Orthotics and Prosthetics Masters of Science Program Course of Instruction
Curriculum Description
The International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics, Orthotics and Prosthetics Masters of Science program develops a competent, confident, self-motivated Orthotists and Prosthetists with the ability to think critically and provide therapy effectively in a variety of client situations. Each student becomes fully prepared to enter the profession of an Orthotics and Prosthetist with a good foundation in therapy, knowledge, and skills. Students develop an attitude of caring while developing self-confidence in interacting with clients and other health care providers. They will learn to apply the techniques required of an Orthotist and Prosthetist in a purposeful and focused manner.
The curriculum includes a total of 49 credit-hours taken over four semesters. A credit hour is based on the number of classroom lecture hours per week throughout a term. Students are awarded credit for classes on the basis that a semester unit of credit is equal to a minimum of three hours of work per week (i.e. 1 credit hour equals 1 hour lecture plus 2 hours of homework OR 3 hours of lab) for a 16-week semester. Course work includes studies of the basic sciences, research as well as the physical and clinical sciences of orthotics and prosthetics. Course work is evaluated on the scale-graded grading system as identified in this catalog.
A Master of Science Degree is awarded upon completion of the 49 credit-hour curriculum of study. The following academic policies, regulations and procedures apply to all students at the International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics, Orthotics and Prosthetics Master’s of Science program. Failure to conform to policies, regulations and procedures may jeopardize or negate a student’s opportunity to pursue and/or complete the program of study leading to the Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics degree.
The Master of Science Degree is required in order for the student to become eligible for licensure through the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC). In addition to the Master of Science Degree, ABC certification also requires the student meet other eligibility rules which is not provided by the degree earned at the International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics. These requirements include completion of a National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) accredited residency program. This is a 12-month program, per discipline, or an 18-month dual discipline program in which a resident is tracked through the program with specific clinical experience, research, and other requirements. Residents must successfully complete the residency program in order to meet the certification eligibility requirements. The student is encouraged to visit the ABC website (www.abcop.org) for further information.
Orthotics and Prosthetics Masters of Science Program Course of Instruction
The program is comprised of a 49 credit-hour curriculum spread across four semesters. All classes/laboratories must be attended, and all quizzes/tests passed to receive the Master’s of Science degree.
2022-2023 Academic Year
| 2022-2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course | Material Covered | Credit Hours | Lecture Hours | Laboratory Hours | Clinic Hours |
| SEMESTER 1 | |||||
| HAP030L | Human Anatomy & Physiology | 3 | 32 | 48 | |
| INP030 | Introduction to Pathology | 3 | 48 | ||
| ACN030 | Applied Clinical Neuroanatomy | 3 | 48 | ||
| CGA030L | Clinical Gait Analysis | 3 | 32 | 48 | |
| SEMESTER 2 | |||||
| ISL010L | Introduction to Laboratory Skills and Materials in Prosthetics and Orthotics | 1 | 48 | ||
| CET010L | Clinical Evaluation Tools | 1 | 48 | ||
| OML140L | Orthotic Management of the Lower Limb 1 | 4 | 32 | 96 | |
| OMS030L | Orthotic Management of the Spine | 3 | 32 | 48 | |
| PML140L | Prosthetic Management of the Lower Limb 1 | 4 | 32 | 96 | |
| SEMESTER 3 | |||||
| OML240L | Orthotic Management of the Lower Limb 2 | 4 | 32 | 96 | |
| PML240L | Prosthetic Management of the Lower Limb 2 | 4 | 32 | 96 | |
| PMU030L | Prosthetic Management of the Upper Limb | 3 | 32 | 48 | |
| OMU030L | Orthotic Management of the Upper Limb | 3 | 32 | 48 | |
| CPS040L | Contemporary Practice and Synthesis | 4 | 48 | 48 | |
| CLR010 | Clinical Research | 1 | 48 | ||
| SEMESTER 4 | |||||
| CLR020 | Clinical Rotation | 2 | 0 | 200 | |
| MAP030 | Master's Project | 3 | 48 | ||
| Total Hours | 49 | 480 | 816 | 200 | |
HAP030L – Human Anatomy and Physiology 3 Credit Hours
This course will present core knowledge of the gross anatomy and physiology. Students will demonstrate an anatomical and functional understanding of the human body. The integrated gross anatomy laboratory exercises will address related basic science issues.
INP030 – Introduction to Pathology 3 Credit Hours
This course will present the basic concepts of disease processes in the human body. The knowledge of disease processes will be helpful in the differential diagnosis process and the development of a treatment plan that include realistic goals and is consistent with prognosis of the disease. The course will address General Pathology, which deals with the basic principles and characteristics of disease processes that may involve any tissue or organ of the body and underlie all diseases, and Systemic Pathology, which deals with the pathophysiologic processes that affect specific tissues and organ systems of the body. A clinical pathological approach i.e. ability to understand, interpret and correlate patients’ clinical signs and symptoms with the underlying pathophysiologic process will be emphasized.
ACN030 – Applied Clinical Neuroanatomy 3 Credit Hours
This course will present the human motor control systems and various neurophysiological theories and principles which are applied in the rehabilitation of patients with neurological dysfunction. Emphasis will be placed on progressive and non-progressive neurological disorders throughout the adult life span. Students will review and practice evaluation, treatment, and documentation principles for the disorders presented. Case studies will be utilized to emphasize problem solving and clinical decision-making in patient care.
CGA030L – Clinical Gait Analysis 3 Credit Hours
This course will present the fundamental principles of static and dynamic movement in able-bodied persons and persons with lower limb pathology. This course will introduce the mechanical and biomechanical principles integrated with anatomical and neuromuscular knowledge to provide an understanding of static and dynamic human movement. The biomechanics of human ambulation will be broken down into kinematic and kinetic data during all phases of the gait cycle using instrumented analysis equipment as well as clinical observational analysis. The students will be introduced to pathologic gait and begin to correlate gait deviations because of clinical pathologies to the pathomechanics of gait analysis. The experience gained from this course will be used as foundational knowledge of understanding pathological gait for the remaining clinical didactic courses in the program.
ILS010L – Introduction to Laboratory Skills 1 Credit Hours
and Materials in Prosthetics and Orthotics
Prerequisite: Successful completion of semester 1
This course will present an introduction to equipment and tools used in the fabrication of prostheses and orthoses. Proper safety techniques and operating procedures in the laboratory environment are stressed. Prosthetic and orthotic material characteristics are introduced.
CET010L – Clinical Evaluation Tools 1 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: Successful completion of semester 1
This course will present a focus on utilizing medical evidence and patients’ exam to support clinical practical decisions. This course is clinically based on instruction in selection of the prescription criteria. The course will help students gather and document appropriate clinical data required for good practical decisions. The laboratory portion will focus on patient assessment skills and documentation.
OML040L – Orthotic Management of the Lower Limb 1 4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: Successful completion of semester 1
This course will present a comprehensive study of short- and long-term lower limb orthotic patient management distal to the knee. It includes evaluation, treatment plan formulation, biomechanics, and orthotic design. Fabrication and fitting of selected orthoses is presented including material characteristics. International standards and product failure are also included.
OMS030L – Orthotic Management of the Spine 3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: Successful completion of semester 1
This course will present orthotic treatment modalities of the spine and cranium. Students will receive instruction on the assessment, formulation, implementation and follow up of an orthotic treatment plan for common spinal and cranial disorders affecting pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations. Concurrent lab activities with patient models will allow the student to correlate clinical findings with evidence-based practice to synthesize the significance of the appropriate choice of components, principles, material properties and medical management. The student will interact with multiple prosthetic systems.
PML140L – Prosthetic Management of the Lower Limb 1 4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: Successful completion of semester 1
This course will present a comprehensive study of short- and long-term lower limb prosthetic patient management distal to the knee. It includes evaluation, treatment plan formulation, biomechanics, and orthotic design. Fabrication and fitting of selected prostheses is presented including material characteristics. International standards and product failure are also included.
OML240L – Orthotic Management of the Lower Limb 2 4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: Successful completion of semester 3
This course will present continued concepts of the orthotic treatment of the lower extremity. Students in this course will receive instruction on the assessment, formulation, and implementation of an orthotic treatment plan for common disorders affecting the lower extremity. Students will receive instruction on the use of ankle-foot orthoses (AFO), knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFO), knee orthoses (KO), hip orthoses (HO) and hip-knee-ankle-foot orthoses (HKAFO) in the treatment of these disorders. In the lab, students will have the opportunity to perform patient assessments, castings, and measurements and to fabricate a variety of AFOs, KAFOs.
PML240L – Prosthetic Management of the Lower Limb 2 4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: Successful completion of semester 3
This course will present prosthetic treatment modalities of the lower extremity proximal to the knee. Students in this course will receive instruction on the assessment, formulation, implementation and follow up of a prosthetic treatment plan for knee disarticulation, transfemoral, hip disarticulation and hemipelvectomy amputation levels. Concurrent lower extremity lab activities with patient models will allow the student to correlate clinical findings and evidence-based practice to synthesize the significance of the appropriate choice of components, principles, material properties, socket design, prosthetic alignment, and medical management. Application of technology including CAD/CAM imaging will be incorporated throughout the course projects. Relevant case studies will be discussed to facilitate clinical problem-solving skills.
PMU030L – Prosthetic Management of the Upper Limb 3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: Successful completion of semester 3
This course will present individual work culminating in a professional practice-oriented report suitable for the requirements of the Professional Track of the Master’s of Science program in Orthotics and Prosthetics
This course will offer prosthetic treatment options for patients with upper extremity amputations. The Students in this course will receive instruction on the assessment, formulation, implementation, and follow-up care for an upper extremity treatment plan for pediatric and adult populations. Concurrent upper extremity lab activities with patient models will provide the students to associate clinical findings with evidence-based practice to synthesize the significance of the appropriate choice of principles, materials properties, components, socket designs and medical management. The student will interact with upper extremity systems specific to transradial and transhumeral levels incorporating Figure of 8 & 9 harness systems, anatomical suspension variants and single and dual control cable systems.
OMU030L – Orthotic Management of the Upper Limb 3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: Successful completion of semester 3
This course will present orthotic treatment modalities of the upper extremity. Students in this course will receive instruction on the assessment, formulation, implementation and follow up of an orthotic treatment plan for common finger, wrist, elbow and/or shoulder disorders affecting pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations. Concurrent upper extremity lab activities with patient models will allow the student to correlate clinical findings with evidence-based practice to synthesize the significance of the appropriate choice of components, principles, material properties and medical management. The student will interact with multiple orthotic systems.
CPS040L – Contemporary Practice and Synthesis 4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: Successful completion of semester 3
This course will present the student with several graded realistic clinical simulations to provide the student with feedback with respect to their ability to complete a patient evaluation process competently; their ability to integrate and apply foundational knowledge and patient information to direct potential orthotic and/or prosthetic management; their ability to apply the necessary skills and procedures, including fabrication, to provide orthotic and/or prosthetic care; their ability to develop and implement an effective follow-up plan to assure optimal fit and function of the orthosis or prosthesis and monitor the outcome of the treatment plan; their ability to identify and observe policies and procedures regarding human resource management, physical environment management, financial management and organizational management as well as articulating the importance of personal and professional development.
CLR010 – Clinical Research 1 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: Successful completion of semester 3
This course will present individual work culminating in a professional practice-oriented report suitable for the requirements of the Professional Track of the Master’s of Science program in Orthotics and Prosthetics
CLR020 – Clinical Rotation 2 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: Successful completion of semester 2
This course will present real world clinical experience to augment formal classes. This course provides clinical rotation hours off-site, in which students observe, assist, and practice patient care and device fabrication in an environment that prepares them for an orthotic or prosthetic residency. Students are placed at a clinical agency to practice skills under close supervision of an American Board Certified (ABC) prosthetist/orthotist. Students are required to document patient interactions and case analysis of their clinical experiences, and to present case studies to an audience of peers.
*Students may take EIN 6940 as a non-degree seeking student through a partnership with the Engineering Management Program at Florida International University which allows IIOP students to gain additional clinical experience.
MAP030 – Master’s Project 4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: Successful completion of semester 2
This course will present individual work culminating in a professional practice-oriented report suitable for the requirements of the Professional Track of the Master’s of Science program in Orthotics and Prosthetics
