Frequently Asked Questions: Blended Learning

How does the blended learning program work?
The blended learning program is a combination of distance learning and on-campus learning.  The distance learning portion consists of on-line learning modules that contain the material, tests, self evaluation tools, and other essential sections of the program that are required to develop your knowledge base in your respective discipline. The on-campus portion of the program consists of the clinical application of the knowledge and skills developed during the distance learning portion. You will be evaluating, designing and fitting orthoses or prostheses under the direction of our faculty.

Are orthotics and prosthetics combined or are they still separate?
The orthotic blended learning program and the prosthetic blended learning program are two separate programs.  After the successful completion of one program you will be eligible to apply for the other program if you choose to do so.

Is the cadaver anatomy review still offered?
Yes, during the clinical portion of the program you will be required to attend the cadaver anatomy laboratory section.  You will be tested on your knowledge of anatomy by identifying various anatomical structures. There will be a practical exam for that section. Also, you will be tested on the lecture series you take during the distance portion of the program.

Will I be with a class or will I be an independent learner?
At Northwestern, we feel strongly about learning with a cohort group. You will be interacting with your class during the distance learning portion of the program as well as attending the clinical on campus section together.

How will I be able to connect to the program?
At the beginning of the program, you and your fellow classmates will attend a “tech camp” that will provide you with the knowledge and skills to take the distance portion of the course. The “tech camp” will last three to four days during which time you will meet your fellow classmates and instructors. Also, you will attend orientation sessions to familiarize yourself with Northwestern University student policy and procedures.

Will I still be able to work while I am taking the course?
You will be able to continue your work schedule, however you will be required to keep up with the material on a regular basis. We expect you to be adult learners putting in at least a minimum of 15 hours per week on the program.

Will I just be loading a CD and then watch and listen?
No, you will be linking to our Mediasite server, where you will be monitored on your progress through each section.  You will be required to do group projects with fellow classmates as well.

Can I reach a faculty member if I need help?
Yes, our faculty will have regular office hours.  The times will be listed and you will be able to “meet” with them face to face through the internet.

Will there be any videocasts done synchronously during the program?
So far the program is relying on asynchronous learning as the main teaching tool. There may be synchronous presentations and you will be notified of these far in advance so you can set aside the time. Naturally this will be difficult for some students who live in different timezones.

What if my connection fails during a synchronous presentation?
Our distance learning director will be present and provide support for the students. There is redundancy built into the system as well. If all else fails, there will be a land phone line connection to give you audio feed. You will always be able to review the lecture at a later date any time you wish.

When do the courses start?
We offer a new blended learning certificate course beginning online each February, August, and November.
Short term courses are going on the entire year.

How do I become certified in Orthotics and/or Prosthetics?
First, one should have a bachelor's degree in any field, although degrees in the health sciences are most applicable. A degree in O & P is not necessary although there are a few programs in the country that have bachelor's degrees in O & P. The student then attends a 4 1/2 month post graduate certificate course in prosthetics and/or orthotics (each course is 4 1/2 months). The student must then get clinical experience for an additional 250 hours to complete their certificate, then they find a one year paid residency site where the student works with a certified practitioner. The student then can register to take their American Board of Certification Exam for Prosthetics or Orthotics. The student then becomes a Certified Prosthetist or CP, Certified Orthotist or CO, or Certified Orthotist-Prosthetist or CPO.

What are the prerequisites or requirements for the program?
First, the applicant should have a bachelor's degree. Although many applicants come from allied health professions such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Kinesiotherapy, Sports Training, Exercise Physiology, Health and Recreation, Sports and Recreation, many also come from the engineering sciences such as Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering. Any degree is acceptable as long as the student shows prerequisites such as Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, College Algebra or higher, and Psychology. Although classes with laboratory are not required, it is highly suggested that Human Anatomy and Physiology have a cadaver dissection laboratory since dissection is part of the course anatomy curriculum. Courses may be taken at any college, university, or junior college and the transcripts sent to NUPOC.

To participate in a blended learning program, each student must own a PC notebook or laptop that runs Windows XP, Microsoft Office, and Internet Explorer.

Can I apply even if I don't have all the required courses?
Students who have not attended all the required courses may be accepted with a contingency that they complete their degree or individual prerequisite courses. Their certificate will not be awarded until all contingencies are met.

Can I take the orthotic and prosthetic course back-to-back?
It is possible to take the traditional orthotic and prosthetic courses back-to-back although it is fairly challenging since it requires a 9-month commitment and sequential organization of the orthotic/prosthetic residencies. It is important to mention the desire to attend both courses with the application to either certificate course. Normally, it is suggested that the student first attend the orthotics certificate program if completion of both programs is desired, with its emphasis on anatomy and clinical pathologies.

How much experience is necessary to apply?
Applications are reviewed based on a competitive pool of applicants and experience is a significant factor. One year of experience as an employee or volunteer is beneficial prior to applying for school as preparation for the educational experience with machines and the clinical environment. Although it is possible to be accepted with less experience, it is highly beneficial.

Where do I get the experience?
Applicants can get experience by working or volunteering at any orthotic and prosthetic facility. Working with a Certified Orthotist or Certified Prosthetist will help prepare the student for a career in O & P. Students should be involved with fabrication and have supervised clinical contact.

How do I find a residency after attending school?
Many offices sponsor a student who qualifies to attend school and then returns to their office for their residency. Throughout the semester, residency sites post openings and interview prospective students. Residency sites must be approved by NCOPE, the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education. They adhere to strict guidelines to ensure that the resident receives the training necessary to pass their certification exams. A residency is a paid position, although the amount varies from office to office.

Can I work while in school?
The pacing of the school's traditional certification program is quite intense from 8:00 to 4:00 every day. Student time is spent in both lecture and in laboratory work. Frequently, students will learn theory and apply it immediately to their project. Evenings are spent digesting the large volume of material and preparation of laboratory. Although it is possible for students to work while taking the traditional program, it is not recommended; especially for inexperienced students.

The new blended learning programs will better accommodate those students who may need to continue working. This program begins with the didactic courses taken online, with some self-pacing but plenty of guidance. Blended learning students should expect to spend from 15-20 hours per week participating in online activities, for four to five months. After a month's break, those students will come to campus to attend the clinical portion of the program for two months; during which period working outside of school is not recommended.

Where are you located?
NUPOC is on the 17th floor of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago on 345 E. Superior, Chicago, Illinois. It is situated near the Northwestern Memorial Hospital complex in downtown Chicago. The main campus of Northwestern University is in Evanston, approximately 10 miles north.

Where could I stay when I take a course at NUPOC?
Abbott Hall is a Northwestern dormitory on campus that caters to post-graduate students of the Northwestern Medical, Law, and Business Schools. It is located one block away and convienient to downtown Chicago. Space is limited and advance notice helps to ensure a room is available. NUPOC will be able to advise students of some local housing opportunities (and potentially, roommates) as well. Some students find housing independently, in close by downtown apartments and the Evanston campus. 

Is academic support available for NUPOC students?
We are currently working on this answer

What is the application fee?
The nonrefundable application fee is $50. The reapplication fee is $25.

Tell me about the certificate program. What are the requirements?

• 4 year or higher degree
• 1 year experience
• Prerequisite courses

Can I defer my acceptance?
Deferrals are granted per the discretion of the directors.

How many students are accepted?
For each certificate program, 24 students are accepted for orthotics, and 21 students are accepted for prosthetics.

Is this program considered full time?
Yes, the program is considered Full-Time. Traditional program students are in class Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4:00 pm.

Are there any breaks during the semester?
Spring Semester - January to May - Good Friday
Fall Semester - August - December - Labor Day and Thanksgiving.