The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC) is proud to announce 75 years of serving the orthotic and prosthetic profession in upholding the highest standards for clinical patient care. 

ABC was established September 9, 1948 by our first president, Chester E. Haddan, CPO, three orthopedic surgeons and three orthotic and prosthetic practitioners who developed the initial growth plan and established our mission to support high standards for clinical O&P care. That mission continues to guide the current board and staff as they look to the next 75 years of serving the OP&P profession.

We started our journey as The American Board for Certification of the Orthotic and Prosthetic Appliance Industry later changing our name in 1959 to American Board for Certification in Orthotics & Prosthetics. This was just the first of many changes over the years, including creating a code of ethics program, helping to establish both the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists and the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education and changing our name again in 2007 to our current name.

ABC continues to evolve with the needs of the profession. In addition to adding credentials that cover the entire spectrum of patient care, developing the first OP&P facility accreditation program in the nation and implementing the first mandatory continuing education program for the profession, ABC has been a steadfast leader in advancing OP&P standards, ethics and professionalism.

We will be celebrating this milestone anniversary throughout the year. Watch for more details on how you can join in on the celebration to commemorate ABC’s 75 years of service to the profession.

Learn more about ABC's history