Medical Appliance Technicians

Lab Technician, Orthotic and Prosthetic Technician (O and P Technician), Orthotic Technician, Prosthetics Technician

What they do:
Construct, maintain, or repair medical supportive devices such as braces, orthotics and prosthetic devices, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances.
On the job, you would:
  • Drill and tap holes for rivets, and glue, weld, bolt, or rivet parts together to form prosthetic or orthotic devices.
  • Read prescriptions or specifications to determine the type of product or device to be fabricated and the materials and tools required.
  • Make orthotic or prosthetic devices, using materials such as thermoplastic and thermosetting materials, metal alloys and leather, and hand or power tools.

Knowledge

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Business

  • customer service

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical

Skills

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Social

  • understanding people's reactions
  • looking for ways to help people

Abilities

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • put together small parts with your fingers

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • use rules to solve problems

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Concern for Others
  • Cooperation
  • Integrity
  • Innovation

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Autodesk AutoCAD Hot Technology
  • Ohio Willow Wood OMEGA Tracer System

Medical software

  • Footmaxx Metascan software
  • Gait analysis software

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about medical appliance technicians.