The National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) has released its analysis projecting O&P workforce supply and patient demand over the next ten years. The study estimates and projects the ability of O&P professionals to meet patient demand from 2016 to 2025. Conducted by Dobson DaVanzo & Associates, Vienna, Virginia, under the direction of NCOPE, the study was funded in part by an $11.1 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
NCOPE last published a workforce study in 2006; that version did not include all credential levels or levels of professionals providing O&P services. It was predetermined that the 2015 workforce analysis should include orthotists, prosthetists, prosthetist/orthotists, assistants, technicians, pedorthists, orthotic fitters, mastectomy fitters, and therapeutic shoe fitters.
“This valuable report addresses the value and sustainability of the O&P profession,” said Charles Kuffel, CPO, vice chair of NCOPE. “Although there were limitations to the study, it does fundamentally support the future need for O&P professionals and our unique skills and knowledge to provide care and services.”
According to the study, the overall number of credentialed O&P providers, inclusive of all levels, will need to increase about 60 percent by 2025 to meet the growing demand, otherwise the workforce will shift toward noncredentialed providers. However, there were limitations with analyzing and estimating the available data, the study reports.
NCOPE said it will use the workforce analysis to plan for future education standards and pathways to pursuing certification. The results will also be used by the HOPE Careers Consortium grant participants and other educational programs to assist in the development of new or improved O&P educational content and curriculum.
