Orthotists and Prosthetists (O&P) serve people following onset of physical disability and/or amputation. Orthotists evaluate for, construct, and provide external orthopedic devices that limit motion, pain, and deformity of the limbs and spine for healing from trauma, guiding growth, or life-long support. Prosthetists evaluate for, construct, and provide external prosthetic devices that approximate the function and form of an amputated limb from just post-surgical to all ages and activity levels.

O&P is uniquely appealing to healthcare career-seekers who want to: Engage their minds, hands and hearts in equal portions; Practice at the intersection of people, technology, utility and mobility.

Certified O&P Clinicians are in demand with job placement for graduates at 100% nationwide. The job outlook is “much faster than average,” and median salaries range from $69k to over $75k. An aging US population and increasing prevalence of health risk factors indicates a growing demand.

Quick Facts:

• 2-3 year MS program
• GRE Required (300-315)
• GPA: 3.4-3.6 preferred
• Strong applicants will have at least 150 hours of observation, volunteering with a certified orthotist/prosthetist, the majority of which should be completed prior to application submission.
• Thirteen O&P Practitioner Programs in US
• Texas Programs:
  • Baylor College of Medicine
  • UT Southwestern Medical Center

Pre-requisite Courses (must earn C or better):

• Anatomy & Physiology: BIOL 1334/1134 & BIOL 1344/1144 (*BIOL 2301/2101 & BIOL 2302/2102)
• Biology: BIOL 1361/1161 & BIOL 1362/1162 (*BIOL 1306/1106 & BIOL 1307/1107)
• General Chemistry: CHEM 1331/1111 & CHEM 1332/1112 (*CHEM 1311/1111 & CHEM 1312/1112)
• Physics: PHYS 1301/1101 & PHYS 1302/1102 or PHYS 1321/1121 & PHYS 1322/1122
• English: ENGL 1303 & ENGL 1304 (*ENGL 1301 & ENGL 1302)
• Math: College Algebra (MATH 1314) or higher
• Psychology: PSYC 2301 and PSYC 2320/HDFS 2317 (*for UTSW)
• Statistics: MATH 2311 (*MATH 1342), MATH 3339, PSYC 3301 (*PSYC 2317)

*Course names/numbers effective Fall 2021.

This list does not include all courses that may be required by O&P programs. Additionally, schools have differing policies for accepting AP/IB credits to fulfill prerequisites.  Students are responsible for verifying the prerequisite coursework and AP/IB policies of the schools to which they plan to apply.

Application Process

• Centralized Application Service: OPCAS - Orthotics and Prosthetics Centralized Application Service

• Application Timing: Students will apply beginning in July of the year preceding their planned matriculation. The application opens in July and should be submitted by October 1st (or December 1st at the latest).

• Letters of Evaluation: Letters of recommendation from three individuals who can attest to the applicant’s qualifications. At least one letter must be authored by an O&P clinician.

• Resources:

  • OPCAS Applicant Help Center

Learn more about Orthotics & Prosthetics:

• Explore Health Careers: Orthotist and Prosthetist
• Occupational Outlook Handbook
• O&P Careers
• O&P Information Packet (authored by O&P BCM Graduate - Katherine Ewing)