Covid-19 Update
Prospective Students & 2020 Applicants: Exceptions to our application requirements given the current COVID-19 situation include:
- Courses with face-to-face labs that have changed to on-line format will be accepted.
- Letter grades are required for all prerequisite courses; however, pass/fail or credit/no credit courses taken Spring and Summer 2020 terms will be accepted for non-prerequisite courses. We will not be accepting prerequisite courses which were changed to Pass/Fail (P/F) due to closure of their academic institution during the COVID-19 pandemic. All pre-requisite courses must contain a letter grade to be accepted for our admissions process. Please note that a passing grade is considered a C or better, and C- grades or below are not accepted for prerequisite courses or for transferrable credit. Our requirement is as follows: "Pass/fail or credit/no-credit grades are not accepted for prerequisite courses. Grades of “pass” or “credit” for non-prerequisite courses will not be included in GPA calculations.”
- Students entering the program in September 2020 will be allowed to start the program with a minimum of 40 hours of observation.
- If you are an international applicant, please note that WES has temporarily suspended all in-office operations due to COVID-19. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, an AERC Detailed Evaluation Report will be accepted as both evaluation and transcript for a given institution for the duration of this outbreak. Be sure to pay for your original documents to be mailed back to you. All application deadlines will remain the same. Please visit the AERC website or contact them to learn about their processing time, requirements, and pricing. http://www.aerc-eval.com / 626-339-4404 / aerc@verizon.net. See the International Applicant webpage for more information.
All other requirements and preferences remain in place at this time. For any additional questions, please email studyoped@llu.edu
Quick Facts
100%
of graduate’s get residency placement within 6 months
36,000
sq-ft completely dedicated to O&P education
20%
increase in projected jobs between 2018-2028
Overview
The Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics in the School of Allied Health Professions offers an entry level-Master of Science degree in orthotics and prosthetics (MSOP). The MSOP program accepts applications from undergraduate level and graduate level students alike. This ten-quarter program prepares students to pursue certification in both orthotic and prosthetics disciplines and to serve in an entry-level capacity in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
The MSOP program is a fully seated, in-person program allowing for a full immersion experience into the didactic and clinical experiences to prepare the future ortho-prosthetist. The MSOP program starts fall quarter (September) each year. MSOP students enroll in a full-time program that is completed in 10 consecutive academic quarters.
The goal of the MSOP program is to prepare graduates who will provide vision and direction for the integration of the rehabilitation professions; advance the theory and practice of rehabilitation science through research; and acquire and integrate knowledge related to the social and basic medical sciences.
The School of Allied Health Professions additionally offers a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences with a concentration in O&P in collaboration with the Department of Orthotics & Prosthetics, offering opportunities for qualified clinical professionals to prepare for careers in independent research, teaching, and administration. More information is available on the Rehabilitation Sciences PhD page.
Degree Options
Health Science Bachelor’s Degree and Orthotics & Prosthetics Master’s Degree
This degree option is for undergraduate students (having not obtained any other bachelor’s degree) looking to transfer to LLU to pursue an undergraduate degree in Health Science and an Orthotics & Prosthetics graduate degree.
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Orthotics & Prosthetics Master’s Degree
This degree option is for graduate students (having obtained a bachelor’s degree previously) looking to pursue a graduate degree in Orthotics & Prosthetics.
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Application Process
How to Apply
The MSOP program application process starts with the submission of the application and all the associated documentation and recommendations. Once these materials are received and evaluated an interview will be scheduled. Once the interview is completed, the interview responses and the application packet will be presented to the department admissions committee for review and voting.
Initial Application Information:
- The MSOP program has rolling admission and accepts applications starting October 1 and finishes September 1 for each cohort beginning at the end of September.
- O&P Applicants will need to complete the LLU application process.
- O&P applications do NOT need to complete any secondary applications or OPCAS requirements.
General Application Guidance:
- Refer to our school's admissions page to apply online and for further admissions information.
- Contact the O&P department directly at:
- studyoped@llu.edu or 909-558-6726 or
- elmsop@llu.edu or 909-651-5797
- Contact the admissions department at sahpadmissions@llu.edu or 909-558-4599
Student Profiles
Student Profile
Kendra Krupp
"I chose the LLU MSOP program because it offered trips all over the world with the goal to help those in need.” Read about Kendra’s thoughts on the program, life as a student, and much more.
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What Sets Us Apart?
What Sets Us Apart
Our Outreach & Service Learning
Loma Linda University’s mission to further the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ is a central pillar to all that we do; and in the Department of Orthotics & Prosthetics, this is no exception.
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What Sets Us Apart
Our Curriculum
The MSOP program is 10 quarters long or 2.5 years in length. The program consists of didactic and clinical courses throughout the duration of the program.
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What Sets Us Apart
Our Research
The Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics believes in training our graduates to be lifelong learners, as well as consumers and creators of knowledge.
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About the Profession
The one word that most accurately describes this profession is diversity. As an ortho-prosthetist, you may choose to work in a variety of settings. Ortho-prosthetists can work in hospitals, corporate clinics, and smaller private clinics. Ortho-prosthetists help adults and children who need assistance in the way of custom fabricated devices and specialized rehabilitation.
“Orthotics is the evaluation, fabrication, and custom fitting of orthopedic braces, known as "orthoses." Orthotics combines knowledge of anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, biomechanics, and engineering. Orthoses are externally applied devices used to modify the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal system.” [1]“Prosthetics is the evaluation, fabrication, and custom fitting of artificial limbs, known as "prostheses." Prostheses enhance the function and lifestyle of persons with limb loss. The prosthesis must be a unique combination of appropriate materials, alignment, design, and construction.”[2]
Possible work environments include skilled-nursing facilities; rehabilitation centers; private, public, and proprietary clinics; and medical centers.
Changing demographics have increased demand for healthcare services, leading to a projected growth of 20% more jobs for ortho-prosthetists.[3] This faster than average rate of growth means that there will be more jobs available to graduates.
Additionally, The School of Allied Health Professions additionally offers a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences with a concentration in O&P in collaboration with the Department of Orthotics & Prosthetics, offering opportunities for qualified clinical professionals to prepare for careers in independent research, teaching, and administration. More information is available on the Rehabilitation Sciences PhD page.
[1] http://www.opcareers.org/what_is_op/orthotics/ , retrieved 02/13/2020.
[2] http://www.opcareers.org/what_is_op/prosthetics/ , retrieved 02/13/2020.
[3] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/orthotists-and-prosthetists.htm, retrieved 02/13/2020.
Career Outlook
Additionally, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics stated: “Employment of orthotists and prosthetists is projected to grow 20 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. The large baby-boom population is aging, and orthotists and prosthetists will be needed because both diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the two leading causes of limb loss, are more common among older people.” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/orthotists-and-prosthetists.htm
Cost & Aid
For information about tuition, costs, and financial aid information: School of Allied Health Professions Financial Information.
At this time, there are no scholarships available through the Department of Orthotics & Prosthetics, however some individual awards maybe available through the university, contact the financial aid office for more information.
Program Accreditation Information
Initial accreditation for the entry-level Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics degree was granted on September 23, 2013. Continuing accreditation of the entry-level Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics degree was granted on September 17, 2017. Both initial and continuing accreditation were granted by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE), 330 John Carlyle Street, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314; telephone: 703-836-7114 in collaboration with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 25400 US Highway 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763; telephone: 727-210-2350.
ABCOP Board Exam Pass Rates
| 2017 | LLU Average Pass Rate | National Average Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Orthotic CPM Exam | 80% | 77% |
| Orthotic Written Exam | 82% | 78% |
| Orthotic Simulation Exam | 75% | 82% |
| Prosthetic CPM Exam | 100% | 79% |
| Prosthetic Written Exam | 60% | 71% |
| Prosthetic Simulation Exam | 89% | 90% |
| 2018 | LLU Average Pass Rate | National Average Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Orthotic CPM Exam | 83% | 90% |
| Orthotic Written Exam | 71% | 76% |
| Orthotic Simulation Exam | 91% | 86% |
| Prosthetic CPM Exam | 67% | 69% |
| Prosthetic Written Exam | 45% | 68% |
LLU Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics Graduation Rates & Exit Statistics
| Graduation Year | Admitted / Graduates | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 14/14 | 100% |
| 2017 | 26/26 | 100% |
| 2018 | 21/21 | 100% |
| 2019 | 15/15 | 100% |
| 2020 | 17/16 | 94% |
Exit Survey Results from Orthotics and Prosthetics Graduates - 2016-2019
Loma Linda University is above the national average in regard to acceptance of a diverse group of students. Students come to Loma Linda from various cultural backgrounds, religions, and countries.
Program learning outcomes
By the end of this program, the graduate should be able to demonstrate the following competencies:
- Exercise keen insight, progressive care, and critical judgment through careful evaluation in clinical care, skills application, and thinking throughout the profession.
- Adhere to guiding principles and recognized ethics of the profession.
- Value and apply new technology, investigations, and knowledge to patient care and the profession through a commitment to discovery and education.
- Examine the importance of embracing and serving the unmet and ever-changing needs of a diverse world.
- Participate in teamwork within and across disciplines in all aspects of the profession.