuition: Estimated Total (In-State): $22,728; Estimated Total (Out-of-State): ~$55,000
• Format: Face-to-face (on-campus)
• Courses Include:
  • Rehabilitation Medicine and Allied Health Science
  • Engineering Applications in P&O
  • Biomechanics and Motion Analysis
  • Clinical and Physical Assessment Labs
  • Device Design and Fabrication
• Standout Features:
  • The only prosthetics and orthotics master’s program in Georgia
  • Features an interdisciplinary curriculum combining clinical health sciences and engineering
  • Hands-on learning in world-class facilities, including simulation and motion analysis labs

Learn more: KSU – MSPO

University of Texas Southwestern

Master of Prosthetics-Orthotics

• Length: 19 months (full-time, post-baccalaureate)
• Tuition: Total estimated cost (Texas residents): $24,906; Total estimated cost (Non-residents): $50,101
• Format: On-campus
• Courses Include:
  • Pathology-Based Patient Management
  • Clinical and Research Methods
  • Orthotic and Prosthetic Fabrication
  • Biomechanics and Motion Analysis
  • Evidence-Based Practice and Capstone
• Standout Features:
  • 100% first-time pass rate on 2023 ABC certification exams
  • Partnerships with top Dallas hospitals and medical centers
  • Integrated patient care clinic providing real-world experience
  • Focused on evidence-based, clinically relevant education

Learn more: UT Southwestern Medical Center – MPO

Baylor College of Medicine

Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics

• Length: 30 months (12-month didactic + 18-month integrated dual residency)
• Tuition: $79,138 Total Direct Costs
• Format: On-campus
• Courses Include:
  • Anatomical Sciences for O&P
  • Lower Limb O&P Management
  • Pathophysiology for O&P
  • 18 Month Clinical Residency
• Standout Features:
  • First U.S. program to integrate dual residency within the degree
  • Students become board-eligible for both orthotics and prosthetics upon graduation
  • Collaborative, interdisciplinary learning with Baylor’s medical and health sciences students
  • Located in the world’s largest medical center, offering unmatched clinical exposure

Learn more: Baylor College of Medicine – Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics (MSOP)

California State University

Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics

• Length: 2 years (full-time)
• Tuition: Estimated Total (In-State): $16,760; Estimated Total (Out-of-State): $35,768
• Format: On-campus
• Courses Include:
  • Clinical Pathology for O&P
  • O&P Management of the Lower Limb
  • Prosthetic Management of the Lower Limb
  • Applied Technologies in O&P
  • Capstone Activity for O&P
• Standout Features:
  • Extensive hands-on clinical rotations with VA Medical Centers, Rancho Los Amigos, and Hanger Clinic
  • 12,000 sq. ft. facility with advanced fabrication and CAD labs
  • Opportunity to assist with prosthetics services during the 2028 LA Olympics & Paralympics

Learn more: CSU, Dominguez Hills – MSOP

Alabama State University

Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics

• Length: 2 years (5 semesters, full-time)
• Tuition: $34,346 (in-state); $61,538 (out-of-state) Estimated Total Program Cost
• Format: On-campus (no online option)
• Courses Include:
  • Applied and Foundational Sciences
  • Clinical Decision-Making and Patient Assessment
  • O&P Design
  • Evidence-Based Practice
  • Research and Professional Development
• Standout Features:
  • Small cohort size (10 students per year) for focused mentorship
  • 100% graduate satisfaction and residency placement rates reported
  • Strong emphasis on serving both traditional and underserved communities

Learn more: ASU – MSPO

Eastern Michigan University

Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics

• Length: 2 years (full-time)
• Tuition: Estimated Total (In-State): $35,936; Estimated Total (Out-of-State): $61,956
• Format: On-campus
• Courses Include:
  • Clinical Evaluation and Fabrication
  • Applied Biomechanics
  • Research and Evidence-Based Practice
  • O&P Design
  • Clinical Rotations and Patient Management
• Standout Features:
  • Longest-running master’s O&P program in the U.S.
  • Accredited by CAAHEP and recognized by NCOPE
  • 100% employment rate and 92% first-time board exam pass rate
  • Strong emphasis on hands-on learning and interprofessional teamwork
  • Combined BS + MS pathway available in Exercise Science and O&P

Learn more: EMU – MSOP

Frequently Asked Questions About Prosthetics and Orthotics Master’s Programs

Where do prosthetists and orthotists work after graduation?

Graduates with a master’s degree in prosthetics and orthotics find employment across diverse healthcare settings. Common workplaces include:

• Prosthetics and orthotics clinics
• Rehabilitation hospitals and medical centers
• Private O&P practices
• Device fabrication laboratories
• Medical device and healthcare technology companies
• Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers
• University research and academic institutions
• Pediatric specialty hospitals

Many certified prosthetist-orthotists (CPOs) eventually open their own private practices or advance into leadership roles at larger healthcare organizations.

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What are the prerequisites for a prosthetics and orthotics master’s program?

You do not need a prior degree specifically in prosthetics or orthotics to apply. However, most CAAHEP-accredited programs require:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (common majors include biomedical engineering, kinesiology, exercise science, biology, or health sciences)
• Completion of prerequisite courses in human anatomy, physiology, physics, and biomechanics
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Observation or shadowing hours with a certified prosthetist or orthotist (typically 40–200 hours depending on the program)
• Letters of recommendation from academic or clinical professionals

Strong applicants often have hands-on experience volunteering at O&P clinics or working with patients in rehabilitation settings.

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Are there online master’s programs in prosthetics and orthotics?

Fully online prosthetics and orthotics programs are not available due to the profession’s hands-on clinical and technical requirements. Students must learn device fabrication, patient fitting, and biomechanical assessment in person.

However, some programs offer hybrid or blended formats. For example, Northwestern University’s MPO program begins with six months of online coursework before transitioning to 12 months of on-campus clinical training. Most accredited programs require extensive laboratory work, patient interaction, and clinical rotations that cannot be completed remotely.

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What skills do you learn in a prosthetics and orthotics master’s program?

A master’s in prosthetics and orthotics prepares students with both clinical and technical competencies essential for patient care. Key skills include:

• Conducting comprehensive patient assessments and evaluations
• Designing custom prosthetic limbs and orthotic braces
• Fabricating devices using advanced materials, CAD software, and 3D printing technology
• Fitting and aligning prostheses and orthoses for optimal function and comfort
• Analyzing human gait and movement biomechanics
• Collaborating with physicians, physical therapists, and rehabilitation teams
• Managing clinical practice operations and patient documentation
• Applying evidence-based research to improve patient outcomes

Graduates are trained to work with patients of all ages, from pediatric to geriatric populations.

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How long does it take to complete a master’s in prosthetics and orthotics?

Most prosthetics and orthotics master’s programs take approximately two years of full-time study to complete. Program lengths vary by institution:

Program	Duration
UT Southwestern	19 months
Northwestern University	21 months
University of Pittsburgh	2 years (5 terms)
University of Washington	7 quarters (~2 years)
Baylor College of Medicine	30 months (includes integrated residency)

After earning their degree, graduates must complete an additional clinical residency before becoming board-eligible.

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How do you become a licensed prosthetist or orthotist?

Becoming a certified prosthetist-orthotist (CPO) requires completing several steps after earning your master’s degree:

1. Graduate from an accredited program: Complete a master’s degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon recommendation of the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE).
2. Complete a clinical residency: Finish a residency at an NCOPE-accredited site. Residencies last 12 months per discipline (prosthetics or orthotics) or 18 months for a combined dual residency in both.
3. Pass board certification exams: Take and pass the certification examinations administered by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC). Exams include written, simulation, and clinical patient management components.
4. Obtain state licensure (if required): Some states require additional licensure beyond ABC certification. Check your state’s requirements.
5. Maintain certification: Complete continuing education credits to maintain your certification, which must be renewed every two years.

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What is the job outlook for prosthetists and orthotists?

The job outlook for prosthetists and orthotists is excellent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024):

• Median annual salary: $78,310
• Top earners (90th percentile): Over $118,730 per year
• Projected job growth: 13% from 2024 to 2034 (much faster than average)
• Annual job openings: Approximately 900 positions per year

Demand is driven by aging populations, advances in prosthetic and orthotic technology, higher survival rates from diabetes-related amputations and traumatic injuries, and increased access to rehabilitation services.

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What is the difference between a prosthetist and an orthotist?

While both professions focus on improving mobility and quality of life, they specialize in different types of devices:

• Prosthetists design, fabricate, and fit artificial limbs (prostheses) for patients who have lost arms, legs, hands, or feet due to amputation, congenital conditions, or trauma.
• Orthotists create and fit orthopedic braces and supports (orthoses) for patients with musculoskeletal conditions, injuries, or disabilities affecting the spine, limbs, or joints.

Many professionals earn dual certification as a Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist (CPO), allowing them to practice in both specialties and provide comprehensive patient care.

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How much do prosthetics and orthotics master’s programs cost?

Tuition for prosthetics and orthotics master’s programs varies significantly by institution and residency status. Here are the estimated total program costs based on 2024–2025 data:

School	In-State/Resident	Out-of-State/Non-Resident
CSU Dominguez Hills	~$17,000	~$36,000
Kennesaw State University	~$23,000	~$55,000
UT Southwestern	~$25,000	~$50,000
Alabama State University	~$34,000	~$62,000
Eastern Michigan University	~$36,000	~$62,000
University of Pittsburgh	~$65,000	~$79,000
Northwestern University	~$75,000–$80,000	Same (private)
Baylor College of Medicine	~$79,000	Same (private)

Financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships are available at most programs. Some states participate in the Academic Common Market, which allows students to pay in-state tuition rates at out-of-state public institutions.

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Are prosthetics and orthotics programs accredited?

Yes, all legitimate prosthetics and orthotics master’s programs in the United States are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE).

Accreditation is essential because:

• Graduates of accredited programs are eligible for NCOPE-accredited residencies
• Residency completion is required to sit for the ABC board certification exams
• Most employers and state licensing boards require graduation from an accredited program

There are currently 13–14 accredited master’s programs in prosthetics and orthotics in the United States.