O&P Practitioner

An orthotist is an allied health professional who is specifically trained and educated to provide custom-designed orthoses (external orthopedic braces) and related patient care.

A prosthetist is an allied health professional who is specifically trained and educated to provide custom-designed external prostheses (artificial limbs) and related patient care.

An orthotist/prosthetist is an allied health professional who is trained to custom make and fit both orthoses and prostheses. When referring to a single or dual credentialed O&P professional, one is often referred to as an O&P practitioner.

ABC Certified Practitioner Eligibility Criteria

There are three different educational pathways you can take to become an O&P practitioner. You may choose between a certificate, baccalaureate or master's program, all explained below. Regardless of the educational pathway you choose, a one-year per discipline residency is required before you are eligible to sit for the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC) exam.