When does the program start?

How long is the program?

How do I obtain an application?

When is the application deadline?

Are GRE’s required?

Is a residency required after the program?

When can I become certified as a CPO?

Do you offer prosthetics, orthotics, or both?

Do you have any options for people already certified in one discipline?

What other schools/programs exist in the US?

What prerequisites are required for the program?

How much is tuition, and is financial assistance available?

Will teaching or research assistantships be available?

Will fellowships be available?

How many students will be accepted? What is the expected class size?

Why enroll in a Master’s program?

Is P&O technical experience required before I enroll?

 

When does the program start?

The program starts every Fall. Admissions occur on an annual basis. The program structure cannot accommodate Spring or Summer admissions; however, students may take prerequisite classes at Georgia Tech the summer before starting the program.  

How long is the program?

The program lasts two years. The program combines time in classes and laboratories at Georgia Tech with clinical instruction and hands-on training at a variety of "real-world" clinical facilities.

How do I obtain an application?

A link to the online application is available on the Admissions page. Applications are administered by the Graduate School.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline for Applications for each Fall is usually in February or March. See the admissions page for specific dates.

Are GRE’s required?

Yes, the GRE General test scores will be required. Subject tests are not required. Information concerning times and locations for these tests can be obtained from Graduate Record Examinations, Educational Testing Service, Box 6000, Princeton, New Jersey, 08541-6000.

Is a residency required after the program? When can I become certified as a CPO?

The National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) and the American Board for Certification (ABC) require a one-year residency in each discipline (prosthetics and orthotics) before certification examinations can be taken. The residency is an important component of the educational process, and certified residency programs exist all around the country. Once you have completed your first year of residency and become certified in one of the two disciplines, NCOPE does allow a provision for you to practice in that discipline while undergoing residency in the other discipline.

Do you offer prosthetics, orthotics, or both?

The program offers and, at this point, requires students to be trained in both prosthetics and orthotics.

Do you have any options for people already certified in one discipline?

Currently, the program is designed to train students in both prosthetics and orthotics and does not offer any options for individuals who are already certified in one discipline.

What other schools/programs exist in the US?

Other P&O programs in the US offer either baccalaureate degrees or post-baccalaureate certificates. Georgia Tech's is the only active entry-level Master's program available in the U.S. For information on other programs, see the NCOPE website.

What prerequisites are required for the program?

Please check the page on Prerequisites.

How much is tuition, and is financial assistance available?

Georgia Tech's published graduate tuition rates and a link to financial aid information are available here. Enrollment in the MSPO program requires additional course fees and higher tuition than standard Georgia Tech Rates.

Will teaching or research assistantships be available?

Few research assistantships will likely be available from various faculty members’ extramural grants. In general, though, the nature of this professional degree will limit the student support available through Georgia Tech.

Will fellowships be available?

In general, no fellowships we be available from within the program itself. A number of extramural graduate fellowships exist.

How many students will be accepted? What is the expected class size?

The Fall 2002 class includes 5 students. The Fall 2003 class grew to 9 students. Plans are in place to increase the class size to a maximum of 10 students in the next few years.

Why enroll in a Master’s program?

The concept of entry-level Master’s education in P&O is relatively new, but we at Georgia Tech expect it to redefine P&O education in the new millennium. Many students will face a choice between a traditional certificate program and our entry-level Master’s program. The Georgia Tech MSPO offers several advantages beyond a standard certificate: the curriculum is more detailed and covers a broader range of current topics; the curriculum is flexible and allows students to choose courses based on their career goals; the program uses research as a teaching tool in Georgia Tech’s cutting-edge laboratories; a graduate degree from Georgia Tech gives students more options, including clinical practice, research and development, product design and manufacture, academic and clinical research, teaching in P&O, or further education including a Ph.D. in a related discipline. In addition to a host of other advantages, students should consider the perspective of employers who would hire P&O graduates. The job market is strong, and employees are struggling to fill positions. We think the graduate with the Georgia Tech MSPO degree will be the most attractive graduate available to potential employers.

Is P&O technical experience required before I enroll?

No. While technical experience in P&O would be a valuable asset, it is not required. Students will be exposed to the necessary technical skills during the program.