Full course description
Registration for this course is currently paused until the start of fiscal year. Registration will re-open on July 6, 2026. To register, please return to this page at that time.
Announcement:
The next in-person/lab training will be held November 6-7, 2026. Registration for this section is now open.
Both the online coursework and in-person/lab training ( Nov. 6-7, 2026 ) are required. If you will not be able to complete the required coursework by these dates, or will not be available the dates of the in-person/lab training, please wait until the next available cohort to register.
Welcome to the University of Pittsburgh, Department of Rehabilitation & Technology's Pre-Certification Orthotic Fitter Course. This course has been approved by ABC as a precertification orthotic fitters course. It is an online didactic program combined with a two-day in person training program that provides individuals with entry level knowledge of fitting certain off the shelf orthoses which is part of ABC’s required pathway to become a Certified Orthotic Fitter.
Intended Audience
This course is designed for anyone interested in becoming a healthcare professional who has a high school diploma or equivalent, or those who currently work as a healthcare professional and are interested in fitting certain off-the-shelf orthoses.
Start Dates, Duration, & Time Commitment
Registration for the course is now open. Once registered, participants will be notified when their cohort begins and asynchronous content is available.
- The program consists of two parts: an online didactic portion and a two-day, in-person training in Pittsburgh, PA.
- Online didactic portion is completed at the participants' own pace. Time commitment is approximately 1 hour per week for a total of 16 hours.
- In-person training is 16 hours of total education (not including travel time, lunch breaks, etc.).
- At the conclusion of the course there will be a final cumulative exam.
Program Objectives
After completing the didactic course and the in-person training program participants will:
- Be able to demonstrate proper evaluation of those requiring off the shelf orthoses, including patient intake, treatment planning, implementation of the treatment plan, and follow up.
- Have basic knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics and pathology as it relates to fitting certain off-the-shelf orthoses.
- Be able to demonstrate safety in the workplace, including the use of PPE, tools, and equipment.
- Be eligible as part of a pathway and combination of stated ABC requirements to apply for ABC Orthotic Fitter examination.