Orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic education provides the necessary foundation allowing individuals to provide the highest quality of clinical patient care.
Certified Orthotists and ProsthetistsABC Certified Orthotists (CO) and Certified Prosthetists (CP) have a strong science background that incorporates courses in biology, physics and chemistry as well as formal instruction in biomechanics, kinesiology, pathomechanics, material science and gait analysis. To be certified by ABC, a practitioner must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in orthotics and prosthetics or a minimum of a bachelor's degree in another field and a post-graduate certificate program in orthotics and prosthetics, and successfully completed a 12-month National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) accredited residency program.
The education requirements for ABC Certified Orthotists and Certified Prosthetists are the only orthotic and prosthetic educational standards recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). ABC’s education standards are the highest standards in the orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic profession.
Certified PedorthistsEducation requirements for ABC Certified Pedorthists are based on standards developed by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE). Candidates must have a high school diploma, a GED or college diploma and completion of NCOPE approved pre-certification pedorthic course. In addition, candidates are required to obtain a minimum of 1,000 hours of pedorthic patient care experience.
The ABC Certified Orthotist, Certified Prosthetist and Certified Pedorthist programs are also accredited by the Insititue for Credentialing Excellence (ICE).
Certified Orthotic, Mastectomy and Therapeutic Shoe fittersEducation requirements for ABC Certified Orthotic, Mastectomy and Therapeutic Shoe fitters are based on standards developed by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE).
Orthotic fittersOrthotic fitter candidates must possess a high school diploma, a GED, or college diploma, plus an NCOPE approved orthotic fitter education course. Candidates must also complete 1,000 hours of direct patient care in the fitting of orthotics.
Mastectomy fittersMastectomy fitter candidates must possess a high school diploma, a GED, or college diploma, plus an NCOPE approved mastectomy fitter education course. Candidates must also complete 500 hours of direct patient care in the fitting of breast prostheses and mastectomy products.
Therapeutic Shoe fittersTherapeutic Shoe fitter candidates must possess a high school diploma, a GED, or college diploma, plus an NCOPE approved therapeutic shoe fitter education course. Candidates must also complete 250 hours of direct patient care in the fitting on non-custom therapeutic shoes or multi-density inserts.
Certified TechniciansEducation requirements for ABC Certified Technicians are based on standards developed by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE). Technician candidates must possess a high school diploma, a GED, or college diploma, plus a formal technician training certificate from an NCOPE accredited training program. Candidates without a formal technician training certificate can qualify to take the exam if they have completed two years of qualified experience in each discipline of application under the supervision of an ABC certified practitioner or certified technician.