Re: Credentialing changes and exam revisions

Re: Credentialing changes and exam revisions

scott

3/9/2010

Hello Everyone

Currently the exam committee is merely compiling a bank of questions based
on knowledge gained in the current educational curriculums. These will add
additional depth to the existing exam and are being compiled in a
proportionate ratio to the diversity results of the survey. The other
changes in the exam itself were addressed in committee with representation
of our current educators present. Any perception of isolated development is
off base.

Scott Wimberley

Technical Manager

Fabtech Systems LLC

12128 Cyrus way suite A.

Mukilteo Wa. 98275

425-349-9557

425-349-9559

fabtechsystems.com

<Email Address Redacted>


-----Original Message-----
From: Orthotics and Prosthetics List [mailto:<Email Address Redacted>] On
Behalf Of Hewey, Bernard
Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2010 6:49 AM
To: <Email Address Redacted>
Subject: [OANDP-L] Credentialing changes and exam revisions

It was with a mixture of surprise and consternation that I happened across
the announcement on the ABC web site concerning the title change for
credentialed technicians and the pending changes to the Technician Exam. Two
questions immediately came to the fore.
 While the title Certified may engender some personal cachet, does it have
any tangible benefits in the workplace? Will employers remunerate their
technical staff commensurate with the skill set that the title implies?
Also, the implication that the Certified technician will need to possess an
expanded skill set has far-reaching consequences for the educational system
charged with both training and preparing the future O&P technical workforce.
This segues perfectly into the next concern.
The article alludes to substantial changes to the content and assessment
areas of the technician exam. The most recent technician practice analysis
reveals several changes to what was the traditional role of the technician.
Current technician standards do not reflect these changes. These findings
certainly suggest that the preparation and training of future technicians
should incorporate the conclusions of the PATF in the revision and
development of supporting curricula. Only after practice standards are
identified and established can educational curricula be developed to
accurately align with these standards. Once these elements are in place the
exam, serving as an assessment tool, should be developed. The baseline
skill level of the aspiring technician, whether coming from an educational
program or an experiential environment, can then be more accurately gauged.
Developing an assessment instrument in a vacuum without significant
contribution from the educational community and practice owners and then
expecting educational institutions to essentially guess at what the exam
committee deems relevant is counterproductive and not in the best interests
of all stakeholders. While I applaud the technician exam team for realizing
the importance of a relevant assessment tool that reflects current industry
trends and practices, I feel that this is a case of the tail wagging the
dog.

Bernard Hewey, Instructor
Orthotics-Prosthetics Technician Program
Spokane Falls Community College
3410 W. Fort George Wright Drive MS 3190
Spokane, WA 99224-5288
Phone (509) 533-3733
Fax (509) 533-4143
<Email Address Redacted> <mailto:<Email Address Redacted>>