Establishes grants for eligible institutions to either start or expand master’s degree programs in orthotics and prosthetics.
Prioritizes institutions that have partnerships with VA or DoD medical centers or clinics, especially those offering clinical rotations.
Grant amounts range from $1,000,000 to $1,500,000.
Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to issue requests for proposals within 180 days of enactment and annually thereafter for two years.
Grant funds can be used for various purposes including expanding programs, training faculty, providing financial aid (with a preference for veterans), and purchasing equipment.
Limits the use of funds for construction to 50% of the grant amount.
Institutions must give admission and financial aid preference to veterans, especially those with limb loss or mobility impairment.
Grants can be used over a three-year period.
Defines eligible institutions based on accreditation status and ability to meet accreditation requirements if granted funding.
Authorizes $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2025 to fund these grants, with unobligated funds by September 30, 2027, to be returned to the Treasury.
Establishes a Center of Excellence in Orthotic and Prosthetic Education with a $5,000,000 grant to improve outcomes through research.
Gives priority to institutions with existing or potential partnerships with federal agencies or private sector entities for resource provision or research assistance.
The Center’s grant can be used for developing research agendas, funding research, and disseminating findings over a five-year period.
Specifies eligibility for the Center based on research capabilities, accreditation, recognition in the field, and associations with VA medical centers and local rehabilitation hospitals.
Authorizes $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2025 to establish the Center of Excellence.