Prosthetics & Orthotics:
Bachelor of Science in P&O

Applying to the P&O Program

Prerequisite Coursework

Prerequisite course work may be taken at the UW or at other institutions of higher learning. Students attending two-year colleges in Washington State can see their college counselor to verify transfer credits. UW course equivalencies may also be viewed at http://www.washington.edu/students/uga/tr/planning/ccequivguide/. For courses from schools outside of Washington , compare the course description from the school’s catalog to the descriptions below. UW course numbers are given in parentheses.

To be considered for admission, students must complete, by the end of autumn quarter of the year prior to expected admission, a minimum of 20 quarter credits of the 39 credits (with Microbiology) or 44 credits (with Biology) of the prerequisite courses, or their equivalent at other schools. Courses must be completed with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale.

All students must submit a reasonable plan (page 6 of the application) for completing any remaining unsatisfied prerequisite courses and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.7 in these courses. Prerequisites must be completed prior to program entrance. The specific required prerequisite courses are:

General Biology 161, 162 (10 credits)
Living systems viewed from the subcellular to the community levels, emphasizing the diversity, functioning, and interaction of whole organisms. Topics covered in 161 include cells structure and function, energy, genetics, animal physiology and development. Topics covered in 162 include plant and animal diversity, plant structure and function, general ecology, and evolution.

OR

General Microbiology 301 (3 credits), 302 (2 credits)
Acquaints students with micro-organisms and their activities. Topics include microbial cell structure and function, metabolism, microbial genetics, and the role of microorganisms in disease immunity. 302 is the concurrent lab with 301.

AND

General Physics 114 (4 credits), 117 (1 credit)
General Physics 115 (4 credits), 118 (1 credit)
Basic principles of physics presented without use of college-level mathematics.
114: mechanics and sound with concurrent lab (117)
115: heat and electromagnetism with concurrent lab (118)

Biological Structure 301 (4 credits)

General anatomy
Survey of systematic human anatomy including human skeletal, muscular, respiratory, nervous, circulatory, endocrine, urinary, digestive, and reproductive systems.

Biology 118 (5 credits)
Human physiology (formerly ZOOL 118)

Psychology 101 (5 credits)
Behavior from a social-science perspective. Emphasizes human social behavior and influence personality, learning, behavior disorders and treatment. Related topics may include memory, cognition, state of consciousness, motivation and emotion, perception, development, and research methods.

Chemistry 120 (5 credits)
Atoms and molecules, including structure of atoms, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, phases of matter, solutions, equilibrium, and reaction states. Includes laboratory.

Recommended Electives:

Sociology 110 (Survey of Sociology)
Communication 201 ( Introduction to Communication I)
Communication 220 (Introduction to Public Speaking)
Psychology 203 ( Introduction to Personality and Individual Differences)
Psychology 306 (Developmental Psychology)
Courses using computer applications

Cumulative Grade Point/Prerequisite Grade Point Requirements

Students must have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 2.7 on all college work and a 2.7 on all prerequisites by the end of the quarter or semester prior to application in order to be considered for admission to the program. These grade point averages must be maintained during any remaining course work completed prior to the point of entry into the professional phase of the program.

In 2007, the top twelve (12) applicants were offered admission. The following statistics relate to those 12 applicants:

Average Prerequisite Grade Point Range: 2.91– 4.00
Average Cumulative Grade Point Range : 2.94– 3.94

General Education Requirements

A student must have satisfied the general education requirements by the end of Summer Quarter prior to entry into the program. For further information, students not currently enrolled at the UW should contact the Division of Prosthetics-Orthotics. UW students should contact the Undergraduate Advising Gateway Center, 171 Mary Gates Hall, 206-543-2550.

Division of Prosthetics-Orthotics
University of Washington
Box 356490
Seattle, WA 98195-6490
Phone: 206-616-8586

Kay Balston, UW Academic Counselor
University of Washington
171 Mary Gates Hall, Box 352805
Seattle, WA 98195
Phone: 206-543-2551

A. Proficiency Requirement (for students entering without a Baccalaureate Degree)

English Composition (5 credits with a 2.0 minimum grade)

Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning (5 credits with a 2.0 minimum grade) Physics 114 meets this requirement

Writing Course Requirement (10 credits with a 0.7 minimum grade)
These are not English composition courses, but rather courses in which the student will practice the type of writing appropriate to a particular discipline. Most W courses require three or four short papers, or one long paper that you must submit for comments and then rewrite. Courses that apply to this requirement are designated "W" courses in the Time Schedule each quarter.

B. Areas of Knowledge (for all students)

Visual, Literary, and Performing Arts (20 credits)
Courses in this Area focus on the history, interpretation, criticism, and practice of the arts. Examples of departments that offer such courses include art history, classics, dance, drama, literature, music, and foreign languages.

Individuals and Societies (20 credits)
This Area includes a wide variety of options for the study of human beings and societies. Courses focus on the history, development, and dynamics of human behavior, as well as social and cultural institutions and practices. Examples of departments that offer such courses include American ethnic studies, anthropology, economics, history, international studies, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, and women studies.

The Natural World (20 credits)
Courses in this Area focus on the disciplined, scientific study of the natural world. The Area can be divided into three broad categories: the mathematical sciences, the physical sciences, and the biological sciences. Examples of departments that offer such courses include astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, oceanography, and physics.

Application Procedures

Application to the UW Prosthetics-Orthotics Program is a two-part process.
Students are responsible for obtaining and submitting all application materials .

Part 1: Application to the University of Washington

1. Current UW students do not need to reapply to the University of Washington.
   
2. Non-UW students must contact the Office of Admissions and consult the Transfer Admission Packet to determine their high school core subject requirements.
   
3. An application should be submitted to the University of Washington by February 15. The international application deadline is January 15. University admissions close when no further space is available. Two (2) sets of official transcripts from all colleges attended must be submitted to the University of Washington Office of Admissions with the application. Students already holding a baccalaureate degree should apply for post-baccalaureate (5th year) status. To obtain an application to the University, please contact:

University of Washington
Office of Admissions
320 Schmitz Hall
Box 355840

Seattle, WA 98195-5840
Phone: 206-543-9686
Application Request Line: 206-543-5150
E-mail: askuwadm@u.washington.edu
http://www.washington.edu/students/uga

Part 2: Application to the Division of Prosthetics-Orthotics

Applications to the Division of Prosthetics-Orthotics are revised yearly and are available during fall quarter of each year. The Division of Prosthetics-Orthotics Bachelor of Science Application Material is available for download in pdf format.

There are three documents:

1. Application Letter
2. Prosthetics-Orthotics Essential Requirements
3. Prosthetic-Orthotic Application

The application includes the following:

• application checklist
• academic record summary instructions
• prerequisite academic record summary instructions
• application form and instructions
• reference forms
  

The application to the Division of Prosthetics-Orthotics should be sent to the address below and must be postmarked by the January 15 deadline. A completed application must include:

• A Prosthetics-Orthotics application form
  
• One(1) set of official transcripts of all academic courses taken at the college level through Autumn Quarter/Semester must be submitted to the Prosthetics-Orthotics Division. This transcript is in addition to the two sent to the University of Washington Admissions Office. UW students must submit a UW transcript, as well as transcripts from all former colleges attended.
  
• Three (3) reference forms and letters completed by persons who can assess the applicant's aptitude for a health care profession. Reference forms and instructions for letters are provided with the application.

Send Completed Applications to:

University of Washington
Division of Prosthetics-Orthotics
Box 356490
Seattle, WA 98195-6490
Phone: 206-616-8586
Fax: 206-685-3244
E-mail: pando96@u.washington.edu
Web site: http://depts.washington.edu/rehab/po

[to top]

Selection Process

The Prosthetics-Orthotics Admissions Committee will evaluate each applicant for admission through a review of scholastic achievement, written essay, references, and involvement in activities or work related to the health professions. Applicants are encouraged to work or volunteer in the profession to demonstrate their interest in and understanding of the field. Independent assessments of each candidate are conducted separately by a committee of three members. Candidates for admission are then recommended to the Prosthetics-Orthotics Advisory and Evaluation Committee, a standing committee of the School of Medicine, which makes the final decision on admissions. Written notification of admission or non-admission is sent to each applicant.

Admission is provisional meeting the following requirements prior to entering the program:

1) prerequisite courses
2) general education requirements
3) acceptance to the University of Washington for Autumn Quarter
4) satisfactory completion of the Washington State Patrol Check.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodation

The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity in education without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in accordance with University policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations.

This policy applies to all University programs and facilities, including, but not limited to, admissions, educational programs, and employment. Such discrimination is prohibited by Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination in Employment Act Amendments of 1978, Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and other federal and state statutes and regulations.

The University of Washington is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation contact the Disability Services Office at least ten days in advance at: 206-543-6450/V, 206-543-6452/TTY, 206-685-7264 (FAX), or dso@u.washington.edu.

[to top]

Washington State Patrol Check

A Washington State Patrol Check is required of all students offered admission or alternate status to the University of Washington, School of Medicine, Division of Prosthetics-Orthotics. This form will be provided with the letter offering admission or alternate status and must be returned immediately as the check may take up to three months to complete. The State of Washington requires this background check to identify individuals who have been convicted of felonies against vulnerable populations. The hospitals and clinics that are used for training are not allowed to employ or train people with these backgrounds.

[to top]