Top 10 Orthopedic Surgeon Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for orthopedic surgeons, as they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that is highly valued by employers. Certification often serves as proof of a surgeon’s dedication to their profession, and indicates that they have taken the necessary steps to stay on top of the latest developments in their field. It also shows that a surgeon is qualified to perform specific procedures, which can help them stand out from other applicants. Finally, certification can give patients confidence in their surgeon’s abilities, as it demonstrates their commitment to providing quality care.

This article reviews the top certifications for Orthopedic Surgeons and explains how they can help enhance an orthopedic surgeon's career.

What are Orthopedic Surgeon Certifications?

Orthopedic surgeon certification is a voluntary process that physicians can undergo to demonstrate their level of expertise in the field of orthopedic surgery. This certification is awarded by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) and is achieved through an extensive review of the applicant’s medical education, training, and experience. The ABOS sets a high standard for certification and requires applicants to pass rigorous examinations and meet specific criteria in order to be eligible for certification.

By becoming certified, orthopedic surgeons demonstrate their commitment to high-quality patient care, as well as their expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Certification serves as proof that an orthopedic surgeon has achieved a certain level of knowledge and skill in the field of orthopedics, helping patients make more informed decisions when choosing a provider. Additionally, certification may allow an orthopedic surgeon to become eligible for additional privileges or benefits from hospitals or other healthcare institutions. Ultimately, certification can help ensure that patients receive safe, effective treatment and care from highly qualified professionals.

Pro tip: Make sure your orthopedic surgeon is board-certified. Board-certification is a process that ensures an orthopedic surgeon has completed the required education and passed the necessary examinations to practice in their specialty. Additionally, it confirms the doctor has kept up to date with any changes in their field of expertise, making them more qualified to provide quality care for patients.

Related: What does an Orthopedic Surgeon do?

Top 10 Orthopedic Surgeon Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Orthopedic Surgeons today.

1. American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS)

The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) is a voluntary, non-profit organization that certifies orthopedic surgeons who have met the board's standards for training and experience. The ABOS is responsible for setting the standards for orthopedic surgeons to practice in the United States, and it also administers examinations to certify orthopedic surgeons who meet its requirements.

It takes at least seven years of postgraduate education and training to become eligible for certification by the ABOS. This includes four years of medical school followed by three years of residency in an accredited orthopedic surgery program. In addition, applicants must pass both written and oral exams administered by the ABOS before they are certified as an orthopedic surgeon.

To get certified by the ABOS, you must first complete your medical school and residency program requirements as outlined above. After completing these requirements, you can apply to take the ABOS exams online or through mail with a completed application form and fee payment. The fee for taking the exam varies depending on when you apply; however, it typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD per exam.

Once you have successfully passed both exams, you will be certified as an orthopedic surgeon by the ABOS and can begin practicing in any state in the US where you are licensed.

2. American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery (AOBOS)

The American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery (AOBOS) is a certifying board that provides certification to osteopathic physicians who specialize in orthopedic surgery. It is one of the 24 certifying boards of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

In order to become certified by the AOBOS, a physician must have completed an accredited residency program in orthopedic surgery and must pass both written and oral examinations. The written examination consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately eight hours to complete. The oral examination lasts for two days and covers topics such as patient management, clinical judgment, and surgical techniques.

The process of becoming certified by the AOBOS can take up to three years from the time a physician begins their residency program until they receive their certification. In addition, physicians must maintain their certification by completing continuing medical education (CME) credits every two years.

The cost for taking the written and oral examinations is approximately $2,500 USD. This fee includes registration costs as well as any additional fees associated with taking the exam.

3. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) is a professional medical organization that provides education, research, and advocacy for orthopaedic surgeons and other health care professionals. The AAOS was founded in 1933 and is the largest orthopaedic organization in the world.

It does not take any specific amount of time to become an AAOS member as it depends on the individual's qualifications. To become a member, applicants must have completed an accredited residency program in orthopaedic surgery or related specialties, be board certified or board eligible by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS), and hold a valid medical license. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate their commitment to lifelong learning by completing continuing medical education courses and participating in other activities that promote excellence in patient care.

The cost of becoming an AAOS member varies depending on the type of membership selected. The annual dues range from $400 to $1,000 for active members, while associate members pay between $50 and $300 annually. There are also discounts available for residents and fellows-in-training, retired physicians, international members, military personnel, and more.

In addition to providing educational resources for its members, the AAOS also offers certification programs such as the Orthopaedic Certification Examination (OCE). This exam is administered twice a year to ensure that practitioners maintain their knowledge base and remain up-to-date with current standards of practice. The cost of taking this exam is approximately $1,500 per attempt.

Overall, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons provides valuable resources for its members through educational programs and advocacy initiatives. It also serves as a platform for collaboration among healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes worldwide.

4. Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) is a national, not-for-profit organization that sets the standards for medical education and practice in Canada. It is responsible for assessing the qualifications of physicians and surgeons who wish to practice in Canada, as well as certifying specialists in various areas of medicine. The RCPSC also provides continuing professional development programs to help physicians and surgeons stay up-to-date with the latest advances in their field.

It typically takes two to three years to complete all the requirements for certification by the RCPSC. This includes completing a residency program, passing an examination, demonstrating satisfactory performance on an assessment program, and meeting certain other criteria. Depending on the specialty being pursued, additional requirements may be necessary.

To get certified by the RCPSC, you must first apply through their website or contact their office directly. You will need to provide documentation such as transcripts from medical school, proof of residency training, letters of reference from colleagues or supervisors, etc. After your application has been reviewed and approved by the RCPSC, you will be invited to take an exam which tests your knowledge and skills related to your chosen specialty.

The cost of applying for certification varies depending on your specialty and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500 CAD to apply for certification with the RCPSC; however this can vary depending on your circumstances.

5. European Board of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (EBOT)

The European Board of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (EBOT) is an independent, non-profit organization that provides a certification program for orthopedic surgeons in Europe. It is designed to ensure the highest standards of care for patients with musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. The certification process involves a comprehensive assessment of the surgeon’s knowledge, skills, and experience in the field of orthopedics.

The EBOT certification process takes approximately two years to complete. During this time, applicants must pass a series of examinations covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnosis, treatment planning and surgical technique. In addition to these examinations, applicants must also demonstrate their clinical competence by completing a number of supervised clinical cases within their specialty area.

To become eligible for EBOT certification, applicants must first have completed an approved residency program in orthopedic surgery or trauma surgery in Europe or be board certified by another recognized European board. Applicants must also have at least three years of post-residency experience in orthopedic surgery or trauma surgery before they can apply for EBOT certification.

The cost of obtaining EBOT certification varies depending on the country where you are applying from and the type of examination you are taking. Generally speaking, it costs between €2,000 – €4,000 to take all four parts of the examination (anatomy & physiology; pathology; diagnosis & treatment planning; surgical technique). Additionally there may be additional fees associated with travel expenses and lodging during the exam period.

6. International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty (ISTA)

The International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty (ISTA) is an international, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing technology and education in the field of arthroplasty. ISTA provides a forum for orthopedic surgeons, engineers, researchers and industry professionals to share knowledge and experience related to the use of technology in arthroplasty.

To become a member of ISTA, you must fill out an online application form and pay an annual membership fee. The cost of membership varies based on your profession (orthopedic surgeon, engineer, researcher or industry professional). Once your application is accepted, you will receive a welcome package with information about upcoming events and activities.

It typically takes up to two weeks for your application to be processed. After that, you will receive confirmation that you are now a member of ISTA.

7. American Board of Sports Medicine (ABSM)

The American Board of Sports Medicine (ABSM) is a non-profit organization that provides certification for healthcare professionals in the field of sports medicine. This certification is designed to demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the areas of diagnosis, treatment, and management of injuries related to physical activity. The ABSM certification is recognized by many organizations, including the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), and American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM).

To become certified by the ABSM, individuals must first complete an accredited program in sports medicine or athletic training. After completing this program, they must then pass a comprehensive exam administered by the ABSM. This exam covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, pharmacology, pathology, biomechanics, and injury prevention/management.

Once an individual has passed the exam and received their certification from the ABSM, they can use it to demonstrate their expertise in sports medicine to employers and other healthcare professionals. Certification typically takes between 6 months to 1 year to complete depending on how quickly you can study for and pass the exam.

The cost of obtaining ABSM certification varies depending on whether you are taking a self-study course or attending a course at an accredited institution. Self-study courses typically cost between $500-$800 while courses taken at an accredited institution may cost up to $2,000 or more.

8. National Board for Certification in Orthopaedic Surgery (NBCOS)

The National Board for Certification in Orthopaedic Surgery (NBCOS) is a non-profit organization that certifies orthopaedic surgeons in the United States. It is the only certification program of its kind, providing an independent assessment of an orthopaedic surgeon's knowledge, skills and abilities. The NBCOS certification process includes a comprehensive written examination and an oral examination.

It typically takes two to three years to complete the entire certification process. During this time, candidates must complete a minimum of 24 months of postgraduate training in a recognized orthopaedic residency program, pass the written and oral examinations, and meet all other requirements set forth by the NBCOS.

To get certified by NBCOS, candidates must first apply for eligibility by submitting their medical school transcripts and proof of completion of an accredited orthopaedic residency program. Once approved for eligibility, candidates may then register for the written and oral examinations. After completing both examinations successfully, they will be awarded with the NBCOS certificate.

The cost to become certified by NBCOS varies depending on whether or not you are already board-eligible or board-certified in another specialty. For those who are board-eligible or board-certified in another specialty, the cost is $1,500 plus applicable taxes; for those who are not board-eligible or board-certified in another specialty, the cost is $2,000 plus applicable taxes.

9. International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery (ISASS)

The International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery (ISASS) is an international organization dedicated to the advancement of spine surgery. ISASS was founded in 2002 and has grown to become one of the leading organizations in the field, providing education, research, and advocacy for spine surgeons and related healthcare professionals.

ISASS provides a wide range of educational opportunities for its members, including conferences, webinars, courses, and seminars. It also offers access to a variety of resources such as journals and publications that provide up-to-date information on current trends in spine surgery. Additionally, ISASS serves as an advocate for spine surgeons by participating in policy discussions at both national and international levels.

Membership to ISASS is open to any individual who works in or is interested in the field of spine surgery. Membership fees vary depending on your profession and country of residence; however, all members receive access to exclusive member benefits such as discounts on educational programs and publications. To become a member of ISASS, you must complete an application form which can be found on their website.

The cost of membership varies depending on your profession and country of residence; however, it typically ranges from $50-$200 USD per year. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with certain educational programs or events hosted by ISASS.

10. American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS)

The American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the field of hand surgery. It was founded in 1982 and has grown to include members from around the world. The AAHS provides educational opportunities, research grants, and advocacy on behalf of hand surgeons and their patients.

Membership in the AAHS is open to any licensed medical doctor who is board-certified or board-eligible in plastic surgery, orthopedic surgery, or general surgery with a special interest in hand surgery. To become a member, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as letters of recommendation and proof of licensure. Once approved, members are required to pay annual dues which range from $100-$500 depending on the type of membership.

The AAHS also offers certification for hand surgeons who meet certain criteria. This includes completing an accredited fellowship program and passing both a written and oral exam administered by the AAHS Board of Directors. Certification typically takes two years to complete and requires additional fees ranging from $1,000 -$2,000 depending on the type of certification sought.

Overall, becoming a member or obtaining certification through the AAHS can be beneficial for those interested in pursuing a career in hand surgery as it provides access to educational resources, networking opportunities with other professionals in the field, and recognition as an expert in this specialty area.

Do You Really Need a Orthopedic Surgeon Certificate?

An orthopedic surgeon certificate is an important credential for any medical professional who wishes to specialize in orthopedic surgery. This certification is required by many hospitals and healthcare organizations, as well as state licensing boards. However, it is not always necessary for a physician to possess this certificate in order to practice orthopedic surgery.

The main benefit of having an orthopedic surgeon certificate is that it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and knowledge than would be expected from someone without the certification. The certification process requires physicians to demonstrate their mastery of the medical principles and procedures related to orthopedic surgery. In addition, they must also demonstrate their ability to safely and effectively perform surgeries using the correct tools and techniques. Without this certification, some hospitals may choose not to hire a physician or allow them to practice at their facilities due to concerns about the quality of care they might provide.

However, while it is beneficial to have an orthopedic surgeon certificate, it is not always essential for all medical professionals who wish to specialize in this field. Depending on the specific requirements of a job or hospital, some physicians may be able to practice orthopedics without obtaining this certification first. In many cases, physicians can gain experience through residency programs or other forms of training that will give them the skills needed for successful orthopedic surgery without needing an additional certification.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an orthopedic surgeon certificate depends on your individual situation and what type of job you are seeking. If you plan on working in a hospital setting where this certification is required, then it would be wise to obtain one before applying for positions. However, if you are interested in working with private patients or pursuing research opportunities in orthopedics then obtaining such a certification may not be necessary.

Related: Orthopedic Surgeon Resume Examples

FAQs About Orthopedic Surgeon Certifications

1. What certifications do orthopedic surgeons need?

Answer: Orthopedic surgeons must be certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) or the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (AOBOS). They must also have a valid medical license in their state.

2. How long does it take to become an orthopedic surgeon?

Answer: It typically takes at least 12 years of education and training to become an orthopedic surgeon, including four years of undergraduate school, four years of medical school, and a five-year residency program in orthopedic surgery.

3. What is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon?

Answer: A board-certified orthopedic surgeon is one who has completed specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and successfully passed a rigorous certification exam administered by either the ABOS or AOBOS.

4. Are there any additional certifications that an orthopedic surgeon can pursue?

Answer: Yes, many orthopedic surgeons pursue additional specialty certifications such as sports medicine or spine surgery to further specialize their practice.

5. Is recertification required for an orthopedic surgeon?

Answer: Yes, all board-certified orthopedic surgeons must complete recertification every 10 years with either the ABOS or AOBOS in order to maintain their credentials.