Expected to be a $1.21 billion market by 2020 (MConnon,The Wall Street Journal), medical additive manufacturing/3D printing is revolutionizing healthcare by improving patient care and lowering costs.

To meet the current opportunity — and that of the future — skilled professionals with knowledge and training in both engineering and biology, are urgently needed to imagine, design and produce complex anatomical models and other medical innovations using 3D printing.

In order to accelerate the recruiting process, medical device manufacturers, clinicians, technology providers, and educators are teaming up to create clear career pathways with an industry Competency Model for those entering the medical 3D printing/AM field in both traditional and non-traditional manufacturing.

With this in place, the future of medical 3D printing holds a remarkable opportunity to benefit public health, drive business results, and create good jobs.