With the increasing use of 3D printing, CAD/CAM software, and a push to use technology to increase efficiency, are traditional hand skills still as necessary for O&P technicians as in the past? Do O&P technicians also need skill sets in these more advanced technologies? The short answer to both questions is yes according to O&P clinicians, business owners, and educators. The O&P technician education programs provide students with the foundation in these skills and the tools to take hold of opportunities, adapt to new technology changes, and develop their own approaches to succeed as the profession evolves. The O&P EDGEÂ spoke to educators to gain insight about how these programs are not only keeping pace with but are ahead of the curve on the fast-paced changes in O&P.
