State Regulators Should Review the BOC Orthopedic Practice Analysis
In 2021, the Board of Certification launched the BOC Orthopedic Specialty Certification (orthopedic specialty) for Athletic Trainers (ATs). Armed with the Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedics (BCS-O) ATs will be better positioned to work within the orthopedic field where they are highly valued by employers for increasing throughput, serving as an extension of the physician, connecting systems to create efficiency, and building patient relationships.
This is the only board-certified orthopedic specialty for ATs with advanced knowledge, skills and experience in orthopedics. It’s a major step on a pathway toward improved working conditions, compensation, advancement and respect in the health care community. For ATs, this means a viable, long-term career filled with opportunities to distinguish themselves in the delivery of patient care and earning recognition and respect for the experience, focus and skills they demonstrate.
To gather more information about this specialty credential access the Orthopedic Practice Analysis (OPA). The OPA identifies the domains and skills specialty-trained ATs in orthopedics must possess in order to provide proficient care for their patients and improve the health and welfare of the public. The OPA serves as the blueprint for determining the content of the Orthopedic Specialty exam. Exam questions represent all three domains, with weighting distributed across domains as outlined below:
- Domain 1 – Medical Knowledge 46%
- Domain 2 – Procedural Knowledge 46%
- Domain 3 – Professional Practice 8%
The complete OPA is available through AT Regulatory Connect.
Once you’ve had a chance to review the OPA, consider if there is anything in your practice act that prevents an AT who has earned the BCS-O credential from practicing in accordance with the domains and task identified in the OPA?
Start a conversation on the BOC State Regulatory Network.
If you have questions, please reach out to use at specialty@bocatc.org