The NUPOC Mission Statement

Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center (NUPOC) for Education and Research is dedicated to helping people affirm their lives with hope, independence and enthusiasm by advancing technology and knowledge about prostheses and orthoses.

NUPOC is committed to:

• The education and training of professional prosthetists, orthotists, rehabilitation engineers, and other rehabilitation professionals
• The design and application of prostheses and orthoses
• Improving human interactions with prosthetics and orthotics systems


NUPOC conducts its research and education within a clinically-oriented environment that fosters provision of effective prosthetic and orthotic treatments that enhance the independence and quality of life for individuals who live with a physical disability.

97.2% of NUPOC MPO Graduates Achieved NCOPE-Approved Residency Placement within 6 Months of Graduation 

These outcomes are derived from voluntary self-report data and may not represent the full number of MPO graduates who obtained NCOPE-accredited residencies.

MPO 2023 Placement is 98%

All 47 that actively pursued a residency obtained a placement within 6 months. 1 student that delayed pursuing a residency obtained a placement within 12 months. All 48 graduates secured a residency position.

MPO 2022 Placement is 98% 

49 graduates in the 8th NUPOC MPO Class (2022) obtained Residency placements at NCOPE-approved sites or returned to work/residency in their home country.

MPO 2021 Placement is 100% 

All 48 graduates in the 7th NUPOC MPO Class (2021) obtained Residency placements at NCOPE-approved sites or returned to work/residency in their home country.

MPO 2020 Placement is 96%

Of the 48 graduates in the 6th NUPOC MPO class (2020), 45 reported they obtained NCOPE-approved residency placements or returned to work/residency in their home country. Two graduates did not respond and/or were lost to follow up and one graduate returned to work/residency in their home country.

MPO 2019 Placement is 87%

Of the 47 graduates in the 5th NUPOC MPO class (2019), 41 reported they obtained NCOPE-approved residency placements or returned to work/residency in their home country. Six graduates did not respond and/or were lost to follow up.

MPO 2018 Placement is 96% 

Of the 51 graduates in the 4th NUPOC MPO Class (2018), 49 obtained Residency placements at NCOPE-approved sites or returned to work/residency in their home country. Prior to accepting a residency placement, one graduate chose to work in the field for a year. One graduate took the biennial Massachusetts’ Civil Service exam shortly after graduation and chose to become a police officer. One graduate was lost to follow up.

MPO 2017 Placement is 100% 

All 46 graduates in the 3rd NUPOC MPO Class (2017) obtained Residency placements at NCOPE-approved sites or returned to work/residency in their home country.

MPO 2016 Placement is 100%

All 44 graduates in the 2nd NUPOC MPO Class (2016) obtained Residency placements at NCOPE-approved sites. One person worked in the field for a year after graduation prior to accepting a residency position. 

MPO 2015 Placement is 100%

All 44 graduates in the NUPOC inaugural MPO Class (2015) obtained Residency placements at NCOPE-approved sites.