The Board of Directors of the American Board for Certification in Prosthetics & Orthotics has announced that the Unique Qualifications (UQ) pathways to ABC practitioner certification will end on December 31, 2008.
This eligibility pathway will continue as is through 2006, 2007, and 2008. Individuals that wish to apply for practitioner certification through the UQ pathways must meet all eligibility requirements and application deadlines as of this deadline. Certification candidates already in the exam process will not be affected by this decision.
The following rules will apply to the ending of the UQ pathway:
• All application requirements must be complete as of December 31, 2008.
• This closing applies to both the UQ 10 pathway and the UQ 5 Extension of Credential pathway.
The Unique Qualifications pathway was established for those practitioners engaged in comprehensive orthotic and/or prosthetic patient care yet who cannot fulfill the traditional eligibility pathways. The Board’s decision to phase out the UQ pathway reaffirms ABC's commitment to education and formal clinical residency as the professional pathway towards practitioner certification.
Additional information may be obtained by contacting Dorn Sanders, ABC’s certification manager, at (703) 836-7114, ext. 221 or dsanders@abcop.org.