Occupation: Medical Appliance Technicians

Medical Appliance Technicians

Construct, maintain, or repair medical supportive devices such as braces, orthotics and prosthetic devices, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances.

51-9082.00 | 15 tasks | 9 job titles

Reported Job Titles

(9)
  • Certified Pedorthotist
  • Hearing Aid Repair Technician
  • Lab Technician
  • Orthopedic Technician
  • Orthotic and Prosthetic Technician (O and P Technician)
  • Orthotic Technician
  • Prosthetic Technician
  • Prosthetics Technician
  • Registered Prosthetic Orthotic Technician

Core Tasks

(14)
  • 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.
  • Bend, form, and shape fabric or material to conform to prescribed contours of structural components.
  • Construct or receive casts or impressions of patients' torsos or limbs for use as cutting and fabrication patterns.
  • Repair, modify, or maintain medical supportive devices, such as artificial limbs, braces, or surgical supports, according to specifications.
  • Cover or pad metal or plastic structures or devices, using coverings such as rubber, leather, felt, plastic, or fiberglass.
  • Test medical supportive devices for proper alignment, movement, or biomechanical stability, using meters and alignment fixtures.
  • Lay out and mark dimensions of parts, using templates and precision measuring instruments.
  • Fit appliances onto patients, and make any necessary adjustments.
  • Polish artificial limbs, braces, or supports, using grinding and buffing wheels.
  • Take patients' body or limb measurements for use in device construction.
  • Instruct patients in use of prosthetic or orthotic devices.
  • Service or repair machinery used in the fabrication of appliances.

Supplemental Tasks

(1)
  • Mix pigments to match patients' skin coloring, according to formulas, and apply mixtures to orthotic or prosthetic devices.