| Related Jobs |  | Dietitian and Nutritionist, Therapist, Recreational, Technician, Medical Appliance |
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| Job Outlook | | According to the Orthotics & Prosthetics webpage, "There is a growing need for orthotic and prosthetic professionals. Since 1973 the U.S. Department of Education has identified O&P training as a national priority with a practitioner deficit. While only eight institutions nationwide currently offer O&P education, the demand for provider services is expected to increase by 25 percent for orthotic care and 47 percent for prosthetic care by 2020. This practitioner shortage means more demand than ever for graduates of the nation's O&P education programs. Without an increase in the number of O&P students, by the year 2020, only 61 percent or less of the population using orthoses will be served. Similarly, only 66 percent or less of prosthetic consumers' needs will be met by 2020-a population expected to increase by 47 percent by that year. These statistics are taken from a study conducted by Caroline Nielsen, PhD entitled Issues Affecting the Future Demand for Orthotists and Prosthetists (May 2002).
Currently, there are 4,789 practitioners certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) (2005). Of this total number, 39 percent (1,888) were certified orthotists, 25 percent (1,210) were certified prosthetists and 35 percent (1,691) were certified in both disciplines. Seventeen percent of this group is 55 and older and likely to retire within the next ten years, so it is critical that more qualified students enter O&P programs to assure access to quality care for individuals with amputations and orthopedic impairments." |
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| More Information | | American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, American Medical Association - Health Care Careers |
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| References | | Orthotics and Prosthetics Careers, American Academy of Orthotics and Prosthetics, on the Internet at http://www.opcareers.org
O*NET OnLine, on the Internet at
http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/29-2091.00 |
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