The O&P Foundation is pleased to share two new funding opportunities to support prospective and current certified orthotic and/or prosthetic assistants and certified pedorthists in advancing their education, training, and professional development.
As clinical staffing shortages continue to impact access to care across the country, these programs are designed to strengthen the pipeline of skilled professionals entering and advancing within orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics, ultimately improving patient access and outcomes.
Both of these new funding opportunities will begin accepting applications from May 5th through June 2nd, 2026.
Access to Care | Workforce Development Scholarships
These scholarships are designed to reduce financial barriers and accelerate entry into the profession by supporting pre-certification education and training.
- O&P Assistants: $5,000 scholarships are available to individuals pursuing certification as a Certified Orthotic Assistant (COA), Certified Prosthetic Assistant (CPA), or Certified Prosthetic-Orthotic Assistant (CPOA) through one of ABC’s approved pathways. Funding may be used for coursework, educational expenses, and/or stipends for clinical hour completion.
- Pedorthists: $5,000 scholarships are available to individuals pursuing certification as a Certified Pedorthist (CPed) through ABC. Funding supports pre-certification education and training through ABC-approved pedorthic programs.
Access to Practice | Professional Development Awards
These awards support certified clinical professionals in expanding their skills, strengthening their networks, and advancing high-quality patient care.
In partnership with the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP), the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA), and the Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA), recipients receive support to attend leading national conferences in orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics.
- O&P Assistants: $2,000 tax free stipend per conference annually to support participation in national education, hands-on learning, and clinical collaboration opportunities.
- Pedorthists: $2,000 tax free stipend per conference annually to support professional development, peer connection, and expanded expertise within the pedorthic community.
OP&P Healthcare Quality Fellowship
This new funding initiative supports orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics professionals in pursuing formal training and recognized credentials in healthcare quality and process improvement.
The program offers a $2,000 award for professional credentials in healthcare quality or process improvement, and a $5,000 award to support enrollment in a certificate or graduate-level program in healthcare quality. Open to all OP&P professionals, the fellowship aims to build a network of leaders who are equipped to elevate care standards, strengthen clinical outcomes, and advance value-driven patient care across the OP&P profession. This unique funding opportunity will begin accepting applications from May 5th through June 2nd, 2026.
These programs reflect our continued investment in the orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic workforce, ensuring that more patients receive timely, high-quality, evidence-based care.
We encourage you to learn more and apply through the links below:
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@oandpfoundation.org.
Thank you for your commitment to advancing patient care!