Technology-enabled Accreditation Supports Orthopaedic Safety
Don Boucher
Prometric, a part of The Thomson Corporation
443.923.8031
Jeff Virgo
NBCOT
718.579.5919
Technology-enabled Accreditation Supports Orthopaedic Safety
Baltimore, Md. – August 25, 2003 – Prometric, a part of The Thomson Corporation (TSX: TOC; NYSE: TOC), the global leader in technology-enabled testing and assessment services, and NBCOT, the National Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Technologists, today announced their agreement to convert NBCOT's paper and pencil - based exam to computer-based format, and deliver the exam through Prometric's secure testing center network nationwide.
"NBCOT's mission is to ensure that the certification will provide the general population and medical community only qualified and competent clinicians certified in Orthopaedic Technologies," said Jeff Virgo, NBCOT Chairman. "The security of test delivery with Prometric furthers our confidence that only qualified people can practice as Certified Orthopaedic Technologists [OTCs™]."
Prometric will perform a role delineation study of the exam beginning in August. The study will include a review of the Orthopaedic Technologist job description and interviews with Orthopaedic Technologists to verify the skill set, further ensuring the validity of the credential. Exam delivery will begin in Prometric's secure testing center network nationwide February 2004.
"The agreement with NBCOT and Prometric promises to uphold the credibility of the program, said Jack C. Killorin, Prometric Vice President of Global Security. "Delivery through Prometric's secure testing centers will help aid in the safety of the people the OTCs work with and care for."
Credentialing is done initially by a 150-question certification exam and subsequently by accumulating continuing education units (CEUs), or through retaking the exam. To date, more than 5,000 Orthopaedic Technologists have been certified by the NBCOT.
The Orthopaedic Technologist is a specially trained allied health professional. Assisting the Orthopaedic surgeon, they work in the hospital or clinical setting, and communicate effectively with other professionals. While having compassion and understanding for the anxieties and fears of their patients, they utilize their expertise in casting, splinting, bracing, traction and surgical assisting.
About NBCOT
The National Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Technologists (NBCOT) was formed in 1982 to certify those persons with proven measurable knowledge and skills in Orthopaedic Technology. The certification process ensures that Certified Orthopaedic Technologists (OTCs) have met standard requirements to perform in the field.
About The Thomson Corporation and Prometric
The Thomson Corporation, with 2002 revenues of $7.8 billion, is a global leader in providing integrated information solutions to business and professional customers. The Corporation's common shares are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges (TSX: TOC; NYSE: TOC). Its learning businesses and brands serve the needs of individuals, learning institutions, corporations and government agencies with products and services for both traditional and distributed learning.
Prometric (www.prometric.com) is the global leader in technology-enabled testing and assessment services for information technology certification, academic admissions and professional licensure and certifications. Prometric delivers standardized tests for more than 300 clients, in more than 25 languages, over the Web or through a global network of testing centers in 121 countries. Based in Baltimore, Md., Prometric employs more than 3,000 employees worldwide.
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