MARCH IS 'POP MONTH' CELEBRATING PROSTHETISTS, ORTHOTISTS & PEDORTHISTS WHO ENHANCE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR MILLIONS OF PEOPLE

Dozens of national organizations to commemorate "POP Month"

Activities will celebrate the achievements of POP professionals and their impact on society while building awareness of this fast-growing healthcare sector

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC) today announced the start of "POP Month," a celebration of 15,000 prosthetic, orthotic and pedorthic (POP) professionals who custom design and fit devices that help people improve their lives through better mobility. POP professionals serve more than 5.6 million people in America who live with mobility limitations due to chronic illness, limb loss or other conditions.

"POP professionals have an immense impact on society by helping people of all ages and backgrounds improve their mobility," said Catherine Carter, MA, ABC's executive director. "It's an honor to celebrate these health care heroes and the profound difference they make in people's daily lives."

More than 30 national organizations will commemorate POP Month by recognizing the achievements of POP champions, students, educators and practitioners. The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, Amputee Blade Runners, Hanger Clinic, National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education and others will host open houses, speak at schools and recognize employees.

POP ambassadors—practicing healthcare professionals from around the United States—will share stories and experiences from their interactions with thousands of patients.

The Best Job You've Never Heard Of
Carter says that POP career opportunities are constantly growing. Employment of POP professionals is projected to grow 15% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations, and more than 6 million people in the United States will need the support of POP professionals by 2030.

The profession was named the 16th "Best Healthcare Job" by U.S. News & World Report in 2025. Despite increasing demand for POP and national recognition of the profession, public awareness is lower than for physical therapy, biomechanical engineering or athletic training, according to POP professionals.

"Most people know what a physical therapist is or have seen artificial limbs, but they might not realize that there's a whole healthcare field of highly trained professionals who custom design devices that help patients regain mobility," said Mark Rodriguez, CPO, president of the board of directors at ABC. "I work with children from infancy through adolescence to help them walk, run, jump and play the way they choose. My job is essentially to help kids be kids, and there is no better feeling."

Rodriguez says there are numerous POP career paths for anyone with an interest in healthcare and serving patients.

Visit POPMonth.org to learn more about ABC's commitment to celebrating POP professionals this March.

About The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics
The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics 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.

CONTACT: Jameson Roth, [email protected], (443) 717-3508

SOURCE The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics