Contents
- Practice Analysis Task Force
- Introduction
- Executive Summary
- Domains and Key Activities
- Results Related to Orthotic Practice Areas, Devices and Activities
- Results Related to Prosthetic Practice Areas, Devices and Activities
- Results Relating to Domains and Tasks
- Results Related to the Knowledge and Skills Statements
©2026 by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this document may be produced in any form without written permission of the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics, Inc.
Practice Analysis of ABC Certified Assistants in the Disciplines of Orthotics and Prosthetics
May 2025
Introduction
The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc. (ABC) contracted with Meazure Learning to conduct a panel-based practice analysis of ABC certified orthotic and/or prosthetic assistants (CPO, CPA, CPOA).
Why Do a Practice Analysis?
The goal of a practice analysis study is to determine current trends in patient care, technology and practice management by ABC Certified Orthotic and/or Prosthetic Assistants.
Why Do a Validation Study?
The goal of the validation study was to identify unique priorities in the delivery of orthotic and prosthetic patient care, e.g.: What highly critical tasks are performed by ABC certified orthotic and/or prosthetic assistants? What subset of knowledge and skill is essential at the time of initial certification? What procedures are the most frequently implemented?
What Will ABC Do with the Results of the Study?
The results are being used to generate defensible credentialing test specifications designed for entry-level orthotic and/or prosthetic assistants. The results will also be used to identify specific topics for in-service and/or continuing education and to provide guidance for education program enhancement in regard to curriculum review and/or programmatic self assessment.
