AOPA Announces New Partnership with IIOP for the Business Certificate Program Beginning Fall 2026

Alexandria, VA – The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) is excited to announce that beginning in fall 2026, the International Institute of Orthotics & Prosthetics (IIOP) will become the new partner for AOPA’s highly regarded Business Certificate Program.

Since 2021, AOPA has offered this comprehensive, non-degree certificate program to strengthen business and leadership skills across the orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) profession. Designed for patient care facility owners, managers, practitioners, manufacturers, distributors, and administrative staff, the program equips participants with tools to navigate today’s most pressing business challenges—including finance, sales and marketing, operations, and management.

“AOPA is thrilled to partner with IIOP to expand and enhance this important program,” said Teri Kuffel, JD, AOPA Executive Director. “As the O&P profession continues to evolve, strong business leadership is essential. This partnership will strengthen the educational experience, broaden access, and ensure that O&P professionals gain the strategic knowledge necessary to thrive in their businesses.”

Beginning in 2026, courses will continue to be offered both online and in person at select seminars around the country. The structure of the program remains the same:

Participants complete eight total courses (four core, four elective).
Core courses will now be planned, organized, and delivered by IIOP.
Elective courses will continue to be developed and delivered by AOPA.
A minimum passing grade of 80% is required to earn the certificate.
Participants will register for the Business Certificate Program through AOPA, and then enroll in their individual core and elective courses directly through IIOP and AOPA respectively.
Upon completion, participants will receive their certificate and have the opportunity to graduate at AOPA’s National Assembly.

“IIOP is proud to collaborate with AOPA on a program that builds stronger, more resilient leaders in O&P,” said Arlene Gillis, CP, LPO, M.Ed., IIOP Founder. “Business education is essential to the long-term success of our profession, and together with AOPA, we are committed to providing a high-quality, accessible learning experience that empowers O&P professionals at every stage of their career.”

AOPA and IIOP are dedicated to fostering a skilled, knowledgeable, and forward-thinking O&P workforce. The Business Certificate Program will continue to offer a unique leadership development opportunity—giving participants fresh insights, practical tools, and proven techniques to strengthen operations, enhance performance, and drive meaningful returns for their organizations.

More details about registration, course availability, and timelines will be shared in early 2026.

About AOPA

A trusted partner, advocating for and serving the orthotic and prosthetic community, the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) fosters relationships with decision makers, provides education, supports research, and advances equality to strengthen the orthotic and prosthetic profession and improve the lives of its patients. Since 1917, AOPA has been the largest trade association consisting of more than 1,800 patient care facilities and suppliers that together manufacture, distribute, design, fabricate, fit, and provide clinical care for patients using orthoses (orthopedic braces) and prostheses (artificial limbs). Each and every day, AOPA and its members strive for a world where orthotic and prosthetic care transforms lives.

International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics

The International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics (IIOP) is an organization that seeks to improve the lives of people living with amputation, veterans, and their families by enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of the practitioners who serve them. It does this primarily through its work with accredited O&P programs in research, innovation, education, and collaboration.

The Institute was established in 2015 to serve as a resource center for educators, researchers, practitioners, and patients.

The Institute offers a variety of O&P, allied health and amputee rehabilitation and therapy programs. Additional support services available include grant writing, research and assistance with developing partnerships to leverage funding. It also provides practitioners with greater access to the industry’s knowledge by hosting workshops and symposia. The Institute’s facility enables researchers and professional partners to collaborate with us on innovative projects. And because the Institute is located just minutes from MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, people living with amputation, veterans, first responders, and their families can also receive wrap-around services such as wellness programs and other rehabilitative services offered by either the government or private sector.