Orthopedic Specialty Certification: Is it for you?
Utilizing BOC tools can help you identify if the BOC Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedics (BCS-O) credential is a good fit and possibly the next step on your career path as an Athletic Trainer (AT).
If you are an AT who is in or has completed an orthopedic residency program, and/or have additional education and experience centered in orthopedics (for example, working with an orthopedic surgeon), challenging the Orthopedic Specialty exam most likely is a clear match. The key qualifier is spending the majority of your practice time in orthopedics, not simply having orthopedics as part of your practice.
ATs who specialize in orthopedics have specific post-professional education, training and experience in orthopedics. Based on the training and testing required for the orthopedic specialty certification, these ATs use advanced clinical decision making to evaluate and diagnose patients, manage comprehensive care and
promote, maintain and restore health.
To assess if this specialty is a good fit for you, we recommend the following:
- Review the Content Outline for BOC Orthopedic Practice Analysis (OPA) to thoroughly understand the orthopedic practice domains and task statements reflected in the exam.
- Take the Orthopedic Specialty Needs Assessment to assess your preparedness.
- Evaluate the eligibility requirements to determine if you meet minimum requirements.
The BCS-O credential – the premier certification in orthopedics for ATs – is the first specialty launched by the BOC. Specialties demonstrate to potential employers and co-workers an increased understanding of the unique value ATs bring and where they fit into health care teams.
The Orthopedic Specialty exam takes place twice a year. The most recent exam administration was in February 2023 with a new set of ATs earning the BCS-O credential.
To find out more visit the Orthopedic Specialty section of our website.
