SPONSORED CONTENT -- (StatePoint) March is POP Month, a celebration of a vibrant and vital healthcare field of more than 15,000 professionals who make it possible for millions to overcome mobility challenges and improve their quality of life.
Children wearing back braces, veterans walking with artificial limbs and Paralympic athletes all likely receive care from a prosthetist, orthotist or pedorthist—or POP—professional. Certified POP professionals help nearly 6 million people in America with limb loss or limb difference move better. They create devices to restore independence for people of all ages while boosting confidence and well-being.
The Best Healthcare Career Many Haven’t Heard Of
POP professionals are committed to helping people reach their mobility goals. They do it by designing devices, creating treatment plans, leading rehabilitation and working with insurance companies to ensure coverage.
POP is the 16th “Best Health Care Job” and 49th “Best Job” according to a “U.S. News & World Report” ranking of best jobs in 2025. Yet awareness of the profession is lower than for many other healthcare jobs. POP Month celebrates the profession and the many achievements of its professionals, who use expertise in medical care, art and engineering to improve mobility.
“POP professionals make a lasting difference in the lives of their patients,” said Catherine Carter, executive director at the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC), the credentialing organization for professionals in the field. “They help people return to everyday life and the activities they love. No matter the mobility challenge, POP professionals meet their patients where they are and help them move forward.”
During POP Month in March, more than 30 organizations that have partnered with ABC will host educational activities, open houses and more. Check out POPMonth.org to learn more and follow along on social media.
Do You Have Experience with POP?
• Share Your Story: Is there a POP professional in your life who helped you or someone you care about move better? Highlight them on social media using the hashtag #POPMonth2025.
• Learn about the People in POP: Visit WhatIsPOP.org to learn about POP students and professionals who make a difference in their patients’ lives.
• Spread the Word: See and share news about POP Month by following @what.is.pop and @abc.opp on Instagram.
People who work with prosthetics, orthotics and pedorthics make a profound, immediate and visible difference for patients, families and communities. Help celebrate this vital, life-changing work in March 2025 and beyond.
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