Medical Appliance Technicians

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 that will be 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.

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

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.

Order parts or supplies for orthotic or prosthetic devices.