How to Train to Make Foot Orthotics
Pedorthists are health care professionals who create, fit and adjust devices needed to support and treat conditions of the foot and ankle, such as foot orthotics and therapeutic shoes. Often working with podiatrists and physical therapists, pedorthists provide important services to patients to improve physical health and quality of life. Pedorthist training includes a one-year certification course and national certification.
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Instructions
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Prepare for the profession by completing preparatory classes in anatomy and physiology, biology and biomechanics. Consider completing an associate's or bachelor's degree in health care or a related field before entering the pedorthist program in order to obtain the didactic and clinical knowledge required to work in the profession.
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Choose a pedorthist training program and meet the requirements for admission to the school you've chosen. There are several schools that offer pedorthist certification programs and are approved by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE):
Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine / Rosalind Franklin University
Eneslow Pedorthic Institute's Pedorthic Pre-Certification Course
Foot Solutions Pedorthic Training Center
International School of Pedorthics
Northwestern University
Oklahoma State University
Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine
The Robert M. Palmer, M.D., Institute of Biomechanics Inc. -
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Obtain patient care experience by completing an internship in the professional setting of your choice, such as a hospital, clinic or specialty center. Complete the required 1,000 patient care hours to be eligible for certification and to gain experience working in real-life situations, such as performing patient assessment and physical examinations, working with physicians, creating appropriate orthotics and making adjustments to pedorthics devices. You may choose to complete training hours beyond the requirement to gain additional experience and comfort with the skills of the profession.
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Prepare to take the certifying examination through the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC). You must successfully complete studies in pedorthics, with documented 1,000 hours of practical training, to be eligible to sit for the ABC certification examination and earn the credentials C.Ped. (certified pedorthist).
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Tips & Warnings
Health care professionals who have not completed an approved pedorthist training program but who can document working experience and training in the field may be able to become certified by checking with the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics.
Pedorthists may obtain additional training in orthotics and prosthetics, if desired, by enrolling in additional courses and completing the requirements for additional certification.
