Graduate Degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics at KSU

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
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Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program logo.

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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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-solving 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 lifespan.
  • demonstrate mature, ethical, responsible, and 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, and professional attitudes and behaviors.
  • make a positive impact on the profession of prosthetics/orthotics.

  • 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

  • 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.

Admissions Requirements

    • 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)
    Prerequisite Course Summary and Plan of Prerequisite Completion Forms

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

How to Apply

To apply for the Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics at Kennesaw State, submit your application by December 1 for priority consideration or by March 1 for the regular deadline. Application fees include a $60 fee for the KSU Graduate College Application and $140 for the first program applied to through OPCAS, with an additional $45 for each additional program. If applying through OPCAS, complete the KSU Graduate Application as well, and further instructions will be provided afterward. Alternatively, applicants not applying to multiple programs may apply directly through the KSU Graduate College Application below. Ensure all materials are submitted before the respective deadlines for a complete application.

OPCAS Application

Students applying through the OPCAS student application portal must also complete the KSU Graduate Application. Further instructions will be provided after verification of the OPCAS application.

OPCAS APPLICATION

KSU Application

Alternatively, applicants not interested in applying to multiple programs may apply directly through the KSU Graduate College Application  and submit all program requirements directly to KSU.

KSU APPLICATION

For More Information

Questions on application process or admission requirements? Email us below.

Program Director: Adrienne Hill

Program 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.

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