Post-mastectomy involves a very intimate issue – the breasts. As a result, it has been largely ignored. Through my experiences, I’ve heard various terms used when referring to post-mastectomy professionals: bra fitters, “that pink bra stuff.’ And my personal favorite, “the boob girls.”
However, despite these dismissals, women persevered, and the post-mastectomy profession has evolved, growing into a vibrant profession of more than 6,000 Fitters. These women business owners, some with decades of experience, have placed their unique stamp on post-mastectomy services. It is a profession that deserves respect and needs its Voice.
The steps to becoming a mastectomy fitter are easy. So, let’s take a look at the process.
But first, maybe a few definitions?
Table of Contents
What Is ‘Post-Mastectomy’?
Post-mastectomy means “after a mastectomy.” It describes the professional and medically necessary service that is required after a mastectomy due to breast cancer, trauma, prophylactic mastectomy, or genetically induced developmental conditions of the breast.
A post-mastectomy fitter is a certified and/or licensed ancillary healthcare professional who is trained in post-mastectomy fitting and care.
What Are Mastectomy Products and Services?
Post-Mastectomy items and services include all types of external breast prostheses, including custom, pocketed garments, treatment of lymphedema, and post-surgical compression garments. These are healthcare items because they treat conditions resulting from diseases, including breast diseases.
AABCP
Additional items often considered post-mastectomy are fashion clothing designed to accommodate breast surgeries, such as head and neck scarves, wigs, head beanies, cooling caps, bathing suits, and ease-of-wear items. In addition, many new lingerie and fashion designers focus exclusively on post-mastectomy or cancer care designs.
The rewards are worth the effort if you are interested in becoming certified in post-mastectomy. The process is straightforward, but it does take time – about six months from start to finish if that is your full-time focus.
There are 3 Easy Steps to Becoming a Certified Post-Mastectomy Fitter: learn, fit, and certify.
1. Learn
First, you need to learn the basics of post-mastectomy fitting. Many companies and organizations offer a pre-certification post-mastectomy fitter course. These courses usually last between 8 to 10 hours and cost about $200. AABCP’s approved pre-certification course exceeds the current requirements. Regardless of the training program, the course content must meet the basic requirements set by the professional certifying organizations.
There are two Certifying Organizations for post-mastectomy: the American Board for Certification and the Board for Certification. Both certify post-mastectomy fitters and list approved courses on their websites. To ensure that you are taking the proper path, check with your post-mastectomy lingerie manufacturer or the certifying organization’s approved lists.
We will cover more on the certifying organizations later in this post.
2. Fit
Knowledge and expertise come with experience.
The second step in the path to post-mastectomy Certification is to gain experience. You will need to learn the ins and outs of fitting and of running a post-mastectomy business.
This is done through at least 125 hours (BOC) or 120 hours (ABC) of “internship hours” working directly under the supervision of a currently certified fitter.
3. Certify
The third step may be the most difficult for some.
Sign up for and take the Certification Exam.
Certification in post-mastectomy fitting requires a computer-based, 100-150-question multiple-choice standardized exam administered by pre-approved organizations. Additionally, there are study aids and online practice exams to help review the material and boost confidence. The book you received from your pre-certification course is also a good study guide.
There are two certifying bodies.
The American Board of Certification and the Board for Orthotic Certification are both national, non-profit organizations.
They provide professional certification in post-mastectomy fitting and continuing oversight. Equal in test difficulty, the options differ slightly in cost, pre-certification requirements, test availability, and continuing education requirements.
Therefore, choosing a certifying organization at the beginning of your path will affect the path forward.
A certified post-mastectomy fitter can work anywhere and is a specialized and growing professional designation. They can even open up their boutique. Fitters meet men and women at a critical time in their lives, helping them regain their self-esteem and navigate the next stage in their breast cancer treatment continuum. Additionally, a Certified Fitter is a member of a larger allied health profession of Orthotics and Prosthetics.
The world of O&P is a vibrant and dedicated provider community.
If this sounds like you, we encourage you to read on!