The Concept of an Entry-Level Interdisciplinary Graduate Degree Preparing Orthotists for the New Millennium Part 2: Master of Orthotic Science

Abstract

Today’s advancements of technology coupled with the changes of health care into an outcomes-oriented system have challenged orthotic and prosthetic education programs to ensure that graduates attain contemporary knowledge, skills, and competencies. Combined with the expanding elderly population in need of orthotic and prosthetic care and the nationwide shortage of orthotists and prosthetists, more graduates possessing advanced knowledge and skills are needed to meet the future demand for orthotic and prosthetic services. To address these needs, an interdisciplinary entry-level master of orthotic science and eventually a parallel master of prosthetic science degree program is warranted. This graduate program emphasizes cross-disciplinary educational experiences of orthotic and prosthetic students with occupational therapy, physical therapy, special education, industrial engineering, and related allied health and science programs to increase the competencies of practitioners, especially when the “essential outcomes” are embedded in the master’s degree program. The master of orthotic science (and eventually the master of prosthetic science) degrees will teach the essential outcomes while surrounding those “essentials” with additional graduate-level course work that will strengthen the practitioner’s technical knowledge as well as clinical, research, problem-solving, and collaborative team-building skills. The interdisciplinary curriculum concept is supported by research demonstrating positive learning outcomes in related medical and allied health education programs. Entry-level master’s degree education programs will foster advancement of the orthotic and prosthetic profession and train future leaders in the areas of clinical practice, education, research, and administration to prepare orthotists and prosthetists for the 21st century.