Credential · Board Cert

BOC-Orthopedic Specialty

AT33 citations · 3 lenses

Athletic training orthopedic specialization. NATA-aligned certification. Limited comparative outcome studies vs generalist AT.

Scores · default weights
Clinical
47/100
Business
43/100
Academic Clinical
50/100

Each lens uses its own dimensions and default weights. Scores answer different questions across paths — they aren’t apples-to-apples. How scoring works →

Clinical breakdown
Clinical outcomes×35%
48/100

Specialized MSK knowledge for AT population; comparative outcome studies vs general BOC not available.

Caseload applicability×15%
72/100

Applicable to orthopedic PT and AT caseloads; somewhat narrower than OCS but still broadly applicable.

Billing & reimbursement×15%
52/100

No specific billing premium; credential demonstrates orthopedic competency for facility credentialing and referral networks.

Certification investment×20%
25/100

Significant experience requirements plus exam; comparable investment to ABPTS board certification.

Employer demand×10%
42/100

Less employer recognition than ABPTS OCS; moderate demand in orthopedic athletic training settings.

Patient experience×5%
52/100

Athletes may prefer specialist-trained AT for complex injuries.

Business breakdown
Cash-pay viability×25%
45/100

AT-based ortho services (sports, performance) have cash-pay appeal, particularly in athletic populations.

Pricing leverage×20%
40/100

Less consumer recognition than PT-side credentials, modest premium potential.

Market differentiation×15%
55/100

Relatively rare within ATs, providing some differentiation in sports-med spaces.

Owner leverage×15%
45/100

Can build sports/ortho cash practices around AT staff with this credential.

Consumer demand×15%
25/100

Low direct consumer recognition of BOC specialties.

Credential investment×10%
50/100

Reasonable cost and clinical-hour requirement.

Academic Clinical breakdown
Faculty recognition×25%
45/100

Recognized in AT education programs but limited weight in PT/OT faculty hiring.

Scholarship signal×20%
40/100

Modest publication footprint in AT and sports-med literature.

Teaching value×15%
55/100

Useful for sports/ortho instruction, especially in AT programs.

Evidence depth×20%
65/100

Solid sports-med and ortho evidence base underlying the specialty.

Faculty demand×10%
35/100

Rare in PT/OT faculty postings; more relevant in AT-specific academia.

Credential investment×10%
55/100

Fair time/cost relative to scope of recognition.

Evidence base · 33 sources
  1. 01
    Defining Skill in Manual and Manipulative Therapy: Perspectives from Physical Therapists
    W. J. Hanney; R. A. Brown; E. Lufsey; G. Newsome; P. Sewnarine; M. J. Kolber; A. W. Anderson · Healthcare (Basel)2025
    Otherdoi:10.3390/healthcare13172081
  2. 02
    The impact of fellowship and board-certification on diagnostic clinical reasoning in lumbar spine dysfunction using the script concordance test
    B. Rodic; B. Windsor; M. E. Lehr; G. A. Kearns; E. Oakley · J Man Manip Ther2025
    Otherdoi:10.1080/10669817.2025.2575396
  3. 03
    Utilization of Interval Throwing Programs: Analysis of Athletic Trainer, Physical Therapist, and Physician Perspectives
    A. Sciascia; W. Jeffrey Grantham; A. Stone; C. Tremble; T. Uhl; C. Camp; W. Ben Kibler · J Sport Rehabil2025
    Otherdoi:10.1123/jsr.2024-0171
  4. 04
    Simulation-Based Assessment of Blood Pressure by Certified Athletic Trainers
    M. W. Verde; L. E. Eberman; D. M. Emerson; Z. J. Foster; Z. K. Winkelmann · Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences & Practice2025
    OtherPMID 184935836
  5. 05
    Continuing Education Assessment
    International Journal of Athletic Therapy & Training2024
    Otherdoi:10.1123/ijatt.2024-0112
  6. 06
    Athletic Trainers Value the Intrinsic Rewards of Specialty Certifications More than Barriers and Extrinsic Rewards
    M. B. Hudson; E. M. Frank; T. Harper; L. Comer; K. LaMont · Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences & Practice2023
    OtherPMID 163576846
  7. 07
    Survey of National Collegiate Athletic Association Athletic Trainers' Administration of the National Wrestling Coaches Association Weight Certification Program
    S. L. Konrath; D. R. Wagner · International Journal of Athletic Therapy & Training2023
    Cross-sectionaldoi:10.1123/ijatt.2021-0127
  8. 08
    Frequency of, Confidence in, and Educational Satisfaction With Mental Illness Recognition and Referral Among Certified Athletic Trainers
    J. L. Ostrowski; B. Durics; J. Vallorosi; A. M. Gray; E. Payne · Journal of Athletic Training (KnowledgeWorks Global, Ltd)2023
    Otherdoi:10.4085/1062-6050-0606.21
  9. 09
    Exploring athletic trainers' experience and perceptions associated with a multifaceted approach to concussion management
    J. Stavitz · Concussion2023
    Otherdoi:10.2217/cnc-2022-0010
  10. 10
    The effectiveness of post-professional physical therapist training in the treatment of chronic low back pain using a propensity score approach with machine learning
    C. Cheema; J. Baldwin; J. Rodeghero; M. W. Werneke; J. E. Mioduski; L. Jeffries; J. Kucksdorf; M. Shepherd; K. Randall; C. Dionne · Musculoskeletal Care2022
    Otherdoi:10.1002/msc.1626
  11. 11
    Factors associated with the low back pain-related attitudes and beliefs of physical therapists
    A. Rufa; M. Dolphin; K. Adams; G. Brooks · Musculoskelet Sci Pract2022
    Otherdoi:10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102518
  12. 12
    Perceived Management of Acute Sports Injuries and Medical Conditions by Athletic Trainers and Physical Therapists
    A. Wallace; M. S. Briggs; J. Onate; J. DeWitt; L. Rinehart-Thompson · Int J Sports Phys Ther2021
    Otherdoi:10.26603/001c.29850
  13. 13
    Factors Impacting Physical Therapy Utilization for Patients With Nonspecific Low Back Pain: Retrospective Analysis of a Clinical Data Set
    J. Dolot; M. Hyland; Q. Shi; H. Y. Kim; D. Viola; C. Hoekstra · Phys Ther2020
    Otherdoi:10.1093/ptj/pzaa082
  14. 14
    Newly Credentialed Athletic Trainers' Perceptions of Their Transition to Practice
    A. B. Thrasher; S. E. Walker · J Athl Train2020
    Otherdoi:10.4085/1062-6050-429-18
  15. 15
    An orthopedic manual physical therapy fellowship training's impact on professional development, involvement, personal lives, and income - A survey study
    J. M. Whitman; M. Shepherd; B. Neilson; T. J. Janicky; W. J. Garcia; S. Peterson; B. J. Stevens · J Man Manip Ther2020
    Cross-sectionaldoi:10.1080/10669817.2020.1748333
  16. 16
    Telemedicine Experiences of Athletic Trainers and Orthopaedic Physicians for Patients With Musculoskeletal Conditions
    Z. K. Winkelman; L. E. Eberman; K. E. Games · Journal of Athletic Training (KnowledgeWorks Global, Ltd)2020
    Otherdoi:10.4085/1062-6050-388-19
  17. 17
    The Use of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures: Secondary School Athletic Trainers' Perceptions, Practices, and Barriers
    B. J. Coulombe; K. E. Games; L. E. Eberman · Journal of Athletic Training (KnowledgeWorks Global, Ltd)2019
    Otherdoi:10.4085/1062-6050-86-17
  18. 18
    Athletic Training Services in Japan: A Comparison of the United States and Japan Based on Educational Background
    E. I. Hideyuki; H. Yuri · Athletic Training Education Journal (Allen Press Publishing Services Inc.)2019
    Otherdoi:10.4085/1404305
  19. 19
    Athletic Trainers' Effect on Population Health: Improving Access to and Quality of Care
    E. Shanley; C. A. Thigpen; C. G. Chapman; J. Thorpe; R. G. Gilliland; W. F. Sease · J Athl Train2019
    Otherdoi:10.4085/1062-6050-219-17
  20. 20
    Doctoral Education in Athletic Training: Pursuit of the Degree and Its Influence on Career Aspirations
    S. M. Singe; A. M. Pike; K. A. Coleman; S. L. Myers; J. Barrett; L. N. Belval; J. L. Rush; R. K. Katch · Athletic Training Education Journal (Allen Press Publishing Services Inc.)2019
    Otherdoi:10.4085/140299
  21. 21
    Challenges for Newly Credentialed Athletic Trainers During Their Transition to Practice
    S. E. Walker; A. B. Thrasher; S. M. Singe; L. R. J · J Athl Train2019
    Otherdoi:10.4085/1062-6050-387-17
  22. 22
    Retained Knowledge and Use of Evidence-Based Practice Concepts
    S. A. Manspeaker; D. A. Hankemeier · Athletic Training Education Journal (Allen Press Publishing Services Inc.)2018
    Otherdoi:10.4085/1303239
  23. 23
    National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Immediate Management of Appendicular Joint Dislocations
    S. L. Rozzi; J. M. Anderson; S. T. Doberstein; J. J. Godek; L. A. Hartsock; E. G. McFarland · J Athl Train2018
    Otherdoi:10.4085/1062-6050-97-12
  24. 24
    The Self-Efficacy of Certified Athletic Trainers in Assessing and Managing Sport-Related Concussions
    J. L. Savage; T. Covassin · J Athl Train2018
    Otherdoi:10.4085/1062-6050-394-17
  25. 25
    Economic impact of outreach athletic trainers on a health system: implications for program growth and sustainability
    H. S. Slone; J. F. Buckner; K. Hewson; M. J. Barr; T. Crawford; S. K. Woolf · Phys Sportsmed2018
    Otherdoi:10.1080/00913847.2018.1502570
  26. 26
    Depression screening by physical therapists: Practices, beliefs, barriers
    P. Fay; S. L. Edmond; J. K. Baron; M. Joshi · J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil2017
    Otherdoi:10.3233/bmr-169551
  27. 27
    Athletic Trainers' Current Knowledge and Envisioned Use of Foundational Evidence-Based Practice Concepts
    S. A. Manspeaker; D. A. Hankemeier · Athletic Training Education Journal (Allen Press Publishing Services Inc.)2017
    Otherdoi:10.4085/1202121
  28. 28
    Patient Throughput in a Sports Medicine Clinic With the Implementation of an Athletic Trainer: A Retrospective Analysis
    T. S. Nicolello; F. Q. Pecha; R. L. Omdal; K. J. Nilsson; A. A. Homaechevarria · Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach2017
    Otherdoi:10.1177/1941738116676452
  29. 29
    Orthopaedic Physical Therapy: Update to the Description of Specialty Practice
    M. A. Johanson; M. B. Miller; J. B. Coe; M. Campo · J Orthop Sports Phys Ther2016
    Otherdoi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6211
  30. 30
    Accuracy of Athletic Trainer and Physician Diagnoses in Sports Medicine
    N. J. Lombardi; B. Tucker; K. B. Freedman; L. S. Austin; B. Eck; M. H. Pepe; F. P. Tjoumakaris; M. Pepe · Orthopedics2016
    Otherdoi:10.3928/01477447-20160623-10
  31. 31
    A COMPARISON BETWEEN CIVILIAN AND MILITARY PHYSICAL THERAPISTS' KNOWLEDGE IN MANAGING MUSCULOSKELETAL CONDITIONS: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY
    R. Rundle; J. Roberts; G. Whitney; S. Mankins; C. Dille; M. Donaldson; A. Hassen · Int J Sports Phys Ther2016
    OtherPMID 26900506
  32. 32
    Therapists, Trainers, and Acupuncturists: Focused Review for the Orthopedic Surgeon
    C. M. Domes; C. L. Kruger · Orthopedics2015
    Otherdoi:10.3928/01477447-20151123-02
  33. 33
    Influence of orthopaedic clinical specialist certification on clinical outcomes
    D. L. Hart; E. A. Dobrzykowski · J Orthop Sports Phys Ther2000
    Otherdoi:10.2519/jospt.2000.30.4.183
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