Professional Resources

The Orthotic and Prosthetic profession is a vibrant and robust collection of organizations that all work together to support the individuals and patient care facilities that provide critical care to this vulnerable patient population.

National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE)

The Nation​​al Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE)​ is a non-profit, independent accreditation agency organized and operated for scientific, educational and charitable purposes.  NCOPE works to promote education and raise the education standards of the O&P profession. They accomplish this by developing standards for and accrediting O&P programs; establishing accreditation and evaluation procedures in O&P education; and aiding in the development of new O&P programs nationwide.

​​Click to access the OPRESCAS ​- NCOPE's Centralized Application Service for Orthotic and Prosthetic Residency Programs​.​​​

American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP)

American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP)​ is a professional society dedicated to promoting professionalism and advancing the standards of patient care through education, literature, research, advocacy and collaboration.​

American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA)

American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) is a national trade association committed to providing high quality, unprecedented business services and products to O&P professionals. Through government relations efforts, AOPA works to raise awareness of the profession and impact policies that affect the future of the O&P industry. AOPA membership consists of more than 2,000 O&P patient care facilities and suppliers that manufacture, distribute, design, fabricate, fit and supervise the use of orthoses and prostheses. 

National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics & Prosthetics (NAAOP)

The National Ass​​ociation for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics (NAAOP) is a non-profit association dedicated to educating the public and promoting public policy that is in the interest of the O&P patient. Since 1987, NAAOP has shaped positive results in healthcare legislation and regulation through strong government relations advocacy and education of policymakers. 

International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO)

International Society for Pros​thetics and Orthotics​ (ISPO) is a global multidisciplinary organization aiming to improve the quality of life for persons who may benefit from prosthetic, orthotic, mobility and assistive devices. ​​For over 40 years, ISPO – primarily through its Member Societies (MS) – has provided an effective platform for the exchange and communication on all aspects of the science, practice and education associated with the provision of prosthetic and orthotic care, rehabilitation engineering and related areas.​ ABC's Prosthetist/Orthotist certification pathway is accredited by ISPO as the USA Professional Pathway.

International African American Prosthetic & Orthotic Coalition

Internationa​l African American Prosthetic & Orthotic Coalition is a collaboration of practitioners promoting the O&P profession to young African Americans. The Coalition also works to keep members informed about current technologies and regulations. The IAAPOC fosters information exchange, networking and camaraderie among practitioners and technicians of African descent.

Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA)

The Pedorthic Foo​tcare Association (PFA) is a professional association representing the interests of the certified and/or licensed pedorthist as well as supporting the pedorthic profession at large. PFA's mission is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of credentialed providers of lower extremity pedorthic modalities through education; increase the demand for services through marketing; and promote the right to practice through​​​​​ ​government affairs activities.​

American Association of Breast Care Professionals (AABCP)

American Association of Breast Care Professionals (AABCP) is a national member supported organization whose primary Mission includes raising public awareness for the needs for post mastectomy services, educating breast care practitioners and protecting against regulatory er​osion of breast cancer survivor benefits.​​​

Essentially Women (EW)

Essentially Women (EW) is a member services organization that provides a venue for businesses to cut costs, remain profitable, expand their base of operations, discover new products, improve operational efficiently and obtain continuing education and enhanced communication within the profession.