By the Numbers: The Data Driving O&P Education and Residency

The integration of data in orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) education and residency mirrors its critical role in clinical practice, driving innovation and quality improvement. This presentation integrates an array of datasets, including those from the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE), to demonstrate the state of the profession and a glimpse into the future of O&P education and practice. These datasets not only inform the NCOPE operations and initiatives of today; they also can help provide context about what is occurring within O&P practices. Relevant datasets enable educators and clinical preceptors/mentors/directors to address the challenges of today and ensure future O&P students are well-prepared to succeed in our dynamic profession. The presentation will integrate NCOPE's data with other pertinent sources to provide insights into today’s challenges and the profession's potential trajectory.