O&P Program Receives Candidacy Accreditation

Salus University faculty and staff are waiting with anticipation and excitement as they prepare to welcome the inaugural cohort of Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) students in the fall of 2022. Upon arrival, the University’s O&P program will be the 14th nationwide and will be integrated into the College of Health Sciences, Education and Rehabilitation (CHER). 

The program recently received candidacy accreditation by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE). 

​The O&P lab, located on the Elkins Park, Pennsylvania campus, to be completed soon, was made possible by a $750,000 Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant, which has helped the University provide incoming students with new state-of-the-art training spaces and technology.

The program is committed to developing and nurturing orthotic-prosthetic student leaders while providing them with a well-rounded master’s degree focused on cultural humility, diversity, and person-centered care. There will be a strong emphasis on inclusion to promote an environment of students belonging within the classroom.  

As O&P research and professionals are in high demand, Salus is excited to continue growing and expanding the variety of educational opportunities available at the institution. This is not only a new endeavor for Salus, but provides a tremendous opportunity for the University to continue their contribution to the local Philadelphia and Montgomery County communities as well.  

The inaugural cohort of around 24 students will be led by Chad Duncan, PhD, CRC, CPO, chair and program director; Julie McCulley Quinlan, MPO, MS, CPO, ATC, instructor; Virginia Muthard, CPO/L, FAAOP, instructor; Ernstha Jovin, administrative assistant; and Kevin Cianfrani, lab manager. 

More information on the O&P program can be found on the Orthotics and Prosthetics Program page, and any questions can be directed to Dr. Duncan by emailing cduncan@salus.edu. 

Note: Attainment of the Candidate for Accreditation status does not ensure that it will be granted full accreditation.