BOC Pedorthic Scope Established

The Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC) has established the Scope of Practice for BOC-certified pedorthists. The Scope provides definitions of: the practice of pedorthics, the certified pedorthist, pedorthic devices, general requirements for a certified pedorthist, and the roles of a certified pedorthist in pedorthics assessment, implementation, practice management and professional development and responsibility.

BOC began exploring the development of pedorthic certification in 2004. In early 2007, the organization assembled a team of item-writers, who created BOC’s pedorthics examination, first given in May 2007.  The pedorthic credential, like BOC’s other four certification programs, follows a “pathways” concept that reflects both education and experience.

“All of our certifications include the concept of mentoring by a practitioner who has already achieved certification,” notes Greg Safko, BOC president. “Education in an OP&P specialty has to include more than classroom knowledge. Experience is important in gaining a patient’s trust.”

The Scope was developed by a volunteer group of certified pedorthists, then reviewed and validated by a committee that included Teresa Alpert Leibman, BOCO, C.Ped., CO, chairwoman of BOC’s Board of Directors; Randy Stevens, C.Ped., COF;  Rick Sevier, BS Ed., RPOA, C.Ped., L.Ped-Oklahoma, BOC pedorthist;  Dean Mason, BOCO, C.Ped., L.Ped-Illinois, CO; Roger Dart, C.Ped., L.Ped-Illinois; and Holly Todd, CMF, COF.

In addition to pedorthists, BOC certifies orthotists, prosthetists, orthotic fitters and mastectomy fitters. Its pathways approach to certification recognizes that there are practical steps, incorporating levels of knowledge and experience,  that lead a practitioner toward readiness for the certification exam.

BOC also offers a cross-certification program, in which practitioners who earned their credential from another nationally recognized certification body, and remain in good standing, can also receive BOC certification.

“We’re excited about the number of inquiries we’re receiving from practitioners who are interested in our cross-credentialing options,” Safko says. “Becoming credentialed by BOC offers them the opportunity to enter BOC’s pathways and attain additional credentials as a COF, BOCO, BOCP or CMF, which means they’ll be able to provide more services to their patients and be of added value to their employers.”

According to Alpert Leibman, who is also a certified mastectomy fitter and one of the first BOC-certifed pedorthists, BOC has begun to explore additional pedorthics-related options which might provide recognition for people interested in therapeutic footwear but uninterested in pedorthic certification.

“Many people are interested in helping others,” she says, “but that doesn’t mean they are interested in certification per se. So down the road, we’ll be looking at ways of recognizing specialists who may or may not themselves be certified, but are supervised by people who are credentialed. For example, there are 75 million Baby Boomers who, as their natural foot pads wear thin, might appreciate assistance from a footwear specialist but don’t have a medical condition that requires pedorthic treatment. There should be room within the pedorthic sphere for specialists such as fitters or shoe technicians whose work doesn’t necessarily include patient care.

“Americans are learning the importance of staying active as an essential component in their own health care,” she adds. “Activity contributes to quality of life. At some point, almost everyone experiences a foot problem, which affects activity levels. With our new certification in pedorthics, BOC will be expanding the number of practitioners available to help people maintain their activity levels, contributing to their health and their quality of life. It’s exciting to be part of that expansion.”