Credentialing
ABC practitioner certification, pedorthic certification, technician registration and fitter certification are the designations given to those individuals who have met ABC's extensive education and training requirements and/or who have passed specific examinations that are based on a comprehensive practice analysis of the orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic professions. The examinations measure the candidate's knowledge of orthotics, prosthetics and pedorthics, their analytical and problem solving skills as well as clinical, patient management and communication skills. ABC practitioner certification, pedorthic certification, technician registration and orthotic and mastectomy fitter certification are the profession's highest standards for professionals providing patient care and technical services.
Pedorthics is the design, manufacture, modification of pedorthic devices, to prevent or alleviate foot problems caused by disease, congenital defect, overuse or injury. An ABC Certified Pedorthist is an individual who has studied foot anatomy and pathology, biomechanics, shoe construction and modification, foot orthosis fabrication and materials, footwear fitting and patient/practice management. More Information…
An ABC certified practitioner is an allied health professional who is specifically educated and clinically trained to manage the provision of comprehensive orthotic and prosthetic care, based upon a clinical assessment and a physician's prescription, to restore physiological function and/or cosmesis.
As the practitioner responsible for all patient care, the certified practitioner independently provides or supervises the provision of comprehensive orthotic and prosthetic care. This includes patient assessment, formulation of a treatment plan, implementation of the treatment plan, follow-up, and practice management. In addition, the certified prosthetist and/or orthotist is obligated to support and conform to the professional responsibilities which promote and assure the overall welfare of the patient and the integrity of the profession. More information...
ABC has three fitter programs: orthotics, mastectomy and therapeutic shoes. An ABC certified fitter-orthotics is an individual trained and qualified to participate in the fitting and delivery of pre-fabricated orthotic devices and/or soft goods. An ABC certified orthotic fitter is competent to practice orthotics within a scope of practice that is specific to fitting prefabricated and off-the-shelf orthoses. More information ...
An ABC certified fitter-mastectomy is an individual trained and qualified to participate in the fitting and delivery of breast prostheses and mastectomy products and services. An ABC certified mastectomy fitter is competent to practice within a scope of practice that is specific to fitting breast prostheses and mastectomy products and services. More information ...
An ABC certified fitter of therapeutic shoes is an individual trained and qualified in the provision of non-custom therapeutic shoes and non-custom diabetic multi-density inserts. A certified fitter of therapeutic shoes is competent to practice within the scope of non-custom therapeutic footwear only. More information ...
An ABC registered technician provides all of the technical implementation tasks and services associated with the support of patient care. This includes fabrication, modification and the repair of orthoses and prostheses. The registered technician is obligated to support and conform to professional responsibilities that promote and assure the overall welfare of the patient and the integrity of the profession. Registered technicians participate in the delivery of orthotic and prosthetic care while under the clinical supervision of an ABC-certified practitioner. More information...
Assistant Program
The registered assistant supports the ABC certified practitioner by assisting in orthotic and prosthetic patient care. Under the guidance and supervision of the ABC certified practitioner, registered assistants may perform orthotic and prosthetic procedures and related tasks in the management of patients. The registered assistant also fabricates, repairs and maintains devices to provide maximum fit, function and cosmesis. ABC registered assistants may not use their credential as independent practitioners engaged in unsupervised patient care. The registered assistant is obligated to support and conform to professional responsibilities that promote and assure the overall welfare of the patient and the integrity of the profession.
The Registered Assistant program is currently on moratorium, and credentialing applications are not being accepted. Individuals maintaining the Registered Assistant credential will not be affected by the moratorium, and will continue to be required to maintain adherence to ABC's Code of Professional Responsibility, obtain continuing education, and remit annual renewal fees.
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