American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc. (ABC)

Established in 1948, the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc., (ABC) is the largest and most experienced credentialing organization for orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) practitioners and facilities in the United States. The ABC has adopted rigorous education, clinical and testing requirements for providers of O&P services and the highest organizational and safety standards available in the profession.

The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) approves ABC’s certification process. To obtain approval by the NCCA, a credentialing organization must meet a lengthy and comprehensive set of criteria in such areas as examination validity and reliability, safeguards to protect the public interest, and the establishment of qualifications appropriate to the certified occupation.

To become certified by ABC, a practitioner must have a bachelor’s degree in O&P or a Bachelor of Science degree and a postgraduate education certificate in O&P from a program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). They also must complete a 12-month residency program in O&P prosthetics that adheres to standards developed by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE).

The ABC examination programs are based on the Practice Analysis of the Disciplines of Orthotics and Prosthetics, a study that describes the major and specific activities performed in the practice of O&P, and identifies the associated knowledge and skill base. Each practitioner certification candidate must pass three examinations: a written exam that tests the critical core knowledge related to O&P, a simulation examination that measures a candidate’s decision-making skills, and a clinical patient management examination that assesses the candidate’s practical, hands-on patient management skills. A systematic revision process of the credentialing examination programs keeps them current and relevant to today’s O&P practice.

Practitioners are certified for five years, and recertification is required at five-year intervals thereafter. This is accomplished by presentation of evidence of participation in accredited continuing education activities.

ABC certification is recognized by a number of federal and state agencies for the establishment of standards for O&P practitioners and facilities. Increasingly, government and third party agencies require ABC certification and accreditation to ensure that patients receive quality O&P services. Additionally, other accrediting bodies, such as the Commission for the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), mandate ABC certification for the provision of O&P care in their member facilities.

In the area of ABC accreditation, O&P facilities must meet five distinct categories of criteria: (1) organization, governance and administrative management, (2) professional staff qualifications and responsibilities, (3) patient care management, (4) quality assessment and improvement, and (5) facility and safety management.

As of 2001, more than 3,500 practitioners are ABC-certified orthotists, prosthetists or orthotists/prosthetists. More than 700 organizations encompassing approximately 1,100 facilities have achieved ABC accreditation.

The Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC)

The progress and success of your rehabilitation following an amputation depends on the skill, knowledge and caring of your prosthetist and your doctor. The Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC) understands this and offers this guide to choosing a prosthetist. First, your prosthetist should be certified by a nationally accredited agency such as the BOC. Certification is important to you because it indicates that the person has been tested and found to be competent by objective measures, not just selected by an employer or physician. Ultimately, however, the prosthetist must meet your needs as a person.

Consider the following before making your choice: What activities will you expect to perform after the fitting of your prosthesis? Are there some that are more important than others? As hard as this may seem, make a list of activities you think you need to be able to do. Do you need help in locating a surgeon, or a physical or occupational therapist? What financial support do you have? Is there a support group in your area that you can call on for advice? And of course, there will be others. Keep in mind that the professionals you select should be aware of your concerns and work with you to help you meet your goals and expectations.

Next, assemble your "rehabilitation team." And remember, you are the most important member of that team. That’s why you must be actively involved in assembling the players. The more active you are able to be in this effort, the better your outcome will be. Not everyone has the opportunity to choose the team before surgery. If you do, select a surgeon and prosthetist known to work together for your interests. It is totally appropriate to interview the doctor or prosthetist. After all, it’s your life that is being affected and your participation will help you succeed. The loss of a body part can be very traumatic. Restoring function after trauma should be your primary goal - and the more you are involved in the process, the greater your success will be.

So, choose your prosthetist, doctor and other professionals carefully. Look for those who are both skilled and caring individuals. Ask questions and learn what options are open to you. And you will, indeed, have the best rehabilitation experience possible. Good luck!

For a listing of prosthetists in your area,
call the ACA office toll-free at 1-888/AMP-KNOW (267-5669)

American Board for Certification in Orthotics & Prosthetics, Inc. (ABC)
1650 King Street, Suite 500
Alexandria, Virginia 22313
Phone: 703/836-7114
Web site: www.opoffice.org/ABC

Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC)
506 W. Fayette Street, Suite 200
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Phone: (toll-free) 877/776-2200
Web site: www.bocusa.org

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