The O&P profession is at a critical crossroads. With a nationwide shortage of certified clinicians and a growing patient population, practices face the challenge of maintaining timely, high-quality care while balancing financial and staffing demands. One proven solution is the effective use of ABC certified O&P assistants and other care extenders.

Defining Care Extenders

Care extenders are trained professionals who work under the supervision of certified orthotists and prosthetists to enhance the delivery of patient care. This category includes ABC Certified O&P Assistants, Orthotic Fitters, Mastectomy Fitters, Therapeutic Shoe Fitters and non-certified  Support Personnel, sometimes called aides.

To reduce confusion, many organizations are moving toward clearer titles. Certified professionals carry defined scopes of practice established by the ABC, while non-certified support personnel play supportive but more limited roles. This distinction underscores the advanced training, education and accountability required of certified assistants.

The Value of Certified O&P Assistants

ABC Certified Assistants contribute directly to patient care and practice efficiency. Their responsibilities may include:

• Supporting patient management by assisting with procedures under supervision.
• Fabricating, repairing and maintaining orthoses and prostheses.
• Performing fittings and adjustments to streamline workflow.
• Handling documentation to ensure compliance and audit readiness.
• Assisting with outcome measures to improve care delivery.

By handling these essential tasks, assistants enable clinicians to concentrate on the most complex patient needs—allowing everyone to work at the top of their certification.

Pathways to Certification

The certified assistant role offers a structured pathway for career development within O&P:

• Single Discipline Assistant: Requires a minimum of 12 months (1,900 hours) of supervised clinical experience.
• Dual Discipline Assistant: Requires 18 months of experience across both orthotics and prosthetics, with at least six months in each discipline.
• Allied Health Pathways: Professionals with credentials such as PTA, OTA, or athletic trainer may qualify with reduced clinical hour requirements.

These pathways open the profession to individuals with diverse backgrounds, while creating a sustainable workforce pipeline for the future.

Benefits for Practices and Patients

The integration of certified assistants and other care extenders delivers tangible benefits:

• Improved patient access: Reduced wait times and more timely appointments.
• Efficient use of clinical expertise: Clinicians devote more time to complex cases.
• Enhanced staff well-being: A better work-life balance through decreased overtime and improved workload distribution.
• Financial sustainability: Increased patient capacity paired with cost-effective staffing.

Building the Future of O&P

As the profession adapts to workforce shortages and increasing demand, ABC Certified O&P Assistants and care extenders are essential to maintaining access and advancing patient care. They strengthen the clinical team, expand service capacity and provide career pathways that support the long-term vitality of the field.

Investing in care extenders is not simply a staffing solution—it is a commitment to the future of O&P and to the patients who depend on these vital services.

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