 American Board for Certification (ABC)
Orthotic Prosthetic Associates, Inc. is comprised of practitioners who
are each certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics.
ABC is the national certifying / accrediting body for the orthotic and
prosthetic profession. It was established in 1948 to promote the welfare of the
physically challenged by establishing standards for patients receiving orthotic or
prosthetic care. ABC certification is recognized by federal and state agencies, including
the Veterans Administration, Rehabilitation Services Administration, American Medical
Association's Council on Medical Education, among others.
Fabricating and fitting orthoses and prostheses requires a comprehensive
understanding of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and kinesiology. ABC credentials
represent the standard of the profession.
ABC Canons of Ethical Conduct
 American Orthotic & Prosthetic
Association (AOPA)
Orthotic Prosthetic Associates, Inc. is a member of the American
Orthotic and Prosthetic Association.
The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) is a national trade association
dedicated to quality patient care. AOPA represents more than 1,800 member companies whose
practitioners custom make and fit prostheses (artificial limbs) and orthoses (orthopedic
braces) for patients, or manufacture componentry for prostheses and orthoses.
Since their founding in 1917, they have worked diligently to become the voice for
O&P businesses. Through government relations efforts, AOPA works to raise
awareness of the profession and impact policies that effect the future of the O&P
industry. Membership in AOPA represents a professional milestone; it is recognition
of leadership and achievement in the O&P community.
 The Pedorthic Footwear Association
(PFA)
The Pedorthic Footwear Association (PFA), founded in 1958, is the not-for-profit
organization representing professionals involved in the field of pedorthics -- the design,
manufacture, modification and fit of shoes and foot orthoses to alleviate foot problems
caused by disease, congenital defect, overuse or injury.
PFA's mission is to increase knowledge and understanding of pedorthics and its
practice, to encourage development of new pedorthic tools and techniques, and to foster
the professional development of pedorthic practitioners.
 The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP)
The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists was founded in November of 1970 to
further the scientific and educational attainments of professional practitioners in the
disciplines of orthotics and prosthetics. The Academy is dedicated to: (1) attainment of
the highest standards of technical competence and ethical conduct by its members; (2) the
professional recognition of qualified practitioners; (3) the assurances that practitioners
who apply for or are admitted to membership maintain high standards of professional
conduct; and (4) collaboration with other educational, research and related organizations
in developing technical and ethical standards for the profession of orthotics and
prosthetics. In order to comply with these objectives, membership in the Academy is
restricted to individuals who have been certified in orthotics and/or prosthetics by the
ABC, and who maintain their certification in good standing.
The Board for Certification in Pedorthics
Pedorthics is the design, manufacture, modification and/or fit of footwear, including shoes, orthoses and foot devices, to prevent or alleviate foot problems caused by disease, congenital defect, overuse or injury.
The Board for Certification in Pedorthics (BCP) is an independent certification body that sets pedorthic standards and is itself recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.
Certification assures the public and health care professions that a pedorthist is qualified to fabricate and fit prescribed footwear and related devices. Facility accreditation recognizes that the physical location where pedorthics are practiced includes the necessary staff, records and resources (such as inventory, equipment, fitting rooms and workshops) to perform pedorthic work on premises in a timely fashion. Like certification of individuals, the accreditation of facilities assures the public and health care professions that the pedorthic institution adheres to specified national standards and that patients will be treated professionally.
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