CAAHEP Committee on Accreditation for O&P
Assuring the quality of orthotic and prosthetic education
NCOPE accredits orthotic and prosthetic residency programs and reviews orthotist/prosthetist, orthotic and prosthetic assistant, and orthotic and prosthetic technician academic programs for CAAHEP accreditation.
Frequently Used Services
Find an O&P Academic Program
Explore education programs for orthotists/prosthetists, technicians, and assistants.
Find a Residency Program
Search NCOPE-accredited residency programs
Register a Resident
At least 14 days before the start date
Residency Program Development Course
Online training for directors and mentors
Fees and Payments
Registration, accreditation and portals
Verification of Residency Completion
Request verification of completed residency training
Resources by Audience
Prospective and Current Students
Programs, applications and education pathways for O&P students.
Residency Directors and Mentors
Accreditation guidance and standards for residency educators.
Academic Faculty and Leadership
Accreditation guidance and tools for academic program leaders.
Current Residents
Find residency resources, learn to use NCOPE Tracker, and review your reporting schedule.
The U.S. orthotist/prosthetist pathway
From the classroom to certification
Orthotists and prosthetists in the U.S. move through three stages. The pathway is recognized by the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO).
A Committee on
Accreditation of CAAHEP
Orthotist/Prosthetist Pathway Recognized by ISPO
Academic program
Accredited by CAAHEP. NCOPE reviews each program and forwards its accreditation recommendation to CAAHEP.
Residency
Accredited by NCOPE. Residents develop the competencies needed for independent orthotic and prosthetic patient care through a structured residency program.
Certification
Awarded by ABC, the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics.
For prospective residency sites
Prepare for residency site accreditation
For patient care facilities providing comprehensive orthotic and prosthetic care. The residency site accreditation guide explains eligibility, applicable standards, documents, fees and the application. Sites whose accreditation has lapsed apply as first-time applicants.
Questions about residency accreditation? Contact NCOPE.
Events Calendar
Find NCOPE training, meetings and important dates in the full events calendar.
Open for comment until Nov 8
Orthotist-Prosthetist Draft Standards Open for Public Comment
The National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) is pleased to announce that the public comment survey for the draft Orthotist-Prosthetist Standards is now live.We value your perspective and encourage you to review the draft and submit feedback...
Noteworthy Newsletter – Fall 2026 Edition
In this edition: Learn about quality improvement, rolled silicone, open-book management, effective hazard communication, prosthetics-orthotics research at Northwestern, and more!
O&P Technician Newsletter – Fall 2026 Edition
Ahhhhh, the end of summer heat declines as the cooling breezes of fall begin to ruffle the tree branches. What about drafting an article for the O&P Tech newsletter? Maybe this weekend you will be able to churn out a rough draft and send your copy to me. The...