Why Choose IIOP?

The International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics is the profession’s only independent O&P educational facility. The Institute is committed to the elevation of the Orthotics and Prosthetics Profession through quality education. IIOP hosts the American Board of Certification for Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics Testing Center. Additionally, the Institute hosts multiple professional development courses and symposiums and is the home of the Prosthetic, Orthotic, and Pedorthic Association of Florida. This gives IIOP’s students access to a multitude of educational opportunities as well as exposure to the seasoned clinicians in the profession. The annual meeting of the Academy Chapter hosts a job fair for so that students can have the opportunity to meet potential residency directors, and provides a forum for students of the Institute to present their research papers and case studies to an audience of their peers and mentors. The campus is also home to a private O&P practice which allows our students to complete clinical rotations on-site and gain valuable patient interactions. The IIOP curriculum’s foundational courses are focused on the interdisciplinary approach to problem-based learning. The curriculum encourages students to become lifelong learners with an emphasis on improving orthotic and prosthetic outcomes. A great deal of time is spent ensuring that students develop appropriate manual skills together with the understanding of the importance of lab skills in the workforce.

Diversity

IIOP’s administration, faculty, staff, and students, affirm our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and consider them essential elements of a vibrant learning community and integral to our institutional mission. We are determined to foster an environment of inclusion, diversity, openness, and respect for the many differences that will enrich the Orthotic and Prosthetic  community, including race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, socioeconomic status, national origin, language, sexual orientation, disability. Our profession serves a diverse population . Our goal is to increase diversity in our O&P workforce by keeping our tuition as one of the lowest in the Country.

The IIOP campus offers 40,000 sq. ft. dedicated to Orthotic and Prosthetic education, featuring large spacious O&P laboratories for fabrication activities.

 

  • No Out-of-State Tuition or Fees
  • One of the Lowest total tuition cost Nationally
  • Focus on fabrication
  • National and International Clinical Rotation experiences
  • Patient-centered curriculum
  • Community service
  • Well-rounded education
  • Interdisciplinary faculty
  • By keeping our tuition low, we continue to increase the chances for inclusivity and diversity on campus.

See all the exciting things the Tampa Bay area has to offer at the Visit Tampa Bay website.

Master of Science in O&P Graduation, NCOPE Residency Rates and Exam Pass Rates

Program StartStudents EnteringStudents GraduatingGraduation RateResidency placements prior to graduationTotal entering residency less than 6 months Post-GraduationCombined O&P Written Exam Pass Rates
2019 Spring33100%23
2020 Spring77100%67
2020 Fall1212100%1212
2021 Spring55100%55100%*
2021 Fall2424100%2224
2022 Spring99100%89
2022 Fall29In ProgressIn Progress
2023 Fall34In ProgressIn Progress
Total60100%5560
*Combined Written O&P Exam was not established until 2021.
Graduate reporting of test scores is optional. Therefore, IIOP does not have access to all exam pass rates.
Percentages reported in this chart are representative of the pass rates for only those scores reported to IIOP.
The total number of students entering and graduating above do not reflect cohorts that are currently in progress.

History

The International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics was founded in 2015. The Master’s Program in Orthotics and Prosthetics offered today by the Institute has its history in the St. Petersburg College (SPC) O&P program at the Health Education Center in Pinellas Park, Florida.  SPC is a Florida  Community College, founded in 1927, that began offering four-year degrees in 2002.  In 2005 SPC was approved to offer a bachelor’s degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics.

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Graduate Testimonials

“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

“As a first-year graduate student at the International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics (IIOP), I had the opportunity to acquire valuable practical skills and knowledge that will serve me well as an O & P practitioner. I had been fortunate to be a part of a small class cohort of like-minded fellow students with experienced, knowledgeable instructors.  I was primarily impressed with the new state of the art facilities complete with fabrication labs and a private clinic that is made readily available to all of its students. IIOP provided a very welcoming environment that is both challenging and rewarding. I would sincerely recommend IIOP to anyone wanting to study to become an O&P practitioner.”

Victor Bustamante, Florida

“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

“The program at IIOP suited my learning style perfectly. It is fast, but the instructors make sure that no one is left behind. They were able to do this by maintaining smaller class sizes that allow for plenty of one on one. The mid-semester reviews are thorough and detailed to let the students know where they excel and where improvement is needed. Everything about this school is hands-on learning through every step of the way. We worked as a team to achieve the common goal which is providing top-notch patient care.”

Joaquin Campa III, Florida

“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

“IIOP is an amazing institute to learn from for many reasons, just a few being their great professors, the high quality education and the fabrication labs. I toured the program before I was admitted and fell in love with the facility because it’s huge and you have access to so many resources here including new cutting edge technology even other schools don’t have access to. A huge bonus is you get to study and learn at the same campus you’ll be taking your CPM board exams at which is a plus. The professors here are passionate and great at what they do. They also care a lot about your success and strive to make you better. I’ve personally never been somewhere where the professors are invested in you to this degree. I’ve learned so much through this program, and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to start and build the beginning of my O&P career here.”

Wadad Lahoud, Texas (2020 Graduate)

“The focus on fabrication and clinical skills is what sets IIOP apart. We spent as much time in the lab as we did in the clinic, something that is lacking in most other O and P programs. Along with this, the class size provides ample opportunities for one on one learning and the professors are extremely knowledgeable. All the Faculty and staff at IIOP genuinely want the best for students and will go above and beyond to make sure we succeed.”

Kenneth Laufer, Pennsylvania (2020 Graduate)

“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.”

Ivanice Torres Rivera, Puerto Rico (2020)

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