Benefits of Accreditation
NCOPE’s accreditation process is a valuable service to students, the education and residency programs, the profession, and the public. These benefits include:
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Students are able to identify those 0&P educational and residency programs that meet their chosen profession’s standards for a quality, relevant education. Graduation from an accredited program is required for ABC certification.
- Educational Programs benefit from the self-evaluation and self-directed improvement provided by the accreditation process. Accreditation status increases opportunities for public and private funding for both the institution and its students.
- Residency Programs contribute to the continuing education of future 0&P professionals. These programs provide students with a 12-month, structured experience by complying with established standards and guidelines. Completion of an accredited residency program is required for ABC certification.
- The profession benefits from its members’ vital input into the standards established for education of entry-level 0&P professionals. A commitment to excellence in 0&P practice is reinforced since the accreditation process unites practitioners, instructors and students in an activity directed toward continual improvement of 0&P education.
- The public is assured that accredited O&P education and residency programs are evaluated extensively and conform to general expectations of the O&P profession. Through the accreditation process the public can be assured the educational quality of the programs remains current and reflects changes in O&P knowledge and practice. This assurance is important to the patients who use O&P services and their families.
Becoming Accredited
O&P education and residency programs desiring accreditation status should apply to NCOPE. (Educational programs also may contact CAAHEP for information on O&P accreditation.) A manual, including the standards, is provided upon written request.
While applying for accreditation, programs conduct careful internal and external reviews and submit reports; qualified evaluators perform on-site visits; and programs demonstrate compliance with established standards and guidelines. Throughout the process, NCOPE will consult with and assist programs.
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