Annoucement: The application deadline for Fall 2024 has been extended to December 31, 2023. Applications that were received by the priority deadline of November 15 will be reviewed prior to new applications. 

 

About this Program

Orthotics and prosthetics is an exciting allied health profession with excellent career opportunities. Orthotists and prosthetists provide care to a wide range of individuals who experience a myriad of conditions in hospitals, universities and in private practices.

Patients requiring support, protection or assistance to a region of the body may benefit from an orthosis. An orthotist evaluates, designs and fits an orthosis to enhance function, decrease pain or aid in healing. A prosthetist designs and fits a custom prosthesis based on the needs of the patient requiring replacement of a body part.

The Eastern Michigan University Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics program is the longest running master's program in the United States. The institution recognizes the value of higher education in the continuously advancing and evolving field of orthotics and prosthetics, as such, the master's program was developed in 2004, prior to the required transition to a master's level. 

Eastern Michigan University's two-year master's program prepares you for entry into this exciting and dynamic profession. Course work includes both academic and clinical subjects, as well as clinical rotations. Completion of the program prepares you for an 18-month combined or one year per discipline residency. Residency completion is required for certification examination eligibility.

Several states also require licensure to practice. At present, employment in the field is close to 100%, and there is increasing need for our services.

  • Our Programs 

    EMU offers two entry pathways into the orthotics and prosthetics program. All students complete the same two year master's program in orthotics and prosthetics. 

    • Entry-level master's program: This program is for students who have completed, or will complete, a bachelor's program prior to enrolling in the master's program. Students complete the 2-year master's in O&P program.
    • Combined BS/MS 3+2 program: This program is a combined BS/MS program. Students complete a BS in exercise science in the first 3 years followed by a master's in orthotics and prosthetics the final 2 years. This is a second-admit program available to students enrolled as undergraduates at EMU.

    EMU’s program prepares graduates for residencies in each discipline, preparing students to become certified in both areas. Candidates are eligible to sit for certification examination following the residency. Several states also require licensure before allowing independent practice.

    Program Catalog and Admissions Information: 

  • Why Study at EMU

    • Small class sizes: cohort size of 24, with 12 students in clinical and lab classes. 
    • Courses are taught by tenure track faculty whose primary responsibility is teaching. Guests and part-time lectures are used to provide additional education in areas of expertise. 
    • Located in the heart of a large university campus
    • Interprofessional education: Collaboration with other disciplines at EMU and partner universities
    • Hands-on, project/problem-based learning
    • Multiple clinical rotation placements throughout the program
    • Gym access and Intramural teams
    • 100% residency acquisition since 2014
    • ABC board exam pass rates are above the national average

 

Hear from Our Students

Madison - Class of 2022

When looking for an O&P Program that would suit me best, it was important to me that I get the most well-rounded education possible. EMU offers lots of time in the lab to gain hands-on experience, interprofessional projects to become comfortable working on a healthcare team, and clinical experiences with real patients.

Now that I am a resident, I am grateful for the diverse and comprehensive education I received at EMU and it is fun to put everything I learned into practice. On top of all that, there is a lot to do on campus and in the community, and Michigan is beautiful! EMU O&P was a perfect fit for me.

Keri - Class of 2024I always feel welcomed and valued in the EMU O&P program by the faculty and fellow cohort members. From the beginning of the application process, questions were answered quickly and thoughtfully, which made the decision to join this family easy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact Us

Rebecca Spragg, MSPO, CPO
Program Director
Office Location: 150 Rackham
734.487.0487 | [email protected]

At a Glance

  • Accredited by CAAHEP
  • Recognized by the American Medical Association and NCOPE
  • 100% employment rate
  • 92% first time exam pass rate

Resources

  • Hands on

    Eastern Michigan University offers an accredited master's of science program in orthotics and prosthetics. Eastern believes the best way to learn O&P is hands-on. All but two of our classes are taught on campus, as each involves a substantial lab component. To enable this, class sections are small, with labs and clinical classes having a maximum of 12 students. The program teaches the theoretical, but the emphasis is on the practical, which is reflective of the faculty members’ cumulative 70 years of clinical experience. While there is opportunity to develop technical skills in fabrication, we focus on the clinical evaluation and decision making involved in providing orthotic and prosthetic care. 
  • Research

    Each student is required to perform research. We describe our approach as Student Driven-Faculty Supported; here, students select their area of concentration, and are paired with the most appropriate faculty member(s) to assist them. Many students present their research at university, national and state conferences annually—some even publishing their findings in national, peer-reviewed journals.
  • Experience

    Developing our students to become exceptional practitioners requires as much real world experience as possible. Students perform short clinical rotations during each semester, then perform 2-4 extended rotations during the summer between the first and second year of the program. These rotations are arranged at local facilities as well as at renowned practices around the country and abroad. We have had students travel to 20 different states, as well as sites in Canada, Ecuador and Mexico. 
  • University Prepared

    The EMU MSOP program is in the heart of a large and vibrant university. Our students are involved in Interprofessional experiences with Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Physician Assistants, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Training students. This prepares them for their future as a member of the interdisciplinary rehabilitation team in providing patient-centered care. 
  • Practice Ready

    Students are taught using current methods and componentry, including commonly used software. Homework assignments include real world activities such as generating patient notes, writing letters to referral sources, and coding of recommended treatments. Prior to graduation, students must demonstrate competence through a three-day set of comprehensive examinations, involving patient interaction as well as written and simulation examinations.
  • Members of the Community

    Part of being a professional involves being a member of a larger community. Our students have a history of volunteering, not only with the annual Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund events, but with Special Olympics and Parents Night Out events as well. In addition, the O&P students have competed on EMU intramural teams.
  • Outcomes

    • 100% of the graduates from the program have secured paying residencies within six months of graduation since 2014.
    • EMU graduates have a first-time pass rate on the ABC board exams of 92% (three-year average of exams taken during 2019, 2020, and 2021).