This September, the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics is launching a new credential for individuals providing therapeutic shoes and fitting services.
To become an ABC Certified Fitter of Therapeutic Shoes (CFts), individuals must prove their competency by submitting evidence of professional education and on the job experience. A total of 1,000 hours of patient contact which includes duties and responsibilities associated with therapeutic footwear is required.
According to the specific scope of practice, the 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.
Future applicants for ABC certification will be subject to an examination process.
ABC’s Board of Directors believes it is necessary to provide appropriate credentialing for all professionals who work with patients under the O&P umbrella. Therapeutic shoe fitting professionals often work alongside Certified Orthotists, Pedorthists and Orthotic Fitters. Elaborating on this is Steve Fletcher, CPO and ABC’s President-Elect, who serves as chairman of the professional credentialing task force charged with designing the new certification program.
“ABC Certification for therapeutic shoe fitters gives recognition to this specific level of therapeutic footwear providers. It is important that Certified Fitters of Therapeutic Footwear are recognized as patient care providers within the realm of O&P. In offering this certification, ABC is fulfilling its mission to provide certification for those involved in orthotic and prosthetic services. We’re pleased to welcome these professionals to ABC.”
This new credential is in addition to ABC’s two existing Certified Fitter programs for orthotic and mastectomy professionals. ABC anticipates many current Certified Fitters of Orthotics will be eligible for the Certified Fitter of Therapeutic Shoes designation.
The application fee is $150.00, and individuals are subject to mandatory continuing education, adherence to the Code of Professional Responsibility and annual renewal fees.
Further information and applications are available at www.abcop.org or by calling (703) 836-7114, ext. 229, 221 or 228. Questions on the certification process may also be emailed to Dorn Sanders, ABC’s Professional Credentialing Manager, at dsanders@abcop.org.