Is there a way to combine two fields to include an other option within the matrix?

2) Also, you'll notice in one of the questions "How well did you develop the following skills during your postdoctoral experience at CHLA?"  We ask participants to rank an "other" skill and specify what that skill is in a different text box field.  Is there a way to combine the two fields, so as to include an "other" write in option within the matrix?  

Do you mean you want an " other " option to be displayed in one of your matrix options similar to how the radio option works to then show other? Or?

Unfortunately, As far as I know this is not yet possible unless you use injected css to hide a radio the force the textbox field up into that position.

The closest you can get to this that might work better though would be to use the Configurable List Widget with Your question followed by radios and a text box field as your other field at the end or however you wish to make it since you could make this resemble a matrix field somewhat.

Please see http://www.jotform.com/help/282-How-to-Set-Up-the-Configurable-List-Widget for additional instructions.