Course Requirements Overview
This is a guide to common pre-orthotist and prosthetist studies course requirements.
Additional Notes:
- Many programs prefer in person coursework, and some programs may not allow online coursework. See individual schools for policies.
- Individual schools may require or recommend additional courses.
- All prerequisites must be completed with a letter grade of C or higher.
- Schools vary on Credit-By-Exam (AP/IB/CLEP) policies and preferences for prerequisites. Please see "Can I Claim AP/IB Credit?"
School requirements can change. See individual school websites and admissions guides under "Research Orthotist & Prosthetist Programs Before You Apply".
Recommended Courses
To prepare for most O&P Programs, students study the following subjects.
- Biology/Life Sciences: Lecture – 6 hrs; Lab – 2 hrs
- Chemistry: Lecture – 3 hrs; Lab – 1 hrs
- Physics with Lab (for science majors): Lecture – 6 hrs; Lab – 2 hrs
- Human Anatomy and Human Physiology with Lab (for science majors): Lecture – 6 hrs; Lab – 2 hrs
- Psychology: 6 hrs
- Statistics: 3 hrs
- College Algebra or higher math: 3 hrs
UT Austin courses are typically taken to fulfill requirements.
Science courses:
| Subject | Lecture | Lab |
|---|---|---|
|
Biology
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| Anatomy |
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| Physiology |
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| General Chemistry |
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*Most schools require one semester of general chemistry with a lab. Some schools may require two semesters. (Check school websites for their specific requirements.)
|
General Physics (Physics courses can be either algebra or calculus based.) |
UT Austin offers 4 accepted lecture/lab sequences.
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Other remaining prerequisites:
| Subject | Lecture | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics |
SDS 302F OR SDS 320E OR EDP 371 OR PSY 418 OR |
Other introductory statistics courses may satisfy this requirement. Compare topics listed on the course syllabus with the requirements of the schools to which you will apply. |
| Math | Some schools may require one semester of college algebra or higher. Check school websites. |
Programs may vary on the specific requirements for the behavioral sciences. Generally, schools require no more than 3 – 6 hours which for most schools can be fulfilled by the following.
| Subject | Lecture | |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology |
PSY 301 AND PSY 333D OR PSY 352 |
Must be human growth and development or abnormal. Introduction to Psychology or General Psychology is often a prerequisite to these upper-level courses. |
O&P Program Prerequisite Course Timelines
Your personal timeline may differ from these samples. Work with your academic advisor to incorporate these courses into your degree plan.
- 4-Year Plan
- 5-Year Plan Including Bridge Year
- Pre-O&P Science Flowchart
Important Note: Timelines do not include all course options and details. To be sure that you are fulfilling all requirements, see individual school websites. School links are provided on another page. See: "Research Orthotist & Prosthetist Programs Before You Apply"!
Additional Course Information
- Currently a UT student and thinking of taking courses away from UT?
- Are Extension Courses Okay for Pre-Reqs?
- Other Pre-Health non-science courses of interest