Nearly 15,000 certified prosthetic, orthotic, and pedorthic (POP) professionals help millions live with the loss of a limb or differences in limb abilities. Whether it’s helping individuals adjust their gait or designing and fitting prosthetic, orthotic, or pedorthic devices, POP professionals help people move!
March is POP Month, a celebration of prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists, and others who make movement possible for so many. Sponsored by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC), the month is a chance to say thank you to these dedicated professionals and educate others about this rewarding profession.
The timing could not be better—because POP careers were recently ranked the 16th “Best Health Care Job” and the 49th “Best Job” overall by U.S. News & World Report’s ‘2025 Best Jobs in America’ report.
Inspiring the Next Generation
As demand for POP professionals increases nationwide, employment opportunities in the prosthetic, orthotic, and pedorthic profession are expected to increase by 17 percent in the next decade. During POP Month and beyond, ABC encourages POP professionals to roll out the welcome mat and share their meaningful careers with the next generation.
Everyone working or studying in POP has their “aha!” moment when they discover the world of prosthetics, orthotics, and pedorthics. POP Month celebrates those moments and the powerful stories of the people behind the devices.
Throughout the month, online discussions, meet-and-greets, social media takeovers, clinic open houses, and other activities celebrate POP professionals.
Looking to host a POP Month event? ABC has free event planning toolkits and virtual event best-practices to help you celebrate. Easy-to-follow resources can help you host open houses to highlight achievements, shadow days to inspire students, or community events to increase awareness of POP work.
More than 30 organizations, including the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, Amputee Blade Runners, Hanger Clinic, National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education, and OrthoPediatrics, have joined the celebration as official POP Month partners.
POP Professionals Make the Difference
No matter what drives them, POP professionals aim to make the world a better place. Whether helping veterans move better, children return to the playground, or athletes living with limb loss get back to sports, patient outcomes are at the heart of POP.
Check out what fellow “POP stars” are saying:
“In this job, you never hit a wall—you are constantly tackling challenges and growing from patients.” —John Dutze, certified pedorthist, prosthetic and orthotic technician and orthotic fitter, Illinois.
“I like how everyone in this profession comes from a different background. We all have something different that drives us, but patient success is our common goal.” —Kelley Berk, certified prosthetist orthotist, Georgia.
“Never underestimate your impact. One POP professional can make a ripple that touches countless lives.” —Rachel Hayes, prosthetic and orthotic resident, Illinois.
Visit POPMonth.org to join the celebration and remember that anything is POP-sible with the support of a POP professional.
About ABC
The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC) is the comprehensive credentialing organization for professionals working in the orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic profession. ABC establishes and advocates for the profession’s highest patient care and organizational standards. Learn more at ABCop.org.
