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Medical Appliance Technician |
Career OverviewMedical appliance technicians assist orthotists, prosthetists and podiatrists. Orthotists make orthotic devices and braces that help to correct physical deformities or relieve a patient’s pain. Prosthetists make artificial limbs for patients who need them because of birth defects or injuries received in accidents. Podiatrists are foot specialists.
Medical appliance technicians read prescriptions and detailed information about what the patients require. For prostheses, they make a plaster cast of the patient’s limb. (Sometimes this step is done by another professional). Medical appliance technicians then lay out the parts, which are made of wood, plastic, metal or other material, and measure them with precision measuring instruments. Then, using hand or power tools, they carve, cut or grind the material into the exact shape they want. Finally they drill holes for rivets, and glue, weld or rivet the parts together. The work must be very precise.
The process is similar for orthotic devices. Medical appliance technicians make a wax or plastic impression. For example, they will make an impression of a patient’s foot and use it to manufacture an arch support. They will bend, shape and form the material according to the measurements of the impression.
Medical appliance technicians use buffing and grinding wheels to smooth out and polish artificial limbs and supports. Sometimes they pad the limbs or cover them with rubber, felt, plastic, leather or other materials. The points where the artificial limb makes contact with the patient’s body will usually be padded. Arch supports might be covered with felt to make them more comfortable.
Once an artificial limb or support has been made, the medical appliance technicians test it both on and off the patient for alignment and movement so they can make any necessary adjustments. If required, they will instruct the patient on how to use the device. The patients can also bring the artificial limb or support back to the medical appliance technicians for repairs.
Medical appliance technicians make many different artificial body parts. Some prosthetic parts can actually be put to practical use. Others serve cosmetic purposes. The medical appliance technician’s work is an important part of helping the patient feel whole again.
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Career RequirementsHigh school students interested in becoming medical appliance technicians should take courses in algebra, geometry, mathematics, statistics and computer skills. They should learn how to design, use and repair tools and machines. They should learn about the making and use of plans, blueprints, drawings and models. Students will also have to take courses in health care sciences and precision metalwork.
For post secondary education there are only two accredited formal training programs in the United States for medical appliance technology. Admission to either one requires a high school diploma or GED. These institutions grant a certificate or an associate degree.
In addition to teaching students how to build and repair orthotics and prosthetics, they also teach them anatomy and physiology. After graduation, most new medical appliance technicians continue their training for two years as assistants to certified orthotists or prosthetists.
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Job OutlookThis is still a small field, but it is expected to grow. Because of the development of new technologies, more people with disabilities want devices, and more insurance companies are covering them. The participation of a growing number of disabled people in sporting events is also providing more work for medical appliance technicians.
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Career TrackTechnicians begin as assistants, but with time and experience they can advance to working as orthotists or prosthetists.
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CompensationAnnual income for a medical appliance technician begins at about $21,000. This can go up to $39,000.
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