Exploring Careers in Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Pedorthics 

In March, Hanger Clinic joins organizations across the country in recognizing POP Month—a time dedicated to celebrating the skilled professionals in prosthetics, orthotics, and pedorthics who help transform lives every day and highlighting the career opportunities in this profession. This month shines a light on the clinicians, technicians, fitters, and support staff who blend science, artistry, and empathy to empower patients of all ages. 

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Why Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Pedorthics (POP)? 

If you’re passionate about changing lives and helping people regain the ability to walk, work, play, and return to the activities they love, a field in POP may be for you. In this patient‑centered and purpose-driven work, you will design, fabricate, and fit devices that restore mobility and function, making the field both technically challenging and deeply rewarding. 

We chatted with Hanger Clinic clinicians who shared their personal journeys, motivations, and perspectives on what makes the POP profession so meaningful. 

Inspired by Experiences 

For many in the field, orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) is more than just a profession. For Area Clinic Manager and certified prosthetist/orthotist Kevin Clark, CPO, the path to O&P is deeply personal. 

“I wanted to go into O&P because I have an amputation myself. I’ve been an amputee since childhood and have had the same prosthetist for about 20 years. He made such a difference in my life, and I wanted to make that same difference for someone else.” 

Kevin emphasizes that raising awareness about the profession matters more than many realize. 

“It’s the field nobody knows about until you need it. People see prostheses and braces, but they don’t know how they’re made or who provides them. The more we normalize it, the less stigma there is, and the better it is for everyone. I go home feeling good about myself every day because everyone I work with is motivated to make people’s lives better.” 

Discovering Purpose Through Patient Care 

For orthotic fitter Elizabeth Garcia-Flynn, BOCOF, a career in O&P started unexpectedly—but became a passion. 

“I started in the front office, and one of the managers encouraged me to work with patients. Once I began fitting orthotics, I realized I truly loved it.” 

She explains why POP Month matters: 

“Celebrating the orthotic and prosthetic profession is important because we spend one‑on‑one time with patients who need cervical collars, knee braces, diabetic shoes, inserts—you name it. Many people don’t even know these services exist. POP Month helps us spread that awareness.”

Seeing Miracles Every Day 

Certified pedorthist and orthotic fitter, Luz Hatzistavros, C.Ped, BOCOF, entered the field after witnessing the impact of O&P firsthand. 

“I started as an administrator and saw the miracles happening behind the scenes. I knew I wanted to be part of that and became a pedorthist. Now, I manufacture, fit, modify, and provide patients with foot orthoses and shoes.” 

For Luz, POP Month is as much for patients as it is for clinicians. 

“A lot of people don’t know we exist. Patients often come in scared or unsure of what we do. Promoting this profession helps future clinicians discover it—and helps patients feel more comfortable and supported.” 

Blending Craftsmanship and Patient Connection 

For certified prosthetist/orthotist Ahmahn Peeples, CPO, discovering O&P was a moment of fortune. 

“I was studying physical therapy when I helped a child fix a broken brace during rotation. I thought, this is cool—I can build something and help someone walk or interact with their environment. That’s when I switched to O&P.” 

Ahman also stressed the importance of community engagement and visibility. 

“Not many people know about this field. Awareness can inspire future clinicians and help patients understand that we’re part of their medical team—not on the sidelines.  

Working with the O&P team is awesome. Different mindsets, different backgrounds—we all collaborate with one focus: improving patients’ lives.

Ahmahn Peeples, CPOCertified Prosthetist/Orthotist

Celebrate, Share, and Support POP Month 

During POP Month—and every month—we invite you to: 

• Celebrate the Professionals: Recognize the orthotists, prosthetists, technicians, fitters, and administrative teams who make mobility possible. 
• Share the Stories: Many people don’t know what O&P is until they need it. Spread the word—online and in your community. 
• Support Patients and Families: A kind word, a shared resource, or a moment of encouragement can change someone’s journey. 
• Consider a Future in O&P: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for orthotists and prosthetists are projected to grow 13% from 2024–2034, which is much faster than average across all occupations. Explore career opportunities at Hanger Clinic and learn how you can be part of this life‑changing work. 

Interested in a Career in O&P? 

Prosthetic, Orthotic and Pedorthic (POP) professionals change lives. A career in POP is full of purpose, opportunity, and potential. Explore various paths to a POP career and learn more about Hanger Clinic’s residency program.   

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