Orthotic Prosthetic Technician Job Description

The Orthotic Prosthetic Technician work is in the fabrication, modification, maintenance and repair of braces, artificial limbs, and various rehabilitative support equipment and components.

Primary Objectives:

• The Orthotic Prosthetic Technician works with the use of a wide variety of tools, materials and equipment to construct or modify orthotic/prosthetic appliances to provide the optimal fit.
• The Orthotic Prosthetic Technician works to make sure that prosthetic piece has cosmetic appearance in order to make it look as real as possible.
• The Orthotic Prosthetic Technician makes sure that the piece works well and is very usable for the patient.
• The Orthotic Prosthetic Technician must take courses in the procedure by an accredited college.

The Orthotic Prosthetic Technician must make sure that the patient is measured to precision before making the prosthetic. Many patients may vary when it comes to things like the length of legs or arms. Some people actually have one leg that is longer than the other leg. They are use to walking with this and that is why when they lose one of the limbs before replacement is made the Orthotic Prosthetic Technician must be made aware so that they can make the new piece to be comfortable. The patient takes therapy that trains them to use the prosthetic but the Orthotic Prosthetic Technician usually watches the patient during therapy to check to see if the fit is perfect or if they need to make adjustments for the patients. Usually some pieces may need a bit of adjustment but most cases the prosthetics fits very well.

The Orthotic Prosthetic Technician usually makes a positive mold resulting in maximum fit, function, cosmetics and workmanship. The Orthotic Prosthetic Technician will also repair and maintain the prosthetic devices. The Orthotic Prosthetic Technicians must keep current on new fabrication techniques and properties specific to various materials. The Orthotic Prosthetic Technicians must also be skilled with hand and power tools. It takes great precision to be an Orthotic Prosthetic Technician because the prosthetic piece must fit in order for the patient to be able to use the piece successfully.

Most patients who wear a prosthetic want it to look as natural as possible no one wants to be noticed for having an artificial limb and most of us prefer to be able to use the limb with ease. The Orthotic Prosthetic Technicians work is not only vital to the patient as a working piece but it also affects the patient’s mental health. Many people do not realize that the way a person feels about themselves is important in how they are able to function in life. The Orthotic Prosthetic Technician must be an artist in his work and he must also be a mathematician because the measurements must be perfect. A little bit off will not work because the patient could have an accident causing even more harm to them. The most important thing for the patient is to have a perfect fitting piece that looks good, and is able to use it with ease. The Orthotic Prosthetic Technician takes great pride in their work and many get recognized by people and doctors who will recommend their work to everyone. The best of the Technicians usually work for specialized cases; others may work with the military because there are a lot of injured solders who need prosthetics. The major hospitals use Orthotic Prosthetic Technician not only to make the prosthetics for their patients but also in the therapy room to help the patient get use to wearing the prosthetics. Many Orthotic Prosthetic Technician work in teams in order to create the prosthetics, train the patient, and watch how the patient progress’s with daily use. Sometimes the prosthetic piece may seem to fit perfectly but after regular use the patient finds that they are having problems. The piece may start to cause a sore where it is connected to the real part of the body. The prosthetic may lose its durability and start to give way under the weight of the person who is using the piece. We are all different in how we gain weight or lose weight all these factors affect any prosthetic so the technician may need to make adjustments from time to time. That is why most Orthotic Prosthetic Technicians repair or replace prosthetic pieces for the patient.

Degrees and Training to Become an Orthotic Prosthetic Technician

• Medical and Health Degree

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