It¹s probably too early in the evolution of the field to have many
definitive answers to this query but it would be logical to expect that,
once all schools have successfully made the transition to offering an
entry-level master¹s degree, some will then develop options for existing
clinicians who already possess a bachelor¹s degree. This is what happened
in OT & PT after their transitions.
We are certainly actively discussing this at Northwestern University and
planning to offer this option later in the decade. But, the time
requirements, teaching format, prerequisites and costs will all be dependent
on what the University and their accrediting body will endorse. Until we
have at least a couple of successful cohorts of entry-level master¹s
students admitted, the University won¹t seriously consider the creation of
another program.
BTW, there are a number of accredited masters programs in related fields
pertinent to P&O that are geared for the working professional, and offer
weekend/evening classes, including business [MBA], education [MEd], and
rehab sciences [MS]. Many CPOs have chosen this route already, and it will
remain a viable one for the future.
Sorry it¹s not possible to be more specific at this time, but the good news
is that in addition to the current ³adult learner masters² programs across
the country, it is likely that we will have multiple options in the
not-too-distant future for transitional masters in P&O.
–John
John W. Michael, MEd, CPO/L
Fellow, AAOP & ISPO
Associate Director
Prosthetic and Orthotic Center
Northwestern University
Feinberg School of Medicine
680 North Lake Shore Drive, Suite 1100
Chicago, IL 60611
312.503.5700
[email protected]
www.feinberg.northwestern.edu
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