To qualify for the endorsement for Orthopedic Impairments a person must:

1. Have completed a program of preparation for teaching pupils who have orthopedic impairments which has been approved by the Board; or

2. Hold a license or certificate, issued by another state, with an endorsement to teach orthopedic impairments; or

3. Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the area of physical or orthopedic impairments and have completed 8 semester credits of student teaching, equivalent field experience or 1 year of verifiable teaching experience with such pupils; or

4. Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree and:
    

   1. Have completed 8 semester hours of student teaching of pupils who have orthopedic impairments, equivalent field experience with such pupils or 1 year of verifiable teaching experience with such pupils; and

   2. Have completed 18 semester credits of course work to include each of the following areas:

1. Introduction to special education or the education of pupils who have disabilities;

2. The development of the curriculum and methods of teaching pupils who have orthopedic impairments;

3. Parental involvement in programs for pupils who have disabilities;

4. Rehabilitative services, education or planning for the transition of pupils who have disabilities from their current placement to placement in additional educational programs, employment and living independently as an adult;

5. Assessment and curriculum for pupils who have disabilities;

6. The study of anatomy, physiology and chronic problems of health or medical aspects of pupils who have disabilities; and

7. The study of therapeutic movement or basic motor skills.

NOTE: Some colleges/universities combine subject matter into one course. We will accept one course that encompasses two areas listed above if the course was specifically designed to fulfill more than one area and is a minimum of three (3) semester credits; however, the allowance will only be made once.
 

The Option Program

The Option Program is a way an employer can fill high-need areas. The Option Program is an agreement between you and your employer and is not coordinated through the Office of Teacher Licensure. Your employer will provide written documentation to you if you are placed on the Option Program. While on the program, you will be required to complete the appropriate course work and meet the requirements for the full endorsement in the time prescribed by your employer but no longer than 3 years from the date that you are placed on the program. The endorsement is not reflected on your license while you are on the program. At the end of the Option Program, you must submit the additional endorsement application and fee to our office in order to add the endorsement to your license.

The minimum requirements for the Orthopedic Impairments Option Program are:

Hold a Nevada elementary, middle school/junior high or secondary license or a special teaching license issued by Nevada with an endorsement in special education or a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with a major or minor in special education. Additionally, you must have completed 6 semester credits of course work listed above from 4(B).