Pedorthists

Certification or Licensing

The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, & Pedorthics (ABC) offers certification for people in this field. Applicants must hold a high school diploma, GED, or college degree; complete a pre-certification education course approved by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education; and have 1,000 hours of pedorthic patient care experience.

Even if a beginning pedorthist does not choose to become certified, he or she should get hands-on experience as an intern in a hospital, clinic, or agency with opportunities in pedorthics. Shoe stores that sell custom-fit and therapeutic shoes are another option for practical experience.

A small, but growing number of states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington require pedorthists to be licensed. Prospective pedorthists who live in one of these states should contact their state's department of labor to learn more about licensing requirements.