Master of Science in Prosthetics & Orthotics

KSU MSPO Facilities Tour from Kennesaw State University on Vimeo.

 

The Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics is an accredited program through CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs).

 

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In fall of 2020, the highly regarded Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics, MSPO, program at Georgia Tech transferred to Kennesaw State University. Continuing an established  tradition of excellence, the MSPO program will enhance your skills and knowledge with evidence-based clinical practice through research and technological innovation.

This interdisciplinary graduate program is housed in KSU’s Department of Exercise and Sport Management in the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services. As the only program of its kind in Georgia and one of just 13 nationwide, the program will leverage KSU’s established strengths in clinical care, health sciences and engineering.

Major Curriculum Elements

• Orthotics, Prosthetics and Rehabilitation
• Clinical rotations each semester
• Applied Science and Research (Capstone Research Project)
• Clinical integration of technical and engineering innovations

Learn in World-Class Facilities

You will learn in new state-of-the-art clinical and technical facilities:

• Clinical Lab
• Physical Assessment Labs
• Clinical Simulation Labs
• Device Assembly Lab
• Machine Room
• Biomechanics and Motion Analysis Labs

• Merits and Value of the KSU Program

  Selecting the right school for graduate work is critically important. Here is why you should choose Kennesaw State.

  You’ll learn to:

  • clinical problem-solve as part of an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team member
  • use a variety of clinical measurement, molding and digital scanning techniques to fabricate custom-molded orthoses and prostheses.
  • integrate computer aided design and manufacturing methods and processes into various aspects of clinical practice.
  • critically evaluate and apply research.
  • fill professional roles in a range of settings with clients/patients of diverse backgrounds across the life span.
  • demonstrate mature, ethical, responsible, professional attitudes and behaviors.
  • develop a lifelong career learning plan for continuing professional education.
  • participate in the management and administration of clinical and consultative services.
  • demonstrate mature, ethical, responsible, professional attitudes and behaviors.
  • make a positive impact upon the profession of prosthetics/orthotics.
• Collaborative Projects

  Collaborative projects are planned with:

  • KSU-Georgia Tech Research Collaborative
  • Georgia State University Physical Therapy DPT Program
  • Children’s Hospital of Atlanta
  • Shepherd Center
  • Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center
  • Area Hospitals and Clinics
• Employment Opportunities for MSPO Graduates

  The U.S. Department of Education labels Prosthetics and Orthotics training a “national priority with a practitioner deficit.” High obesity rates, diabetes and longer life expectancies has helped to produce a staggering need for prosthetics and orthotics practitioners . According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the employment of orthotists and prosthetists will grow 17% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than most all other occupations.

  *Typical Entry Level Education: Master’s degree

  *Median Pay: $75,440/year or $36.27/hour

  *Job Demand: 11,100 available positions in 2021

  _{*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Orthotists and Prosthetists, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/orthotists-and-prosthetists.htm}

Admissions Requirements

• General Requirements
  • Baccalaureate degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution with a major GPA of at least 3.0. Typical MS degree applicants have had undergraduate degrees in fields, such as exercise science, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, and psychology.
    
    
  • Completion of program prerequisites with a C or better prior to matriculating into the MSPO program in Fall 2023. Prerequisite Course Summary and Plan of Prerequisite Completion forms must be submitted.
    
    
  • The GRE is not required for admission in Fall 2023.
    
    
  • International applicants are subject to the university's requirements for admission.
    
    
  • Three references (from academic or professional sources).
    
    
  • Resume or curriculum vitae should include the following when applicable: education, experience (work and volunteer), certifications, professional affiliations, special skills related to the field, and research presentations/publications.
    
    
  • A formal statement of personal goals for the program, maximum 2 pages, double-spaced, that includes the following:

  • • Your experience in the field, including volunteer/shadowing experience.
    • Your reason(s) for choosing this degree program.
    • Your experience with research (if applicable).
    • Your career goals and how furthering your education with this degree will help you realize these goals.
    • Three references (from academic or professional sources).
    • Resume or curriculum vitae should include the following when applicable: education, experience (work and volunteer), certifications, professional affiliations, special skills related to the field, and research presentations/publications.
• Prerequisites
  • Biology: lecture and laboratory (4 semester credit hours)
  • Chemistry: lecture and laboratory (4 semester credit hours)
  • Physics: lecture and laboratory (4 semester credit hours)
  • Psychology: Introductory or General course (3 semester credit hours)
  • Statistics: one lecture course (3 semester credit hours)
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology: two lecture courses (6 semester credit hours)
• Health and Immunizations Requirements

  Students are required to show proof of health insurance coverage.  Student health insurance is offered at through the University System of Georgia. In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, students involved in clinical patient interaction are required to have the following immunizations and to provide documentation to the Student Health Services.  Additional immunizations may be required from outside facilities prior to participation in some clinical rotations (i.e. flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine/booster).  There may be nominal costs to the student associated with obtaining the following immunizations:

  • Hepatitis B immunity
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Rubeola
  • TDAP
  • Varicella (or history of disease)
  • Tuberculosis Screening
• CPR Certification

  The American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Providers Course is required.

  There are no exceptions.

  The certification expires every two years. CPR cards obtained through the Owls Nest or the Center of Health Promotion and Wellness do not meet the requirements. A copy of the front and back of your CPR card is due to mspo@kennesaw.edu prior to your first day of class.

• Background Check
  Following an admission offer into the program, a background check will be completed on each applicant prior to matriculation. There may be nominal costs to the student associated with obtaining the background check.

For More Information:

 

¹Program tuition is an estimate based on the average student's time to complete. Costs for books, travel, other miscellaneous fees (parking, labs, graduation, etc.) are not included. Tuition and fee changes are posted in the Spring and are effective for Fall semester. Please note that fees are subject to change at the end of any academic term without prior notice. For additional information, see tuition and fees or graduate program financial aid.