Standard Occupational Classification (SOC): Medical Appliance Technicians

Medical appliance technicians, also known as prosthetic and orthotic technicians, are responsible for the design, fabrication, fitting, and maintenance of prosthetic and orthotic devices. These devices can include artificial limbs, braces, and orthotic devices used to support or correct the function of the musculoskeletal system.

Here are a few examples of the types of tasks that medical appliance technicians may be responsible for:

Patient assessments: Medical appliance technicians may conduct assessments of patients who require prosthetic or orthotic devices, taking measurements and making observations to determine the appropriate device for the patient.

Design and fabrication: Medical appliance technicians may use various materials and techniques to design and create prosthetic and orthotic devices. This can include working with plastics, composites, and metals to create devices that are both functional and cosmetically pleasing.

Fitting and adjustment: Medical appliance technicians may fit and adjust prosthetic and orthotic devices to ensure that they are properly aligned and comfortable for the patient. They may also make adjustments to devices as the patient’s condition changes.

Maintenance and repair: Medical appliance technicians may be responsible for maintaining and repairing prosthetic and orthotic devices. This can include cleaning, sterilizing, and replacing worn or damaged parts.

Patient education: Medical appliance technicians may educate patients on how to use, care for, and maintain their prosthetic or orthotic devices. They also instruct patients on the usage of the devices, the limitations of the devices and potential complications that could arise due to the device.

Documentation: Medical appliance technicians may be responsible for keeping detailed records of their work, including patient assessments, design and fabrication notes, fitting and adjustment notes, and maintenance and repair records.

Medical appliance technicians work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practices, in close collaboration with other healthcare professionals such as prosthetists, orthotists, physicians, physical therapists, and occupational therapists to provide the best care to patients.