ABC Certified Fitter of Orthotics Course Lab: November 3rd & 4th, 2026

Orthotic Fitter Course
DJO is proud to deliver a comprehensive Orthotic Fitter Course. Certified Orthotic Fitters play an important role on the medical care team. Proper fitting, adjusting, and/or modifying prefabricated devices or braces prescribed by physicians is a critical responsibility of an Orthotic Fitter. In addition, well trained orthotic fitters provide patients with valuable instructions on how to properly wear and maintain their brace.
The DJO course is an approved entry level educational program for any practitioner wishing to become an ABC certified Orthotic Fitter. The course will include 16 hours of demand instruction and quizzes prior to attending the in-person hands on 2-day workshop. Upon completion of this two-part course and required internship hours, the attendee is eligible to apply for the ABC certification test. Attendees may contact www.abcop.org for more details on the certification process. This course will provide 32 Continuing Education Units. The cost of the course is $500 and will include all course material and lunch both days. All travel is the responsibility of individual participant.

Course Topics
· Orthotic Fitter Scope of Practice
· Planes of Motion
· Blood Borne Pathogens
· Patient Assessment: Foot and Ankle, Knee, Upper Extremity, and Spine
· Gait Analysis
· The Diabetic Foot
· Anatomy and Physiology: Foot and Ankle, Knee, Upper Extremity, and Spine
· Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
· Anatomy of the Lymphatic System
· DMEPOS, Compliance and regulations

In Person Lab- Day One:
Review on demand course Material and Test questions with attendees for clarification and understanding of why each answer is correct and why the incorrect answers are wrong.
Instructors will complete demonstration fittings of the lower extremity soft goods including knee wraps, patella stabilizers, and ankle supports. Knee orthotic devices to be taught include prefabricated ligament knee hinged functional orthosis, osteoarthritis knee orthosis, knee immobilizers, post op knee range of motion braces, elastic knee, and patella braces, pneumatic and ROM walkers, prefabricated AFO’s, plantar fasciitis splints, post op shoes, posterior tibial tendon orthosis, and diabetic unloader shoes. Included in the demonstration will be patient assessment, product selection criteria, measurements, product preparation, product application, proper fit of the product, patient education, and follow up.
Following each product category demonstration, attendees will be required to demonstrate their own competency in obtaining measurements, selecting the correct size, applying the product (customizing if Necessary), checking the fit and function and instructing the patient on removal and application of the device, care, and cleaning, wearing schedule, device adjustments, and follow up schedule. Instructors will sign off on each fitting that meets criteria. Required fittings for day one include patellar stabilizer/knee sleeve, functional knee orthosis, OA knee orthosis, post op knee ROM orthosis, lace up ankle supports, and walking boots.

In Person Lab- Day Two:
Day two will follow the same format as day one and will focus on the spine, upper extremity, and gradient pressure garments.
Instructors will complete demonstration fittings of spinal supports and rigid spinal orthotic devices. Fitting and customization techniques for both soft cervical and semi rigid cervical orthotic device will be demonstrated along with precautions in dealing with cervical spine instabilities. Wrist and wrist/hand orthotic devices, elbow and shoulder devices will also be fit to demonstrate techniques to maximize stability and optimize patient compliance and satisfaction. The day will finish with pressure gradient garments.
Required fittings for day two include: bi-valve cervical collar, wrist/hand orthosis, shoulder stabilizers, spinal support, LSO, TLSO, and medical grade stockings.
A closed book final exam will complete the course.