Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics

Admission Requirements
Post-baccalaureate students may apply to the MSPO program. An overall GPA of 3.2 is preferred. Students must have earned at least a "C" or 2.0 grade in each of the prerequisite courses. While GRE test scores are not required, they may be submitted to strengthen the application. The Admission Committee will consider all application materials. Candidates will be accepted on a competitive basis. 

Application Requirements
Non-refundable application fee of $50 for those applying directly through UHart. OPCAS applicants are required to pay a non-refundable processing fee as designated by OPCAS in lieu of an application fee.

• Letter of Intent

• Official transcripts for all collegiate level coursework

• Two letters of recommendation

• GRE scores are not required but can be submitted to strengthen your application

• Transcript evaluation: All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member, such as WES, IEE, or SpanTran. If the transcript is written in English, a course-by-course evaluation is still required, as grading systems vary from country to country. 
• Non-native speakers of the English language are required to submit scores from one of the following English-proficiency tests. Countries that are considered native English speaking can be found here.

• • TOEFL: minimum of 80 (Internet-based test – iBT), and 550 (Paper-based test – PBT Total).
  • PTE: minimum score of 58
  • IELTS: minimum score of 6.5 overall
  • Duolingo: minimum score of 110 combined

Provide entry-level clinical services in a safe, legal, ethical, and professional manner while providing patient-centered care.

Upon successful completion of the program, the students/graduates will:

• practice in a safe manner.
• demonstrate professional behavior.
• practice in a manner consistent with established legal and professional standards and ethical guidelines.
• be prepared to enter financial management (purchasing, billing and reimbursement, time, space, equipment, marketing, public relationships) consistent with regulatory, legal, and facility guidelines.

Employ effective communication strategies with colleagues, clients, and the public.

Upon successful completion of the program, the students/graduates will:

• adapt delivery of prosthetics and orthotics services with consideration for patients' differences, values, preferences, and needs.
• employ effective communication strategies.
• Communicate consistent with the knowledge level of the audience.

Engage in the process of evidence-based practice, scientific inquiry, and development of new knowledge.

Upon successful completion of the program, the students/graduates will:

• create and defend a research plan.
• apply current knowledge, clinical judgment, and the patient's values and perspective in patient management.
• collect and analyze data from selected outcomes measures in a manner that supports accurate analysis of individual patient and group outcomes.
• perform a patient examination using evidence-based tests and measures.
• establish a plan of care that is evidence-based.

Embrace the role of collaboration as a member of the interdisciplinary team.

Upon successful completion of the program, the students/graduates will:

• participate in internship opportunities in diverse settings.
• have opportunities to participate in collaborative learning with other healthcare professionals.
• have the ability to engage in identifying unique standards of practice within the healthcare community.
• engage in community service.
• connect to a core of clinical adjunct faculty who provide liaisons with local clinical sites.

Value cultural diversity within the profession and the community.

Upon successful completion of the program, the students/graduates will:

• adapt delivery of prosthetics and orthotics services with consideration for patients' differences, values, preferences, and needs.
• apply current knowledge, clinical judgment, and the patient’s values and perspective in patient management.
• establish a plan of care that is safe, effective, patient centered and evidence based.
• determine with each patient encounter the patient’s need for further examination or consultation

Demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge of the fundamental science in human function into a comprehensive orthotic/prosthetic treatment plan.

Upon successful completion of the program, the students/graduates will:

• identify areas of basic human function (physical, cognitive, social, physiological) and incorporate them into patient assessment.
• apply foundational sciences throughout the assessment, formulation, implementation, and follow-up phases of treatment plan.

Assume a proactive role in partnership with communities in healthcare decisions, including increasing access to healthcare to those with unmet needs.

Upon successful completion of the program, the students/graduates will:

• be familiar with local and national resources available to patients (e.g. support groups, free clinics, pro bono opportunities).
• offer/provide appropriate prosthetics/orthotics perspective within the healthcare team's treatment plan.

Participate in outcome assessments, peer reviews, and self assessments.

Upon successful completion of the program, the students/graduates will:

• identify the level of appropriate participation for each assessment.
• hold a constructive role in critiquing, collaborating, or conducting various assessments.

The MSPO Program will

• use outcomes data collected through post-graduation surveys of alumni, employer, and patients to enhance/update any programmatic aspects.
• consider any recommendations to continue academic improvement.

Foster a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.

Upon successful completion of the program, the students/graduates will:

• embrace knowledge-based practice within the healthcare arena.
• seek out continuing-education opportunities to expand professional knowledge.
• change environment through fostering continuing-educational opportunities in clinical staff and/or peers.
• foster professional development through leadership and participation in professional organizations.

Become critical thinkers who are academically and clinically prepared to meet professional standards and address patient expectations.

Upon successful completion of the program, the students/graduates will:

• utilize and interpret evidence-based practice appropriate to individual patients during treatment.
• demonstrate appropriate perspective to maximize functional attributes of the patient.
• employ critical thinking when applying appropriate treatment outcomes.
• Think critically when viewing profession as a whole.

For the most up-to-date information, see the Graduate Tuition and Fees page.

Tuition rates and fees are subject to change

To discuss ways to finance your program of study, contact the Financial Aid Office:

860.768.4296
finaid@hartford.edu

The Prosthetics and Orthotics program offered by the Newington Certificate Program (NCP) in Orthotics and Prosthetics/Hanger Inc. joined with the University of Hartford to offer the MSPO Program in 2011. Our MSPO program is fully accredited as an orthotic and prosthetic education program by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE). The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) also accredits the program. Additionally, the Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics has been approved by the State of Connecticut Department of Higher Education.

Professional Licensing disclosure
As a CAAHEP-accredited program, graduates are eligible to initiate a NCOPE-accredited residency. Upon completion of this residency, candidates are eligible to sit for the American Board of Certification (ABC) practitioner certification exams. Please click here to read the full ABC requirements. Successful completion of these steps and additional criteria may be required for an individual to become licensed by an individual state. An interactive map of state licensing requirements may be found here.

Newington Certificate program transcripts
Graduates of the Newington Certificate Program requesting transcripts may email Matthew Parente at mparente@hartford.edu. Please provide your name at the time of graduation, your graduation year(s), and the email address where digital copies should be sent.