Welcome to the International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics
Located in Tampa, Florida, IIOP Offers a Master’s Degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) which can be completed in 4 semesters over 16 months.
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About O&P
Orthotics and prosthetics is a specialized health care profession that combines technical and clinical skills to care for patients with neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders and/or patients who have a partial or total absence of a limb. O&P professionals examine and measure patients, then design and fabricate appropriate devices such as prosthetic limbs and medical braces that allow these individuals to live more active and independent lives. The O&P profession offers the opportunity to interact one-on-one with patients and make a positive, life-changing impact.
Career Outlook
The need for O&P professionals is increasing due to aging population and the number of veterans needing O&P services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the O&P field is projected to increase 18% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the national average for all occupations.
O&P Career Track
- BS degree in health or other field relevant to O&P
- MS degree
- 18 month to 24 month residency
- Certification by American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics
Why choose IIOP?
- Students can complete a Master’s Degree program in Orthotics and Prosthetics in 16 months at our facility in Tampa, Florida.
- The facility is home to an independent O&P clinic which gives our students the opportunity to complete clinical rotations onsite and gain valuable patient interaction experience.
- IIOP’s commitment to learning extends beyond our graduate program. We offer continuing education for lifelong learning.
- Our students also become involved in the Tampa community. They volunteer at the Special Olympics, the DOD Warrior Games, and Veterans adaptive sports community events sponsored by the Veterans Stride Foundation. And they have the opportunity to enjoy all the culture and fun that Tampa has to offer.
- IIOP is actively driving the future direction of the O&P field, raising awareness of the profession and the patients we serve. Our facility hosts O&P certification exams by the American Board of Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics three times each year. We host tours for lawmakers and meet with them to discuss policies that national organizations such as the AOPA are advocating. And we write grants to assist in improving the education and quality of life of the patients we serve.
Qualifications
Applicants must have obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Science with an emphasis in health or related field, preferably in a field related to Orthotics and Prosthetics, conferred from a nationally accredited Institute, College, or University, with a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Applicants with a degree in any other discipline will be reviewed individually, and an admission recommendation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Typical undergraduate coursework completed leading to successful graduates includes physics, life sciences/biology, chemistry, human anatomy, psychology, and statistics.
Graduate Testimonials
As someone who has been immersed in the field of orthotics and prosthetics since birth, I was confident in my decision of choosing the International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics to further my education. IIOP gave me the opportunity to expand my knowledge of how to treat a patient with the same confidence and compassion I have received from own clinician. I was supplied with the tools and direction needed to enhance my ability to fabricate and customize to best fit any patient or need. I take pride in my education and am thankful for the guidance and direction from the faculty. I will always be grateful for the learning opportunities and networking I was given throughout my time at IIOP.
“My name is Reagan Handley and I am a December 2023 graduate of IIOP. My time at IIOP prepared me to go into residency and the field with confidence in both my hand skills and patient interactions. The opportunity to serve as the student government President allowed me to experience a variety of ways that I can serve in the field of orthotics and prosthetics. IIOP gave me the chance to attend the AOPA policy forum in Washington, D.C. in May 2023, and because of this opportunity, I hope to continue my involvement with O and P policy advocacy in the future. IIOP has continued to support my endeavors, following graduation, and I will be forever grateful for the faculty, staff, and education at IIOP.”
Reagan Handley
“Hello! My name is Lauren Bogardus and I am a December 2023 IIOP graduate. This school quickly became a very special place to me. The professors persistently supported my passions going into the O&P field. Through this, I was able to attend numerous O&P conferences, start my own adaptive dance program, and apply what I was learning in the classroom in various hands-on settings. I know I have created lifelong friendships with the students and staff at IIOP. I will forever be grateful for my time here!”
Lauren Bogardus
“Hi, my name is Alyssa Noe. I was a December 2022 graduate from IIOP. I am currently in my O&P combined residency at Capital Prosthetics and Orthotics Center in Columbus, Ohio. The professors at IIOP did a great job preparing us for the written board exam by focusing on the high yield topics, but also giving us enough background to successfully tackle the rare content questions as well. Mr. Martin’s advice to take it sooner rather than later paid dividends. I was basically able to start my residency with the weight of that first board exam off my shoulders with all the knowledge still fresh in my memory. Lastly, while being able to jump from the beautiful lab facilities at IIOP straight to the beach with my classmates may not have prepared me for cold winters in Ohio, it did give me a solid foundation which I draw upon every day with my wonderful coworkers at Capital Prosthetics and Orthotics Center.”
Alyssa Noe
“IIOP presented me with incredible opportunities both in the patient clinic and the classroom to expand my knowledge of Orthotics and Prosthetics further than anywhere else. The amazing faculty and staff provided a platform for my classmates and I to carve out our own style of healthcare professionalism and fabrication techniques.”
Richard Gotti, New York
“My time here at IIOP not only expanded my understanding of the O&P field, but has taught me more about my capabilities to solve problems and constantly seek resolution in and out of the classroom. I have learned how to work hard in the lab so I am able to enjoy the beauty of Tampa, Florida. From kayak fishing in the mangroves, to enjoying the sweet sweet beaches, Tampa has quickly become one of my favorite places to live. If you’re like me and you are from out of town, then no problem because IIOP is within 5 minutes from the Tampa International Airport! IIOP has continued to challenge me but has made my graduate experience one I will never forget.”
Bryce Dahl, Tennessee
“I have just finished my last semester at IIOP and it has been such a fun and beneficial learning experience. The facility is unlike anything I have seen at other schools and even other O&P facilities. I come from a background in prosthetics and orthotics, so I had pretty high expectations for the school, and it checks all my boxes. There is so much space in a brand-new building, which makes working on projects very stress-free. The instructors are so much fun to work with and knowledgeable in their fields. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in the field of orthotics and prosthetics.”
Alex Miller, Ohio
“I looked forward to coming to school every day because IIOP had provided me with the best education in the best environment. It was great to be part of a school whose sole focus is Orthotics and Prosthetics. The class sizes are small, and the facility is very spacious, which made working on assignments a breeze. I just recently graduated, and I will miss my instructors, who had made my time at the school not only educational but also fun. If you want the best O&P education you can get, IIOP is the school for you.”
