New O&P Residency Standards

In this episode, guest host Anna Cook, a board-eligible prosthetist orthotist at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul, Minnesota, sits down with Chris Robinson, MS, MBA, CPO, ATC, FAAOP(D), clinical resource director for the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE). Together, they explore the newly introduced competency-based residency standards and what they mean for the future of O&P education. Robinson outlines the structure of the new model, its alignment with modern clinical practice, and the flexible implementation timeline. Key updates include the integration of orthotic and prosthetic disciplines, a stronger focus on professional competencies such as communication and clinical decision-making, and pathways for early adoption. The episode also highlights benefits for research track residents and reduced post-certification requirements for mentors and residency directors.

O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.