The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC) has announced the reinstatement of its Certified Orthotic/Prosthetic Assistant certification program.
“ABC believes that this individual plays an important role as care extender in current and future business models for the delivery of O&P care, and with the encouragement of the profession, we are confident that now is the appropriate time to reinstate this certification program,” said ABC President D. Deane Doty Jr., CPO.
According to ABC, certified assistants, under the supervision of an ABC-certified orthotist (CO) and/or ABC-certified prosthetist (CP) may perform orthotic and/or prosthetic procedures and related tasks in the management of patient care. The initial evaluation and formulation of the treatment plan is the responsibility of the supervising orthotist/ prosthetist. The certified assistant may also fabricate, repair, and maintain orthoses and/or prostheses.
During the first phase of this reinstatement, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A high school diploma or GED.
- Two years of clinical experience gained under the supervision of a CO or CP to coincide with the discipline in which the applicant is seeking certification. Applicants seeking dual discipline certification must possess three years of clinical experience in both orthotics and prosthetics, with a minimum of one year in each discipline.
- An attestation form verifying the clinical experience signed by the supervising CO or CP.
ABC said that candidates who are interested in the ABC-certified assistant credential have until October 1, 2011, to apply under the above pathway.
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