The National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) board of directors has approved amendments to its residency standards. Effective July 1, 2018, the minimum education requirement for admission to a residency program will now be a master’s degree in O&P.
Effective January 1, 2020, individuals pursuing the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC) orthotist/prosthetist certification must have a master’s degree in O&P as the minimum education eligibility requirement. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in O&P, a post-baccalaureate certificate, or a foreign education equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in O&P must enter an NCOPE residency no later than June 30, 2018, in order to have completed their residency by December 31, 2019, and apply for the ABC certification exams.
Individuals who plan to extend their credential, or come to the United States to pursue O&P residency and certification should obtain a residency position by June 30, 2018.
