Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology

Return to: School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Master of Rehabilitation Technology

Program Overview

In the online Master’s in Rehabilitation Technology, you’ll learn to assess the applications of assistive devices, participate in hands-on clinical training through in-person workshops and internships and work directly with end-users in this rehabilitation master’s centered around technology. Thanks to specialized course credits in clinical rehab, you’ll reduce the number of work hours required to obtain Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America’s (RESNA) Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) credential.

Contact Information

RST Admin
University of Pittsburgh
6425 Penn Avenue, Suite 401
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412-383-1150
E-mail: rstinfo@shrs.pitt.edu
http://www.shrs.pitt.edu/RST/

Accreditation Status

Application Requirements

All applicants must:

• Complete the GradCAS application;
• Submit the application fee of $50 (U.S.).
• Submit an essay — a description of educational and long-term professional goals;
• Submit two letters of reference, preferably from individuals who have instructed you in academic settings. These letters should address the applicant’s academic, professional, and personal attributes and potential for meaningful graduate study;
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended;
• Additional requirements for international applicants

Note: Application can be submitted when course requirements are in progress. 

Please note this program requires that you complete clinical internships at facilities external to the University, and such facilities will or may require a criminal background check, an Act 33/34 clearance, and perhaps a drug screen to determine whether you are qualified to participate in the clinical internships.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and Fee rates for the MRT program can be found at the following website: 

• http://ir.pitt.edu/graduate-tuition/

Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics

Program Overview

Clinical orthotics and prosthetics includes the evaluation, design, fabrication and custom fitting of orthoses (orthopedic braces) and prostheses (artificial limbs). Artificial limbs, or prostheses, are used to replace missing limbs or portions of limbs, and to improve function of the upper or lower extremities. Orthopedic braces, or orthoses, are used to stabilize or unload joints, improve motion and reduce stresses on tissue, substitute for muscle weakness or paralysis, and assist in normal growth, development and function. Orthoses can be applied to the head, neck, trunk, or limbs. Orthotists and Prosthetists work in a variety of settings, including private practice, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, and home health settings. Orthotists and Prosthetists are currently in high demand, and the demand is expected to increase in the future.

Orthotists and Prosthetists are part of the health care team, and as such, work with physicians, therapists, and other health care professionals to provide the orthotic and prosthetic services to users. Orthotists and prosthetists are responsible for:

1. Performing comprehensive assessment of the orthotic/prosthetic users needs,
2. Creating a comprehensive orthotic/prosthetic treatment plan to meet the needs and goals of the user,
3. Performing the necessary procedures to deliver the appropriate orthotic/prosthetic services, which may include fabrication of the orthosis/prosthesis,
4. Providing continuing patient care and periodic evaluation to assure/maintain/ document optimal fit and function of the orthosis/prosthesis,
5. Participating in personal and professional development through continuing education, training, research and organizational affiliations, and
6. Developing, implementing and/or monitoring policies and procedures regarding human, business, and organizational management.

The MSPO Program is five consecutive terms in length, including one summer term, and requires a total of 65 credits. It is designed to meet all standards for accreditation by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) and for preparing students to complete residencies and take the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics examinations.

During the last term of the program, students complete a clinical internship, typically where they gain exposure to a real- world clinical settings. Most students will relocate out of the Pittsburgh area during this term. The MSPO program currently has agreements with clinical sites across the country and we can work with the student to establish new sites for internship for this final term if necessary.

Contact Information

RST Admin
University of Pittsburgh
6425 Penn Avenue, Suite 401
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412-383-1150
E-mail: rstinfo@shrs.pitt.edu
http://www.shrs.pitt.edu/po/

Accreditation Status

The Master of Science Program in Prosthetics and Orthotics has been granted accreditation by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE). Our graduates are eligible for NCOPE residencies, and, upon successful completion of an NCOPE residency, they are eligible to take the certification examinations of the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC). 

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Admissions Application Deadline

Prerequisite courses

1. Baccalaureate Degree. No specific major is mandated; however, the degree should include a well-rounded general education with a distribution of courses in the sciences, mathematics, psychology, social sciences, and humanities.
2. Prerequisite coursework includes foundation courses in the following areas:

3. Recommended minimum overall grade point is a 3.0 grade-point average in all college-level courses and a 3.0 average in prerequisite courses. Applicants with less than a 3.0 but with other outstanding qualifications will be considered.
4. Applicants applying to the Prosthetics and Orthotics (MS) program will apply online using the Orthotics & Prosthetics Centralized Application Service, known as OPCAS, https://portal.opcas.org/ submit one copy of their official transcript, letters of recommendation, and other required information directly to OPCAS.

To be assured inclusion in the review process, applications should be completed by the date posted on the MSPO website (http://www.shrs.pitt.edu/po.) Application information which must be submitted includes:

• Completed application form
• Official transcriptions of all college-level courses
• Letters of recommendation (three)
  • At least one from a college instructor
  • At least two from a health care professional (preferably a certified orthotist or prosthetist)
• Essay describing background leading to your choice of this profession and your long-term goals.
• Record of work, shadowing, or volunteer experience related to the profession of orthotics and prosthetics. 250 hour minimum of shadowing time.
• Additional requirements for international applicants

Please note that the University of Pittsburgh’s program requires that you complete clinical internships at facilities external to the University, and such facilities will or may require a criminal background check, blood titers, an Act 33/34 clearance, and a drug screen to determine whether you are qualified to participate in the clinical internships. Prior to the start of the program, the student will utilize Exxat to submit the requirements and have them maintained on file during their time at the University. To become licensed, many states will inquire as to whether the applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor, a felony, or a felonious or illegal act associated with alcohol and/or substance abuse.

Admissions process, application deadline and prerequisites requirements are available on the Prosthetics and Orthotics webpage.

The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences does not require a supplemental application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to complete all admission requirements prior to enrollment.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and Fee rates for the MSPO program can be found at the following websites:

https://www.tuition.pitt.edu/graduate/tuition/school-health-and-rehabilitation-sciences

In addition to University Fees, some of the MSPO courses have lab fees associated with them. Current Fees are available on the Prosthetics and Orthotics webpage.

Programs

• Prosthetics & Orthotics, MS
• Rehabilitation Technology, MRT

Return to: School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences