Academic Programs
Explore education programs for orthotists/prosthetists, technicians, and assistants.
Orthotist/Prosthetist Programs
Master’s degree or higher. Programs average 21 months, or about 31 months with an integrated residency, followed by an NCOPE-accredited residency where it isn’t part of the degree.
O&P Technician Programs
A post-secondary certificate, often completed in about 12 months. Many programs also offer an associate degree.
O&P Assistant Programs
Associate degree or higher. The current accredited program is an emphasis within a bachelor’s degree, so length varies.
More academic resources
NCOPE’s role in academic accreditation
In partnership with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), NCOPE serves as the CoA for orthotist/prosthetist, orthotic/prosthetic technician, and orthotic/prosthetic assistant education. Each CoA is comprised of experts who assess applicant programs to ensure they meet the nationally accepted standards that are designed to prepare graduates for entry into the healthcare workforce. The accreditation standards are developed and adopted in collaboration with CAAHEP member-sponsors. Once an applicant program’s formal application and CoA review process is complete, the designated CoA forwards program accreditation recommendations to CAAHEP for review to ensure they adhere to the principles of due process and are devoid of any conflicts of interest. CAAHEP awards accreditation to those programs that meet or exceed the national standards.