Important: The eligibility requirements for new applicants for BOC’s Orthotist certification are changing on January 1, 2013. Please review the following information carefully.

Those wishing to apply under the 2012 requirements must fulfill all requirements and submit their applications by December 31, 2012. Applicants who have not fulfilled the 2012 requirements by December 31, 2012 will not be “grandfathered in.”

The 2013 eligibility requirement changes apply only to new applicants for BOC’s Orthotist and Prosthetist certifications. Current BOC certificants are not affected.

Eligibility Prerequisites for Orthotist (BOCO) Certification through Decemeber 31, 2012.

2012 Education Requirements

To be eligible to take the Orthotist-Certified (BOCO) certification examinations, an applicant must provide an official transcript demonstrating completion of one of the following:

• A bachelor’s degree with a major in orthotics, or orthotics and prosthetics, OR
• An associate degree in orthotics, or orthotics and prosthetics, OR

• Successful course completion in areas related to the practice of orthotics and prosthetics. Qualifying courses* need to cover the following content areas:
  
  • English (100-level minimum).  The course content should focus on expository writing.  Examples of acceptable courses are composition, argumentation, or  technical writing.  Introductory courses in literature or literature electives are not acceptable
  • Psychology (100-level minimum).  A course in Introductory or General Psychology at the 100 level or a course at the 200 level and above is acceptable
  • College Algebra (or higher).  Developmental courses in college algebra are acceptable
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology (200-level minimum)
  • Business/Practice Management (100-200 level course)
  • Medical Terminology (100-level minimum)
  • Human Health & Disease (100-level minimum). The course content should deal with diseases and their effects on the human body
  • CPR**
  • Blood-borne Pathogens***

* Qualifying coursework may be earned from an accredited postsecondary educational institution. Please provide evidence that the content above is covered in your coursework by submitting detailed content outlines or syllabi.
** A certificate earned from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
*** A certificate earned covering OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen standards and protocols.

2012 Clinical Patient Care and Experience Requirement

An eligible candidate will have a minimum of two (2) years (3,800 hours) of experience in providing direct patient care services, with a minimum of one (1) year (1,900 hours) under the direct supervision of a duly certified/licensed individual in the same discipline. For auditing purposes, patient logs should be maintained and kept readily available.

Eligibility Prerequisites for Orthotist (BOCO) Certification as of January 1, 2013.

Education Requirements as of January 1, 2013

To be eligible to take the Orthotist-Certified (BOCO) examination, an applicant must provide proper documentation demonstrating completion of:

• A bachelor’s or master's degree in orthotics, or orthotics and prosthetics, as offered by current educational institutions accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), OR

• A bachelor’s or master's degree plus a certificate in orthotics, or orthotics and prosthetics, as offered by current educational institutions accredited by CAAHEP, OR

• A degree earned outside the U.S. that is equivalent to a bachelor’s or master's degree in orthotics, or orthotics and prosthetics, determined to be equivalent by the World Educational Service (WES); or, a non-U.S. degree equivalent to a bachelor’s or master's degree as determined by WES, plus a certificate in orthotics or, orthotics and prosthetics, as offered by educational institutions accredited by CAAHEP.

Clinical Patient Care and Experience Requirement as of January 1, 2013

To be eligible to apply for the Orthotist BOC-Certified (BOCO) examinations, an applicant must provide proper documentation demonstrating completion of an NCOPE-accredited residency. More information may be found on NCOPE's website.

Reciprocity

BOC offers reciprocity for orthotists who are currently certified. Reciprocity allows eligible orthotic professionals to earn BOC certification by using credentials currently held with other certifying bodies. Candidates may submit their current, valid certificate and are not required to submit proof of eligibility or sit for BOC exams. To take advantage of this opportunity, complete and submit the reciprocity application along with a copy of your current certification.