The certified assistant supports the ABC certified practitioner by assisting in orthotic and prosthetic patient care. ABC's Certified Orthotic and/or Prosthetic Assistant Scope of Practice details the specific capacity the certified individual can practice. Under the guidance and supervision of the ABC certified practitioner, certified assistants may perform orthotic and prosthetic procedures and related tasks in the management of patients. The certified assistant also fabricates, repairs and maintains devices to provide maximum fit, function and cosmesis. ABC certified assistants may not use their credential as independent practitioners engaged in unsupervised patient care. The certified assistant is obligated to support and conform to professional responsibilities that promote and assure the overall welfare of the patient and the integrity of the profession.
To be eligible for certification, individuals must meet the specific education and experience requirements established by ABC. Applicants may apply under Pathway 1 or Pathway 2.
Pathway 1:
This pathway expires September 30, 2012. All of the following requirements must be met prior to that date.
and
Pathway 2:
This pathway expires December 31, 2012. All of the following requirements must be met prior to that date.
(Each course must be from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning. An official college transcript must be included with the application.)
Effective January 1, 2013, all Assistant applicants will be required to meet the eligibility requirements for Pathway 2 and sit for a discipline-specific certification exam.
Note – all applications must include the Assistant Competency Attestation form completed by the supervising ABC Certified Orthotist or Prosthetist, depending on the discipline in which the applicant is seeking certification. The Assistant Competency Attestation form verifies that the applicant has obtained the necessary knowledge and skills needed to perform the functions of an orthotic or prosthetic assistant. The clinical knowledge required to become ABC certified as an Orthotic or Prosthetic Assistant is documented on the Attestation form. If an applicant does not possess a particular knowledge or skill, the supervising orthotist or prosthetist should work with the individual prior to completing the Attestation form.
All requirements must be satisfied prior to the application deadline. Individuals who have met the educational and experiential requirements may submit an application for approval as a candidate for certification. Applicants that have been evaluated and deemed to have satisfied all eligibility requirements are awarded certification.
The process for applying:
1) Please fill out the applicaton.
2) Enclose the required documentation with your completed application:
A copy of your high school diploma, GED or college transcript
The Assistant Competency Attestation Form to verify the clinical experience signed by the supervising ABC Certified Orthotist or Prosthetist
The non-refundable application fee of $250
4) Postmark application by September 30, 2012 to: ABC P.O. Box 34862 Alexandria, VA 22334-0862
Please note the U.S. Postal Service is the only express service that can deliver to a P.O. Box. We recommend that you do not use certified mail.
Applications must be postmarked by September 30, 2012. No exceptions will be made.
Please refer to the Assistant Book of Rules & Candidate Guide for more information.
Individuals who successfully complete the experience requirements prescribed by ABC for orthotic assistants are conferred the credentials of Certified Orthotic Assistant (COA).
Individuals who successfully complete the experience requirements prescribed by ABC for prosthetic assistants are conferred the credentials of Certified Prosthetic Assistant (CPA).
The credential of Certified Prosthetic-Orthotic Assistant (CPOA) is awarded to those individuals who successfully complete the experience requirements for each discipline.
If you have questions or need more information about ABC Certification, contact
May PhoummithoneCertification Program Assistant mayp@abcop.org(703) 836-7114 x 229
Jasamine GrantCertification Program Assistantjgrant@abcop.org(703) 836-7114 x 251
Samlane KetevongManager, Credentialing Programssketevong@abcop.org(703) 836-7114 x 221