ONLINE TRAINING Stay informed Earn CEUs Work at your own pace

Thank you for your interest in ABC University’s online training. If you prefer to take a live, instructor-led course, please click here!

If your goal is to become a certified mastectomy fitter, please click here. If you are already certified and need CEUs, please click here.

WANT TO GET CERTIFIED?

If your goal is to become a certified mastectomy fitter, you must complete the ABC’s of Fitting Basic Foundations of Fitting/Pre-certification Course.

ABC’s of Fitting Basic Foundations of Fitting/Pre-certification online training course fulfills all American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABCOPP)- and Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC)-approved mastectomy fitter pre-certification education-course ​requirements. This computer-based, learner-led course can be completed from the comfort of your office or home on your schedule! Click here for more information and to start the course.

ABC’s of Fitting Basic Foundations of Fitting/Pre-certification Course

The ABC’s of Fitting Basic Foundations of Fitting course is the “Pre-certification” or “Approved Entry Level” course that not only meets but exceeds the pre-certification prerequisites set forth by both ABCOPP and BOC. Please note this is a three-component course. Each component must be completed to earn a Certificate of Completion.

How does it work?

It’s as easy as 1, 2, and 3. This course is divided into three components. You must complete each component to receive a Certificate of Completion.

COMPONENT 1: Learner-led, computer-based online training. Experience learning from the comfort and convenience of your computer at your home or office. You have 30 days to complete this component from the date you purchased this course. After completing this component, a hard copy of the computer-based presentation, an ABC product catalog, and a tape measure will be mailed* to you.

*Cost includes free shipping of materials only to US street addresses – no PO boxes.

COMPONENT 2: Live, virtual demonstration, product review, and Q and A opportunity with American Breast Care Education and Sales staff. After you complete Component 1, instructions on registering for any of the following Component 2 sessions will be emailed to you: April 4, 2024, from 1 PM to 3 PM ET; May 16, 2024, from 1 PM to 3 PM ET. You only need to register for ONE of the COMPONENT 2 sessions. You will need access to a computer or smart device, as Zoom technology will be utilized for this session.

COMPONENT 3: Live, virtual competency evaluation with a member of the ABC Education staff. After completing Component 2, you will receive an email the following day with instructions on scheduling an appointment and what is expected for this component. You will need access to a computer or smart device with a microphone and camera, as Zoom technology will be utilized for this course component. A Certificate of Completion will be emailed to you after completing this component.

I need to get certified. Is this the required prerequisite course I must complete before I can sit for the ABCOPP and/or BOC Certification Exam?
YES! This course meets all ABCOPP- and BOC-approved mastectomy fitter pre-certification education course requirements.

How long will it take me to complete this course?
Each learner is different and will progress at their own pace, but please budget 8-10 hours to complete Component 1. Remember, this was a 9-hour live course!

How do I take the course?
Please click on the Instructions tab below.

I have questions. Who should I contact?
Please email Nikki Giamarino, CFm at [email protected].

Course Description: This course prepares an individual to sit for the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABCOPP) and/or Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) mastectomy fitter certification exam. At the completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Identify national certification requirements
  • Differentiate between the different types of breast cancer and surgeries
  • Define breast physiology and pathophysiology
  • Apply techniques to measure and fit a mastectomy bra and breast prosthesis
  • Select appropriate product per patient evaluation and needs
  • Describe fitting room etiquette
  • Explain regulatory and ethical considerations for patient management
  • Execute lasting relationships with patients
  • Recognize effective marketing solutions for post-mastectomy and breast surgery
  • Demonstrate proper bra and breast form fitting techniques

For the best user experience, please view the course with one of the following browsers: Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Cost: $90
*There is ONE cost. The $90 includes all THREE components and free shipping of materials only to US street addresses – no PO boxes.
Estimated Completion Time: 8-10 hours
ABCOPP Credits: 8 (7.00 S and 1.00 B Cat II)
BOC Credits: 9 (7.25 S and 1.75 B)

NOTE: Approved by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABCOPP) and the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) for Continuing Education Credits only, not state licensure.

ALREADY CERTIFIED AND NEED CEUs?

ABC University offers nine one-hour online courses if you are already certified and need CEUs.

NOTE: While both Certified and uncertified fitters can learn from and take advantage of the eight one-hour ABC University online courses, only Certified fitters will earn CEUs, which are automatically reported to ABCOPP and/or BOC monthly as they only post “distance-learning” CEUs monthly. This means CEUs will not post immediately to your ABCOPP and/or BOC account after you complete an ABC University online course. Please get in touch with ABCOPP and/or BOC directly regarding the posting of your CEUs.

Course 2: 
Caring for Your Patients Before and After Breast Surgery

Course Description: This course provides information on caring for your patients before and after surgery. At the completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • List the questions your patients should ask their doctor before surgery
  • State which products are appropriate for your patient’s post-surgical period
  • Identify the nutritional needs during and following treatment
  • Name appropriate exercises for post-surgery
  • Recall the percentage of breast cancer survivors who are at risk for lymphedema
  • Describe the steps to the fitting experience
  • Select products and accessories that are right for your patient
  • Relate to the adjustment period after surgery

For the best user experience, please view the course with one of the following browsers: Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Cost: $35
Estimated Completion Time: 1 hour
ABCOPP Credits: 1.25 (S)
BOC Credits: 1.5 (S)

NOTE: Approved by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABCOPP) and the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) for Continuing Education Credits only, not state licensure.

Course 3:
Lymphedema: Essentials for the Mastectomy Fitter

Course Description: This course provides information on lymphedema as related to the mastectomy patient. At the completion of this course,
you will be able to:

  • Define lymphedema and its effects
  • Understand high-level how the lymphatic system functions
  • Identify causes of lymphedema
  • Describe the differences between primary and secondary lymphedema
  • Differentiate the four stages of lymphedema
  • Understand the impact lymphedema has on quality of life
  • Recall and identify the goals and the four components of CDT
  • Understand truncal lymphedema
  • Describe compression garments and how they are utilized
  • List lymphedema treatment challenges
  • Identify precautions to prevent or minimize the effects of lymphedema

For the best user experience, please view the course with one of the following browsers: Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Cost: FREE only from 03/01/24 to 03/31/24!
Estimated Completion Time: 1 hour
ABCOPP Credits: 1.25 (S)
BOC Credits: 1.5 (S)

NOTE: Approved by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABCOPP) and the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) for Continuing Education Credits only, not state licensure.

Course 4: 
Bloodborne Pathogens, Infection Control, and Universal Precautions

 Course Description: This course provides an overview of bloodborne pathogens, infection control, and universal precautions based on OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard and CDC recommendations. At the completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Define and identify bloodborne pathogens (BBPs)
  • Recall modes of transmission of BBPs
  • Recall exposure risk
  • Give examples of universal precautions
  • Assess the OHSA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
  • Distinguish between engineering controls and work place controls
  • Identify and describe personal protective equipment
  • Recall hepatitis B vaccine guidelines
  • Perform in case of exposure

For the best user experience, please view the course with one of the following browsers: Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Cost: $35
Estimated Completion Time: 1 hour
ABCOPP Credits: 1.25 (S)
BOC Credits: 1.5 (S)

NOTE: Approved by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABCOPP) and the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) for Continuing Education Credits only, not state licensure.

Course 5: 
Influenza: An Overview

Course Description: This course examines the different types of influenza viruses and how they change over time. It also discusses signs and symptoms, the spread and infection control of the virus, complications, prevention, lab diagnoses, and treatments. At the completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Define influenza
  • Differentiate between the four types of influenza
  • Describe how the influenza viruses change
  • Define the US influenza season
  • Recognize the signs and symptoms of the influenza virus
  • Describe how the influenza virus spreads
  • Give examples of influenza virus complications
  • Describe methods to prevent the spread of the influenza virus
  • Identify tests used to diagnose the influenza virus
  • Describe how to treat the influenza virus

For the best user experience, please view the course with one of the following browsers: Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Cost: $35
Estimated Completion Time: 1 hour
ABCOPP Credits: 1.25 (S)
BOC Credits: 1.5 (S)

NOTE: Approved by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABCOPP) and the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) for Continuing Education Credits only, not state licensure.

Course 6: 
Understanding the Genetic Link to Breast Cancer

Course Description: This course examines the basics of genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer. It also discusses who should consider genetic testing, the costs, the possible outcomes, and risks and benefits of testing. At the completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Explain genetics basics
  • Describe how cancer develops
  • Identify the common mutations that raise the risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer
  • Determine the link between breast cancer and ovarian cancer
  • Describe how to get BRCA testing
  • Identify individuals who should consider BRCA testing
  • Compare and contrast BRCA testing outcomes
  • Describe the risks and benefits of BRCA testing
  • State the costs of BRCA testing
  • Describe direct-to-consumer genetic testing

For the best user experience, please view the course with one of the following browsers: Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Cost: $35
Estimated Completion Time: 1 hour
ABCOPP Credits: 1.25 (S)
BOC Credits: 1.5 (S)

NOTE: Approved by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABCOPP) and the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) for Continuing Education Credits only, not state licensure.

Course 7: 
First Aid Basics

Course Description: This course provides an overview of basic first aid, objectives of first aid, what to do in first aid situations, and preparedness. At the completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Define first aid
  • Identify first aid basics
  • List the objectives of first aid
  • State the steps to an emergency situation
  • Explain the DRABC procedure
  • Demonstrate what to do in first aid situations
  • Identify first aid kid necessities
  • Design, create, and execute preparedness tools

For the best user experience, please view the course with one of the following browsers: Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Cost: $35
Estimated Completion Time: 1 hour
ABCOPP Credits: 1.25 (S)
BOC Credits: 1.5 (S)

NOTE: Approved by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABCOPP) and the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) for Continuing Education Credits only, not state licensure.

Course 8: 
A Guide to Infectious Diseases

Course Description: This course is a guide to the fundamentals of infectious diseases including the definition of infectious disease, types, complications, symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. At the completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Define infectious disease
  • Recall infectious disease statistics
  • Differentiate between types of infections
  • Identify who is at risk for infectious diseases
  • List complications of infectious diseases
  • Recognize the symptoms of different infectious diseases
  • Describe the modes of transmission of infectious diseases
  • Explain how infectious diseases are diagnosed and treated
  • Give examples of how infectious diseases can be prevented

For the best user experience, please view the course with one of the following browsers: Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Cost: $35
Estimated Completion Time: 1 hour
ABCOPP Credits: 1.25 (S)
BOC Credits: 1.5 (S)

NOTE: Approved by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABCOPP) and the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) for Continuing Education Credits only, not state licensure.

Course 9: 
Nutrition and Diet for the Cancer Treatment Patient

Course Description: This course provides an overview of what a cancer treatment patient should know about cancer treatment in regard to eating well, and eating problems; how feelings can affect appetite; hints to manage eating problems; how to eat well after cancer treatment ends; foods and drinks to help with certain eating problems. At the completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Explain why cancer treatment patients may have different diet needs
  • Identify cancer treatment side effects that can lead to eating problems
  • List ways patients can get ready for cancer treatment
  • List ways patients can get ready to eat well
  • Give examples of precautions patients can take to avoid infections, as related to food
  • List the feelings a cancer treatment patient may experience that can affect their appetite
  • List the eating problems a cancer treatment patient may experience
  • Explain ways to manage the eating problems
  • Identify and describe ways to return to healthy eating after cancer treatment ends

For the best user experience, please view the course with one of the following browsers: Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Cost: $35
Estimated Completion Time: 1 hour
ABCOPP Credits: 1.25 (S)
BOC Credits: 1.5 (S)

NOTE: Approved by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABCOPP) and the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) for Continuing Education Credits only, not state licensure.

Free Online Short Takes

Click on an individual short take below.

Short Take 1: Fitting Room Etiquette

Short Take 2: How To Measure For A Bra

Short Take 3: Participating vs. Non-Participating