Practice Analysis Resident Guide

The Practice Analysis also includes data on the percentage of time spent in regard to orthotic and prosthetic devices. This important information helps guide the exam development committees as they determine the number of questions in each practice area. This valuable information can help guide your exam preparation.

Percentage of Time in Orthotic Practice Areas

 Percentage of Time in Prosthetic Practice Areas

The Practice Analysis breaks down the practice areas even further. For example in orthotics, certified orthotists report they spend 59% of their time in the lower extremity practice area. Within that area their time is divided among specific device types. About 18% of their time is spent on AFOs, 10% on foot orthoses, 7% on shoes, 5% on knee orthoses and 3% on knee ankle foot orthoses.

In Prosthetics, certified prosthetists report that they spend 51% of their time providing care related to transtibial prostheses. This is further broken down by socket design and suspension method. About 33% report they utilize hydrostatic (employing a locking mechanism) and 19% use a total surface bearing (no locking mechanism employed) design. For suspension method, 22% of prosthetists use a roll-on liner with lock or lanyard and 15% utilize a roll-on liner, suction with other accessories (seal or sleeve).

Another example of practice composition that you will find helpful is the age range of the patients served by orthotists and prosthetists. These percentages can help you focus your exam prep on the types of interventions that you are likely to be tested on and how much emphasis is given to each age range.

Percentage of Patients in Each Age Range by Discipline

		Orthotics	Prosthetics
	Pediatric (0 to 18 years)	48%	13%
	Adult (19 to 65 years)	29%	50%
	Geriatric (more than 65 years)	24%	37%

All of the exam preparation resources, including a copy of the complete Practice Analysis, are available on the ABC website.

Additional resources on the website include the Code of Professional Responsibility, the ABC Orthotic, Prosthetic and Pedorthic Scope of Practice and the Practitioner Candidate Guide.

These resources, in addition to study groups, exam review courses and your ABC colleagues, will help you be successful when taking your ABC certification exams.

These resources, in addition to study groups, exam review courses and your ABC colleagues, will help you be successful when taking your ABC certification exams.

Good luck as you pursue your Orthotic and Prosthetic career. We can’t wait to welcome you to the ABC family of practitioners!