Most Registered Fitters consider obtaining professional credentials an important step in their career, as it validates experience and competency, and demonstrates professional excellence to patients and peers. According to a survey of registered fitters conducted by ABC this winter, nearly 71% of respondents obtained the ABC credential for the professional recognition it afforded them.
In additional to recognition, survey respondents cited a belief in professional ethics and the need to be prepared to meet Medicare, state and insurer regulations as important reasons for achieving and maintaining their professional credential.
ABC conducted the survey of its Registered Fitters to evaluate the program as it completed its first full year. The results will be used to fine-tune the program in the coming year. One immediate result of the survey is the launch of e-Professional Fitter, an e-zine for professional fitters to help them stay abreast of key industry news, credentialing information and continuing education options. These three topics were cited by respondents as areas of continuing interest.
When asked the critical issues facing the profession, fitters gave fairly equal billing to Medicare/Payor/Licensing issues and continuing education. In fact 88% focused on continuing education as key and the group reported attended 3-4 training events on average each year. Many seek product-related continuing education and attend several sponsored events annually. Nearly three-quarters of respondents indicated as interest in more on-line continuing education, while 70% expressed interest in independent study.
The typical respondent is in their 40s, has been employed as a Fitter for less than 10 years and works in an O&P facility. They have completed some post-secondary education. Within the group, 75.8% hold Registered Fitters-Orthotics and 36% have Registered Fitters-Mastectomy. Some hold additional credentials including ABC Registered Technician and ABC Registered Assistant.
The survey was distributed to 835 ABC Registered Fitters using an internet portal, SurveyMonkey, and had a 30% response rate. Please contact the ABC office for a copy of the survey and details.