University of Wisconsin–Madison

Prosthetist & Orthotist

About Prosthetics & Orthotics

Certified orthotists and prosthetists (CPO) are allied health care professionals who work with patients to assess their functional ability; craft orthotic/prosthetic treatment plans; design, fabricate, and build orthotic and prosthetic devices; and remain connected with patients over time to provide continuing care.

    Orthotists create orthopedic braces that externally support a patient’s musculoskeletal system, while prosthetists create custom artificial limbs for patients. Learn more at whatispop.org (POP: Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Pedorthics).

    Orthotists and prosthetists have unique expertise in patient assessment as well as device materials and design. Their skills allow their patients to have increased independence and mobility.

    CPOs work in a multitude of settings, some of which are veteran affairs, rehabilitation, and long-term care facilities, along with hospitals and patients’ homes. 

    Note: UW-Madison does not offer a prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) program. While this field is not among CPHA’s primary areas of advising expertise, we are here to support you in exploring the career, building helpful experiences, and navigating some aspects of professional program applications. Talk with us if you have questions!

    ON THIS PAGE

    Degree/Certification Paths

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    Become a Certified Orthotist (CO), Certified Prosthetist (CP), or Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO) by completing the following:

    O&P Assistants and Technicians are associates or bachelor’s level practitioners who work with CPOs to care for patients and design and construct O&P devices. Learn more on the American Board of Certification (ABC) website.

    These are specialized, credentialed practitioners who have undergone training and passed an American Board of Certification (ABC) exam. Learn more on the ABC website. 

    Explore Your Interest in Prosthetics & Orthotics

    Shadowing & Informational Interviews

    An excellent way to explore your interest in P&O is by talking directly with providers. Shadow or conduct informational interviews with CPOs to learn what their day is like. Look for CPOs on social media and see if they are willing to talk about their career.

    Learn more about Shadowing & Informational Interviews

    Volunteering

    Health professions programs look for applicants who demonstrate a sustained commitment to serving others in healthcare and community settings. Learn more about opportunities to volunteer in clinical and non-clinical settings.

    Learn more about Volunteering

    Jobs & Certifications

    Explore patient care roles and other health jobs to gain experience working with people. Consider working or volunteering alongside P&O professionals. The American Board of Certification website can help you find facilities to reach out to. Confirm that this work is something you enjoy!

    Learn more about Jobs & Certifications

    Additional Exploration Resources

    Preparing for an P&O Program

    Find a Program & Apply

    The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) has a program directory with information on accredited orthotist & prosthetist programs in the US. (Select “Orthotist/Prosthetist” under “Profession.”) 

    Connect with the Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center (NUPOC) in Chicago, IL by emailing nupoc@northwestern.edu or following @nupoc_studentsociety on Instagram.

    Some but not all accredited Orthotic and Prosthetic programs use OPCAS as a common application. Others will have you apply on their website. Applications open in July to start the summer/fall of the following year. Some programs do rolling admissions or have a priority deadline, so it can be helpful to apply early.

    The OPCAS Help Center shares more information about application components and the OPCAS fee waiver program.

    Most programs do not require a standardized test, but some will accept or require the GRE. The module “Prepare for the GRE” on our “Applying to Health Professions” Canvas course has more information on study plans, resources, and tips for the GRE.  

    Learn more about Applying

    Related CPHA Canvas Courses

    Pre-Health 101

    If you are a first year student or healthcare is a new interest, begin by signing up for Pre-Health 101: our free, self-paced online orientation course. It provides an overview of pre-health classes, activities, application timelines, and more.

    Enroll in Pre-Health 101
    Applying to Health Programs Self-Paced Canvas Course

    Applying to Health Programs

    CPHA runs a Canvas course called Applying to Health Programs, a non-credit course designed to help you with the process of applying to programs.

    Enroll in Applying to Health Programs
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