O&P Politics U.S. re: certification

O&P Politics U.S. re: certification

William H.:

You may not have realized what a can of worms you just opened. This is a very
hot topic in the Orthotic and Prosthetic Community, mostly because the
educational and testing requirements for each are dramatically different, with
BOC claiming they are equal to ABC practitioners.

Here are the facts:

 ABC certification requires a 4 year college degree with one year of residency
at the very least, while BOC certification can require as little as 3 years of
patient contact with no formal education required.

Testing procedures also differ dramatically: ABC requires you pass (1) a
Written test consisting of 150 multiple choice questions, (2) a Written
Simulation Exam consisting of (6) in-depth case scenarios, (3) A Three Day
Clinical Patient Management Practical. (Double all these if both disciplines
are pursued).
    BOC requires (1) a Written test of 150 multiple choice questions, (2) a
Written Simulation (I am not sure how extensive it is), and (3) a brief video
to include one casting procedure, one tracing procedure, and 3 fittings.

ABC's educational pathway is recognized by:
                            * American Medical Association (AMA)
                            * Division of Allied Health Education and
Accreditation
                            * Council on Medical Education
                            * Commision on Accreditation of Allied Health
Educational
                               Programs

BOC is not recognized by any of these professional associations, especially
the American Medical Association, which right away makes me question the
validity of BOC certification. If physicians don't approve of BOC
certification, why should the the unsuspecting orthotic/prosthetic patient
approve? You decide for yourself.

I am sure there will be rebuttals to these statements, but if you have any
doubt as to their validity in regards to the educational, testing and
professional recognition, I encourage you to contact ABC 703-836-7116 and/or
BOC 410-539-3010 to verify.

If you would like, I would be happy to speak with you or send you more
information on the subject--just let me know.

Paul Rieth, CPO
(American Board Certified)



Original message:

Can anyone tell me their opinion of the different certifications for
orthotics: ABC and BOC. I'm considering pursuing a career in orthotics and
would like to know the pros and cons of both. I know ABC will take much
longer and will be harder to accomplish, while I may qualify to sit for BOC
certification right now. Is there any difference in expected salary or
what you're allowed to do? I appreciate any advice or information. Thanks.

William H.
<Email Address Redacted>