Children wearing back braces, veterans walking with artificial limbs, and Paralympic athletes are 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.
“POP professionals make a lasting difference in the lives of their patients,” Catherine Carter said, executive director at the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics, 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.”
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, and the many achievements of its professionals, who use expertise in medical care, art, and engineering to improve mobility, is lower than many other healthcare jobs.
How POP Professionals Change Lives
From patient care to making devices that improve mobility, POP involves an exciting blend of technology and healthcare. Visit WhatIsPOP.org to watch day-in-the-life videos, explore career paths, learn about schools and programs, and meet POP ambassadors who can answer questions about the profession. Follow WhatIsPOP on social media for a peek behind the curtain to see what POP professionals do.
People who work with prosthetics, orthotics, and pedorthics make a profound difference for patients, families, and communities. There are many resources available to help you learn more about this vital, life-changing work and step into a career with purpose, opportunity and potential.
Source: StatePoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
