Career Overview
Construct, maintain, or repair medical supportive devices such as braces, orthotics and prosthetic devices, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances.
Also Known As
- Lab Technician
- Orthotic and Prosthetic Technician (O and P Technician)
- Orthotic Technician
- Prosthetics Technician
Alternate Job Titles
- Arch Support Maker
- Arch Support Technician
- Arch-Support Maker
- Artificial Eye Maker
- Artificial Limb Maker
- Artificial Plastic Eye Maker
- Brace Maker
- Certified Pedorthotist
- Cleanroom Technician (Cleanroom Tech)
- Fabrication Specialist
- Hearing Aid Repair Technician
- Lab Technician
- Medical Appliance Maker
- Medical Assembler
- Medical Device Assembler
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Order parts or supplies for orthotic or prosthetic devices.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Production and Processing
- Customer and Personal Service
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Quality Control Analysis
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Troubleshooting
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
- Visualization
- Oral Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Finger Dexterity
- Information Ordering
- Speech Recognition
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Integrity
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
- Independence
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- 3D scanning systems
- Acetylene torches
- Air compressors
- Alignment stands
- Allen wrenches
- Anvils
- Arbor presses
- Band saws
- Bead blasters
- Belt sanders
- Bench lathes
- Bench punches
- Bending brakes
- Buffing wheels
- Cast cutting saws
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Exposed to Contaminants
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Frequency of Decision Making
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $36,560 |
| Median | $47,060 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $74,570 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 11,490
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Dental Laboratory Technicians
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $48,310
Medical Equipment Repairers
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $62,630
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $38,420
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $49,900
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $45,690
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.