Infographic courtesy of the Academy.
According to a study published by the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (the Academy), a number of health trends are contributing to the demand for O&P practitioners, including an increase in diabetes (15.3 million new cases in the United States since 1980); heart disease (cases projected to increase more than 26 percent by 2030); and obesity (on the rise, up more than 22 percent since 1960), as well as an aging population (72 million Americans are predicted to be in the 65+ age group by 2030). Thus, employment opportunities continue in this sector, despite the overall stagnant 4.9 percent unemployment rate reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Adding to the demand are aging O&P professionals. Almost 25 percent are 55 years or older and likely to retire in the next ten years, leaving additional opportunities for new entrants to the profession.
Creative technologies, in particular, are thought to be fueling this increase in job opportunities. According to Academy President Rick Miller, CO, FAAOP, “As technology has advanced, for example in the areas of STEM [science, technology, engineering, and math] and 3D printing, we see O&P professionals leveraging more effective solutions than ever before, yielding more opportunities for their patients.”
