Medical Appliance Technicians

Career summary

Now made of high-tech materials such as graphite and carbon, prosthetics use sophisticated design and computer chips so that their wearers are more mobile (and faster) than ever. Medical appliance technicians fit prosthetics so the sockets and joints are more comfortable and easy to use.

Medical appliance technicians assist and are supervised by the following specialists:

• Orthotists make orthotic devices or braces. These devices help to relieve patients’ pain or correct deformities.
• Prosthetists make artificial limbs for patients who need them due to birth defects, injuries, or accidents.
• Podiatrists treat foot problems.

Technicians read prescriptions and detailed information about what patients need.

For prosthetic devices appliance technicians build a plaster cast of the patient's limb. Technicians lay out parts and use precision measuring instruments. They cut, carve, or grind the material for the prosthetic, using hand or power tools. Technicians may use plastic, metal, and other materials. They drill holes for rivets, and glue, rivet, or weld the parts together. They mix pigments to match patients' skin color and apply the mixture to the device. Finally, they polish and shape the device as needed. Technicians may cover or pad devices with rubber, leather, felt, or plastics.

For orthotic devices, technicians use a similar process. They make a wax or plastic impression. For example, for an arch support, they make an impression of the patient’s foot. They bend, form, or shape the material according to measurements.

Technicians test devices, both off and on the patient, for proper alignment and movement. They fit devices onto patients and make adjustments. Some technicians teach patients how to use these devices. Most technicians repair and maintain the devices they make.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
• Computer User Support Specialists
• Dental Laboratory Technicians
• Engineering Technicians
• Manufacturing Production Technicians
• Medical Equipment Preparers
• Medical Equipment Repairers
• Medical Sonographers
• Orthotic and Prosthetic Specialists
• Radiologic Technologists
• Surgical Technologists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to medical appliance technicians.

• Fit appliances onto patients and adjust them if necessary. Test devices for fit, alignment, and movement.
• Read prescriptions or detailed information from medical professionals.
• Create wax or plastic impressions for orthotic devices. Take measurements of patient's body or limb.
• Lay out and measure parts, using precision measuring instruments.
• Construct or receive plaster cast of the patient's limb to use as a pattern for the prosthesis.
• Carve, cut, grind, or weld wood, plastic, or metal material. Use hand and power tools.
• Bend, form, and shape material according to measurements.
• Drill holes for rivets. Glue, weld, or rivet parts together.
• Mix pigments to match patient's skin tone and apply mixtures to orthotic and prosthetic devices.
• Polish artificial limbs, braces, and supports with grinding and buffing wheels.
• Cover or pad metal or plastic devices with coverings such as rubber, leather, felt, or plastic.
• Repair and maintain orthotic and prosthetic devices and machinery used to make them.
• May instruct patients in the use of devices.

Common work activities

Medical appliance technicians perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Think creatively
• Control machines and processes
• Process information
• Assist and care for others
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Evaluate information against standards
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Handle and move objects
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Document and record information
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Perform for or work with the public
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Teach others
• Analyze data or information

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, medical appliance technicians:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social contact. They often work with patients, but work alone when constructing devices.
• Communicate daily by telephone and in person. They occasionally write letters and memos.
• Sometimes work as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others, especially assistants.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of patients.
• May occasionally be placed in conflict situations in which others may become rude or angry.

Physical work conditions

• Often work indoors.
• Are regularly exposed to contaminants.
• Often wear protective attire, such as masks or safety goggles.
• Are regularly exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels, such as when using power tools.
• May be exposed to patients' diseases and infections.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous equipment or hazardous situations that produce cuts or minor burns.
• May work physically close to patients and other medical personnel, sometimes within a few feet.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Fitting errors could injure patients.
• Often make decisions that affect others. They sometimes act independently, but frequently seek advice from superiors.
• Set some of their daily tasks and goals independently.
• Work in a moderately stressful environment in which daily deadlines must be met.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a regular 40-hour week.

Physical demands

Medical appliance technicians frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for medical appliance technicians to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for medical appliance technicians to be able to:

• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.

Skills and abilities

Medical appliance technicians need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Teach others how to do something.

Work with things

• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Repair machines or systems.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

• Biomedical Engineering
• Biomedical Technology
• Orthotic and Prosthetic Therapies

Training

To work as a medical appliance technician, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

There are only a few accredited formal training programs in the US for medical appliance technology. They grant a certificate or an associate degree. In these programs you learn how to build and repair orthotics and prosthetics. In addition, you learn to use tools and equipment. You also study anatomy and physiology.

Many employers prefer applicants who have at least taken related college-level coursework in medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.

On-the-job training

Most medical appliance technicians learn their skills on the job. One way to train as a technician is to enroll in a two-year program of supervised experience and training. In this program, you work under the guidance of a certified orthotist or prosthetist. You begin working as a helper and gradually learn new skills as you get experience. Afterwards, training may be required intermittently.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Computer Fundamentals
• Equipment Maintenance and Repair
• Health Education
• Nursing

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. They prefer to hire trainees who have taken high school classes in shop, geometry, and algebra. Some employers may prefer applicants with formal training from a community college.

Many hospitals prefer to hire nurses' aides or licensed practical nurses as trainees for some medical appliance technician positions.

Tips

Experience in patient care is very important. Working as an aide will provide an insight into job duties, responsibilities, and drawbacks. Experience can also be gained through volunteer work in nursing homes or other health care facilities.

Costs to workers

Expenses include uniforms, reference books, educational services, and registration and/or certification. Some workers pay dues for professional association or union membership.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Medical Appliance Technicians 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary with the technician's experience and level of responsibility. Wages also vary with the size and type of employer.

Medical appliance technicians who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include health insurance, sick leave, and paid vacation.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Medical appliance manufacturers
• Medical appliance stores

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will grow faster than average. As the population grows and more insurance companies cover orthotic and prosthetic appliances, demand for technicians will grow. In addition, research and development in new technologies and materials will result in more people with disabilities wanting new appliances. Interest in sports competition by people with disabilities may also produce growth in this occupation.

Other resources

American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists 
7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 760
Bethesda, MD 20814
202.380.3663

American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics 
330 John Carlyle Street, Suite 210
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.836.7114

American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association 
330 John Carlyle Street, Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314
571.431.0876

Engineer Girl! 
National Academy of Engineering

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Medical Appliance Technicians (51-9082.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Arch-support Technician (712.381-010) 
• Orthotics Technician (712.381-034) 
• Prosthetics Technician (712.381-038) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Investigative/Social

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled