Orthopedic Specialty Certification Advancing the Athletic Training Profession

The BOC has continued to expand opportunities for Athletic Trainers (ATs) with ongoing development and recognition of the Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedics (BCS-O®). Introduced in 2021, this credential is the first board-certified specialty within the athletic training profession. It is designed to recognize ATs who demonstrate advanced clinical skills in orthopedics, while also supporting the profession’s ongoing growth, visibility and recognition within health care. For educators working with athletic training students, this specialty offers a meaningful pathway for those interested in focused orthopedic practice and sets a clear marker of advanced expertise.

For educators, the BOC’s orthopedic specialty represents both an opportunity and a responsibility. It provides a chance to introduce students to the concept of specialization, encourage early exploration of orthopedic practice and prepare future ATs for a career path that offers recognition, advancement and expanded professional impact. By integrating discussion of the BCS-O® into curricula and professional advising, educators can help students understand the requirements and professional significance of earning a specialty credential that is shaping the future of athletic training.

The BOC has developed several tools and resources to help individuals prepare for the orthopedic specialty exam.

• The “Orthopedic Practice Analysis” outlines the knowledge, skills and tasks that form the foundation
• The Orthopedic Specialty Needs Assessment provides a reflective tool to help candidates identify strengths and areas for growth.
• A self-assessment exam simulates the style and structure of the actual exam, allowing participants to practice in both study and test modes.
• The Comparative Matrix allows educators and students to see how the BCS-O® compares to other orthopedic credentials in terms of scope, eligibility and ongoing requirements.

Collectively, these resources support exam preparation while encouraging thoughtful professional development.

Eligibility for the credential is designed to be flexible, reflecting the diverse pathways ATs might take to specialize in orthopedics. Candidates may qualify through the completion of a CAATE-accredited residency, combined with professional practice, or by demonstrating significant professional development hours alongside extensive patient care experience. Once certified, BCS-O® holders must maintain the credential through ongoing continuing education that aligns with the “Orthopedic Practice Analysis,” ensuring their skills remain current and applicable. Specific eligibility requirements can be found here.

Watch now as Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedics (BCS-O) credential holders and employers describe the value of the Orthopedic Specialty Certification.

Patients in various practice settings are already benefitting from the impact of this credential.  ATs holding the BCS-O® are recognized for their contributions in orthopedic clinics and surgical environments, with some institutions accepting the credential in place of other requirements for roles such as surgical assisting. Employers have noted that specialists improve patient experience by reducing wait times, increasing efficiency and strengthening physician-patient relationships. For the athletic training profession as a whole, the specialty highlights the value of advanced practice. It demonstrates how ATs can expand access to care and improve health system performance.

The BCS-O® credential reached a major milestone in 2025, earning accreditation from the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). This five-year accreditation places the certification alongside other nationally recognized health care credentials that must meet rigorous standards of fairness, quality and validity. The NCCA seal of approval distinguishes the BCS-O® among other orthopedic-related credentials and reinforces its value as a trusted benchmark for professional advancement. For students preparing to enter the field, knowing that this specialty is backed by independent accreditation underscores its credibility and long-term stability.

Find out more about the orthopedic specialty here.