The Canadian Association for Prosthetics and Orthotics (CAPO) is a non-profit, volunteer organization representing more than 350 professionals across Canada in the fields of prosthetics and orthotics.

Our professional members are practicing prosthetists and orthotists certified through the Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists (CBCPO). Member classifications include Full Member, (only available to CBCPO certified practitioners), Registered Technical Associate Member, Associate Member, Student Member, Retired Member, Honorary Member, and Life Member.

CAPO evolved from a national association established in 1955 to provide a national, professional organization with a strong voice to represent the interests of the growing number of practitioners in the fields of prosthetics and orthotics across Canada.

A Canadian History of Prosthetics & Orthotics 1955 - 2004 is a book available from the CAPO national office in Winnipeg and it provides great detail regarding the formation of this profession in Canada.

Published in 2004 by Dave Gans, C.O. (c), F.C.B.C., the book chronicles the origin of prosthetic and orthotic services in Canada beginning with the Department of Veterans Affairs' struggle to meet the prosthetic needs of servicemen wounded in the two World Wars. Over time, the profession rose to assist with other tragedies, such as the wave of thalidomide babies that garnered such a high political profile it forever changed the prosthetic profession.

From a modest back room beginning grew a private-sector Canadian profession, supported by a fledgling orthotic and prosthetic American organization that offered encouragement and support to the Canadian industry in the formative years.

As the industry became organized, it developed into a professional body at the forefront of the medical world with formal training facilities and professional standards.

Today, members work closely with other health practitioners such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, orthopedic surgeons and physiatrists, to promote the highest standards of professionalism and patient care.

CAPO is also an important provider of industry access to educational resources as well as a forum to aid in the advancement of the profession and its services.

The primary objectives of CAPO are:

• To develop and promote professionalism and outstanding technical skills in the fields of prosthetics and orthotics;
   
• To represent both our members and the industry as a whole through our association with related organizations, government and the general public;
   
• To analyze and deliver timely and relevant information to our members, helping to keep them abreast of issues affecting their profession;
   
• To promote and encourage continuing education through the organization of courses, lectures, seminars and conferences.
   

CAPO works hard to accomplish these goals in a manner that focuses on the best interests of our membership, our patients and the general public.

Those interested in becoming a professional orthotist, prosthetist or technician in either field should contact one of the following colleges for further information regarding education requirements and course outlines.

George Brown College: Daniel Blocka, C.O.(c), F.C.B.C. George Brown College at Sunnybrook Centre for Independent Living, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5
Telephone: (416) 480-5783, fax: (416) 480-5975

British Columbia Institute of Technology: Jason Goodnough, C.P.O(c)
British Columbia Institute of Technology, Prosthetics/Orthotics Program
3700 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby, BC V5G 3H2
Telephone: (604) 432-8981, fax: (604) 435-5153

Certification, or pending certification, by the Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists (CBCPO) is mandatory for all prosthetists and orthotists wishing to join CAPO with Full Member status.

Professionals interested in obtaining this certification must complete the necessary education and internship programs before entering the certification exam process. To maintain their certification status with CBCPO, members must also meet continuing professional development guidelines as outlined by the CBCPO.

For more information regarding certification, please contact the CBCPO national office in Winnipeg.

Facilities that have met the regulatory standards required for accreditation can ensure their patients, the medical community and the public that they offer the highest levels of professional competency and care.

For more information regarding facility accreditation, please contact the CBCPO national office in Winnipeg.

In order to recognize those technicians who have worked closely with a certified orthotist or prosthetist and have gained the practical experience necessary to carry out their work with the utmost professionalism, a registration designation is available for technicians through the Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists (CBCPO).

Technician registration is acquired through a program requiring specified terms of work experience in the discipline of orthotics, prosthetics, or both, a self-learn component and final examination.

For more information regarding technician registration, please contact the CBCPO national office in Winnipeg.