National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE)

08/19/2026

Have an idea 💡 to improve prosthetic and orthotic patient care, but not sure how to fund it? Check out the Live in Motion Foundation Fall Microgrants opening September 1!

⚡Applications open September 1 for the Fall 2026 Microgrant Program!

Microgrants are designed to spark new ideas and accelerate early-stage work that directly impacts orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic patient care.

These one-year grants support health care professionals, students, and residents pursuing high-impact quality improvement projects that improve care delivery and patient outcomes. Awards have increase to $3000 this Fall!

💡Learn more: https://liveinmotion.org/
📝Apply: https://apply.liveinmotion.org/

08/18/2026

📢 The O&P Workforce Study Survey has been extended!

Your clinic’s participation can help shape the future of the O&P workforce.

NCOPE, in partnership with the Center for Health Workforce Studies, is conducting an updated workforce demand study to better understand workforce needs and help inform future workforce planning, education, and professional development.

What you can do to help:

🔹 Work at an O&P clinic? Check with your clinic manager to see if your practice has participated in the survey.

🔹 Clinic managers: If you haven’t completed the survey yet, now is the time to participate!

The email was sent from [email protected] by Sheryl Sachs, CPO, NCOPE Chair with the subject line "O&P Workforce Survey – Please Participate." If you feel you should have received a survey link but didn't, please reach out to us!

Your input helps build a clearer picture of the O&P workforce and the needs of the profession. Every response matters.

📣 Help us spread the word! Share this with your colleagues and encourage your clinic manager to participate.

🔗 Learn more about the O&P Workforce Demand Study:
https://buff.ly/GN60CFQ

08/11/2026

Amazing opportunity from the Live in Motion Foundation for not only funding, but research mentorship! Applications open Sept 1st.

A first-of-its-kind opportunity for orthotics-focused research is coming this fall!

The Tamarack Mentored Pilot Orthotics Research Grant will provide $10,000 to support a focused research project that advances orthotic care, clinical practice, and patient outcomes.

The Mentored Pilot Research Grant program supports residents, trainees and practicing clinicians as they complete a clinically relevant pilot project under the guidance of an experienced research mentor. Beyond funding, recipients benefit from structured mentorship, reviewer feedback, research experience, and the opportunity to generate preliminary data that can support future studies and larger funding opportunities.

📅 Applications open: September 1
📝Letters of Intent due: October 6
📝Full proposals due: November 2

This special opportunity reflects Tamarack’s commitment to strengthening the evidence base in orthotics and investing in the clinicians and researchers who will shape the future of patient care.

⚡Grant Portal: https://apply.liveinmotion.org/

08/06/2026

08/05/2026

🌟 NCOPE is seeking passionate leaders to join our Board of Directors! 🌟

We're currently accepting nominations for: Class 1 – A certified orthotist and/or prosthetist in good standing with ABC whose practice is an AOPA member, or who is an individual member of the Academy.

Serving on the NCOPE Board is a unique opportunity to influence the future of orthotic and prosthetic education, accreditation, and the next generation of clinicians.

Board Term:
👩‍💻 👨‍💻 January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2029 (3-year term)

Nomination Deadline
🗓️ August 31, 2026

Nomination Materials
✔️ Current CV or résumé
✔️ Statement of interest (500 words maximum)
✔️ Up to two letters of recommendation

Know someone who would make an outstanding board member? Nominate them—or consider nominating yourself!

📥 Submit your nomination and learn more:
https://buff.ly/1chfwhX

08/04/2026

👏Way to go Meg! Thank you for your dedication to mentorship.

As a valued public member of our NCOPE board, we couldn't be more proud of her service to others!

👏 Mentor Spotlight

A heartfelt thank you to J. Megan Sions, PT, DPT, PhD, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at the University of Delaware, USA, for volunteering as a mentor in the ISPO Research Mentorship Programme: IPOS (Improving Prosthetic and Orthotic Sciences).

By sharing her expertise and supporting emerging researchers, Megan is helping to strengthen research capacity and advance prosthetic and orthotic sciences worldwide.

Interested in developing your research skills with guidance from experienced mentors? Learn more about the ISPO Research Mentorship Programme and sign up today: https://www.ispoint.org/activities/research-innovation/

08/03/2026

As we move into the end of summer, be sure to get prepped for upcoming fall funding opportunities! Check out all of the funding from the Live in Motion Foundation ahead of their fall launch ⬇️ .

NCOPE is proud to sponsor the Live in Motion Foundation with a 30K commitment this year for the microgrants, mentored pilot grants, and educational opportunities to support Prosthetics and Orthotics students through their education and beyond.

✨ New opportunities are just around the corner!

This fall, the Live in Motion Foundation is investing in the future of orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics through a new round of scholarships, research funding, and professional development awards.

Coming in September & October:

🎓 Fuel the Future Scholarships – $20,000
🔬 Tamarack Mentored Pilot Orthotics Research Grant – $10,000
💡 Research Microgrants – $3,000
🤝 Access to Practice Awards – $2,000 for O&P Assistants, Pedorthists & Technicians
🎓 Doctoral Training Awards - $1,000 to support doctoral students conducting O&P research

These programs are designed to strengthen the profession by supporting the people whose work advances mobility care.

📢 Watch for applications opening soon and share these opportunities with colleagues, students, residents, and researchers who may be interested!

🔍Website: https://liveinmotion.org/
📝Applicant Portal: https://apply.liveinmotion.org/

07/31/2026

Think advocacy is only for seasoned clinicians? Think again! 📣

Mark your calendars for August 13th for this very important conversation!

📆 Join AOPA CARE on Thurs, Aug 13 @ 3:30 PM ET for Advocacy in Action: Finding Your Voice in O&P Early.

Hear from leaders , Brittany Gonzalez, Adrienne Hill & on how students & residents can make an impact today!

🔗 Register now: https://buff.ly/p9WcEgn

07/28/2026

🎉 WE DID IT! Day 28 of the 28x28 Mobility Challenge! 🎉

28 days, 28 minutes of movement each day, and one powerful shared goal: creating equitable access to orthotic and prosthetic care so every BODY can move!

Whether you walked, ran, wheeled, swam, danced, or lifted your way through July during Disability Pride Month, thank you for showing up, moving with purpose, and helping fuel the So Every BODY Can Move initiative.

Drop a comment below and share how you moved on this final day!

07/28/2026

Inspiring to see so much enthusiasm for the future of Orthotics & Prosthetics! 🩺✨

For anyone exploring an MPO or MPO-Research degree who couldn't attend the NUPOC Open House, connect with their team by submitting the interest form below:

👉 https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/nAR7Fy75Jk