General O&P Questions

What is the job outlook for O&P practitioners?

  • The US Bureau of Labor Statistics states: “Employment of orthotists and prosthetists is projected to grow 17 percent from 2019 to 2029, 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.” Learn more
  • Additional career statistics can be found at OPCareers and US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do I need a master’s degree to practice in the United States?

Yes, a minimum of a master’s degree is required to become a board eligible clinician in the United States.

What is the process to become a board-certified practitioner?

  • After completion of the master's degree program, you must complete a residency in orthotics and prosthetics. To learn more about residencies, visit the NCOPE website.
  • To become certified, candidates must pass certification exams in orthotics and prosthetics from the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC), the Board of Certification/Accreditation, International (BOC), or both. To learn more about the requirements for certification, please visit the ABC website or the BOC website.

Is the MSOP program accredited?

Yes, the MSOP was granted initial accreditation in the fall of 2013 and was successfully granted reaccreditation in the fall of 2017. MSOP is accredited by CAAHEP through the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE).

Are there scholarships available for the applicants?

The MSOP program is currently too young to have any scholarships available.

LLU Experience

What does the LLU campus look like and have to offer?

Loma Linda University is situated between the mountains and the sea. The campus is beautiful and boasts many offerings to students from a university gym, intramural sports, tuition included healthcare, and much more.

Where is the Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics and the MSOP program located?

The Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics is located 10 miles outside of the main LLU campus in Mentone, CA. In September 2019 we opened our doors for students to begin learning in our 36,000 sq-ft space. View this video for more details.

What is the typical class size for the MSOP program?

A typical class size is anywhere from 20-27 students per cohort.

Can I work full-time or part-time while enrolled in the MSOP program?

The MSOP program is a comprehensive and intense professional program. We do not recommend students attempt to work full-time. It is possible to work weekends but on a flexible, part-time basis. Living expenses can be built into financial aid assistance as an option for meeting your living expenses.

Prerequisites

Do I need to have a bachelor’s degree to apply to the MSOP program?

Yes, a bachelor’s degree is required.

What are the GPA requirements?

A minimum of 3.0 GPA for both science and non-science coursework.

What are the benefits of submitting my unofficial transcripts for a free evaluation?

A transcript evaluation can give you a clear academic pathway to your goal. It will tell you what pre-requisites you have left as well as what you have already completed.  Doing this early in the process can help ensure you have time to complete remaining coursework before the next cohort begins.

For your own free evaluation, please share all of your unofficial transcripts with:

Is the GRE required to apply?

No, this program does not require a GRE score.

Do I need to complete observations hours before applying to the program?

No, you do not need to complete observation hours before applying. However, you do need to turn them in before the first day of class.

What do I wear to my clinical observations?

  • Professional dress is required. Clean and neat clothing
  • Ladies and Men: Dress Pants or slacks and dress shoes
  • Ladies: Modest professional top
  • Men: Button up shirt or nice polo shirt
  • No: T-shirts, hats of any kind, flip-flops or open-toed shoes, sweats or sweatshirts, jeans or denim, revealing clothing, ill-fitting clothing, clothing that is worn, torn, wrinkled, or dirty.

How do I document my observation hours?

Application

Is there an application deadline for the MSOP program?

No, we have a rolling admission, first-come, first-served, while spots are available or up until the 1st day of class.

When should I apply for financial aid?

You should apply at the same time you are applying for your program of interest. Loma Linda University’s student financial aid office will help you obtain the necessary applications and guide you through the process of applying for aid.

Apply for financial aid online. For any questions related to financial aid, please view the Office of Financial Aid webpage or contact their office at Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350. Phone: 909-558-4509.

I am an international student. What special information do I need?

Information for international students is available through the International Students page. Review the approved transcript translation services on our website. 

What is the application process and how do I apply?

The MSOP program utilizes rolling admission, which means we evaluate applications as they are received, versus waiting to evaluate all applications after a hard deadline. We will continue to evaluate applications until we've filled all the slots for our incoming class. The sooner you submit an application, the sooner you will be evaluated for acceptance.

The 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.

View the MSOP Enrollment Checklist.

  • All applicants must apply directly through LLU.
  • O&P Applicants will need to complete the LLU application process.

Contact the O&P department directly:

Contact the admissions department at sahpadmissions@llu.edu or 909-558-4599.

International students should review additional steps

To help you select the correct application for your educational journey we’ve put together the flow chart below.

View the MSOP Enrollment Checklist.

APPLY NOW

Program Timing

When does the MSOP program start?

Hybrid MSOP cohorts begin coursework the end of June.

View our Academic Calendar.

How long is the MSOP program?

The Hybrid MSOP track is 8 quarters long which is equivalent to two years.

When does the MSOP program finish?

The Hybrid MSOP track finishes the beginning of June.

View our Academic Calendar.

Religion

Do I have to take religion classes at Loma Linda University?

Classes in religion are part of the core curriculum in each of the University's schools and programs. The required religion courses further one’s understanding of healthcare ethics, crisis counseling, and other career focused areas.

Will I need to attend chapel as a student of Loma Linda University?

Yes, for on campus students it is required. Weekly chapels build community among LLU students from all eight schools, while confronting current issues and integrating faith and learning.

Do you give preference to Seventh-day Adventists?

Loma Linda University accepts students from all faiths and backgrounds. On the campus of Loma Linda University over 60 worldviews are represented by the student body.

Contact Information

Who do I contact if I have questions?