First Discipline Distance Learning Overview (DLP 1)

The Newington Certificate Program in Orthotics & Prosthetics (NCP) provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of orthotics and/or prosthetics. Traditionally, a first discipline student will study exclusively at Newington, CT. However, the NCP has established a unique Distance Learning Program in Orthotics and Prosthetics designed for first discipline students. This innovative and revolutionary approach to O&P education will enable a first discipline student to maintain their current address and complete course work in either Orthotics or Prosthetics from the Newington Certificate Program.

The 1st discipline DLP is a 9-month, 2-semester, post-baccalaureate certificate program in orthotics or prosthetics using an e-learning delivery system. It is designed for the student that has a related degree and meets the requirements outlined by the National Commission of Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (see below).

The core classes for Orthotics/Prosthetics will be delivered through a web-based system and supplemented by DVDs throughout the academic year. Classroom instruction will include lecture, lecture demonstration, and laboratory activities. The web-based learning management system will provide the learner with lectures, readings, video, and message boards for each course. The supplementary DVDs will be shipped out to the distance learner via UPS. The distance learner will view the class within the given time frame and then will "attend" a scheduled telephone conference discussion group. The telephone conference discussion groups will give the students the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the class/lecture. The distance learner will complete laboratory activities within the given time frame during his/her residency/work hours at the sponsored facility (see Affiliate Practice Requirements below). There will be a one-week scheduling lag between the "seated" students and the distance learning students.

Distance learners will be subject to the same testing procedures as the students on site at Newington. Tests, quizzes and mid-term exams will be given under the same time constraints as the "seated" students. The final exam will be administered at the Newington location only. This will require travel to Newington to take part in a written, oral and lab practical examination at the end of each semester.

This revolutionary approach has received developmental accreditation by NCOPE and all successful students will be eligible to enter into their respective residencies upon graduation

Prerequisites:

(All admission standards are in compliance with NCOPE's requirements)

Applicants are required to have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, with college coursework that includes credits in the following areas:

Applicants must have a host/sponsor O&P facility which is an NCOPE accredited residency site throughout their coursework at the Newington Certificate Program.

Applicants must have documentation of successful completion of the co-requisite coursework (courses that are not O&P specific-but comprise the remainder of the practitioner education). The documentation must include the name of the Accredited College or University, course listing, course description and a copy of the syllabus. The Admission Committee will determine eligibility for the specified coursework.

The co-requisite coursework is as follows:

Clinical Affiliation:

First-hand exposure to the orthotic/prosthetic and health care environment is essential to the education and training of orthotists-prosthetists. The National Commission on Orthotic & Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) has mandated 250 hours of clinical affiliation (internship) in an O & P accredited facility in the specific discipline being studied. The intent is to expose the student to all facets of orthotics and prosthetics in a real-life situation against the background of a sound academic/learning environment on a rotational basis.

As a first year DLP 1 student you will be required to complete these hours at your host/affiliate site, which must also be an NCOPE accredited residency site.

Affiliate Practice Requirements

1. To provide a safe, professional environment for the DLP students to achieve academic objectives as prescribed by the NCP. Current ABC facility accreditation is required. NCOPE residency accreditation is strongly recommended.
2. To provide access to a comprehensive O & P/Medical Library (either within the confines of the affiliate practice (AP) or in agreement within a local university/medical library)
3. To provide timely exposure to real and/or mock patients as prescribed by the current curriculum.
4. To provide oversight/mentoring by an ABC Board Certified practitioner in the discipline being studied by the DLP student.
5. To provide reasonable access to a phone, computer and fax machine (primarily outside of the normal business hours of the AP). Required conference calls will be arranged using a toll-free number.
6. To provide reasonable access to machinery, equipment and consumable materials (plaster, plastic, etc.)
7. To provide reasonable access to technical assistance, central fabrication or on-site manufacturing.
8. To provide professional, moral support of the academic pursuits of the DLP student.

Application Process:

Candidates for admission to the Certificate Program shall submit the following:

• Formal application
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official college transcripts
• Prerequisite Fulfillment Form
• Co-requisite Fulfillment Form and supporting documentation
• Non-refundable application fee of $75.00.

Please make all checks payable to Newington Certificate Program. Deadline for receipt of completed applications is June 1st. An interview will be granted to those candidates with the highest GPA standing in the undergraduate curriculum, as well as in the prerequisites.

Tuition/Fees:

Tuition and fees will be determined upon credit hours taken per semester.