Certification Disclaimer

National Society of Orthopedic Medical Assistants (NSOMA)
Effective Date: June 2026

Purpose of Certification

The certifications offered by the National Society of Orthopedic Medical Assistants (NSOMA) are voluntary professional credentials designed to recognize an individual's achievement in orthopedic education, knowledge, and clinical skill development.

NSOMA certification programs are intended to promote professional growth, continuing education, and competency within orthopedic healthcare settings.

Not a Professional License

NSOMA certifications, including but not limited to the Orthopedic Medical Assistant (OMA) credential and any future specialty certifications, are professional certifications and are not government-issued licenses.

Certification by NSOMA:

Does not grant legal authority to practice medicine

Does not authorize independent patient care

Does not replace state or federal licensure requirements

Does not supersede employer policies or physician supervision requirements

Does not establish a legal scope of practice

Certified individuals must always comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, employer policies, and physician directives.

Scope of Practice

NSOMA certification does not define, expand, or modify an individual's legal scope of practice.

The duties a certified individual may perform are determined by:

State laws and regulations

Employer policies and procedures

Physician delegation and supervision

Professional standards of care

Individual training and competency

Certification holders are solely responsible for ensuring they practice within the limits permitted by applicable laws and regulations.

No Guarantee of Employment

NSOMA certification is designed to demonstrate achievement of established educational and examination standards.

Certification does not guarantee:

Employment

Job placement

Salary increases

Promotions

Professional privileges

Career advancement

Employment decisions remain solely at the discretion of employers.

Educational Nature of Certification

NSOMA certification examinations evaluate knowledge and competencies based upon established educational objectives and industry standards.

Successful completion of an examination demonstrates that the candidate met NSOMA's certification requirements at the time of testing.

Certification should not be interpreted as a guarantee of future performance or competency in every clinical situation.

Hands-On Skills and Clinical Competency

Certain advanced certifications and educational programs may include hands-on training components involving:

Casting

Splinting

Bracing

Orthopedic procedures

Clinical skills assessments

Participation in training programs does not authorize individuals to perform procedures beyond those permitted by their employer, state regulations, or supervising healthcare providers.

Additional employer-specific training and competency validation may be required.

Continuing Education Requirements

NSOMA may establish continuing education or renewal requirements to maintain certification status.

Certification holders are responsible for:

Meeting renewal requirements

Maintaining accurate records

Complying with continuing education standards

Renewing credentials before expiration dates

Failure to meet renewal requirements may result in expiration or revocation of certification.

Certification Revocation or Suspension

NSOMA reserves the right to suspend, revoke, deny, or refuse renewal of certification for reasons including, but not limited to:

Fraudulent application information

Examination misconduct

Misrepresentation of credentials

Violation of certification policies

Unethical or unprofessional conduct

Failure to meet certification maintenance requirements

NSOMA's decisions regarding certification status shall be final.

Limitation of Liability

NSOMA makes no representation or warranty regarding the actions, performance, or competency of any individual holding a certification credential.

NSOMA shall not be liable for:

Clinical decisions

Patient outcomes

Employment actions

Professional conduct of certificants

Errors or omissions in practice

Responsibility for patient care remains with the healthcare provider, supervising physician, employer, and individual practitioner.

Use of Certification Designations

Individuals who have successfully earned and maintained an active NSOMA certification may use the applicable credential designation as authorized by NSOMA.

Certification holders may not:

Misrepresent their certification status

Use expired credentials

Imply licensure or physician status

Use credentials in a misleading manner

NSOMA reserves the right to take action against unauthorized use of its certification marks and designations.

Changes to Certification Programs

NSOMA reserves the right to modify:

Eligibility requirements

Examination content

Scoring standards

Certification requirements

Renewal requirements

Credential designations

Changes may occur as professional standards and healthcare practices evolve.

Contact Information

National Society of Orthopedic Medical Assistants (NSOMA)

Website: www.nsoma.org

Questions regarding certification policies or credentialing requirements may be submitted to the NSOMA Support website.

Last Updated: June 2026

Important Notice

NSOMA certifications are professional credentials designed to recognize specialized orthopedic education and competency. They are not medical licenses, do not create a legal scope of practice, and do not replace employer training, physician supervision, or state regulatory requirements. Certification holders must always practice in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, employer policies, and accepted standards of patient care.