A prosthetic technician creates custom limbs and prosthetic devices using materials such as wood, metal, and plastic. They work in various settings and require at least a two-year college degree. The technician constructs devices to specific specifications, tests them, and instructs patients on their use. They may specialize in designing different types of prosthetic devices and need good hand-eye coordination, time management, and communication skills. Educational paths vary, but practical training is essential.
A prosthetic technician is a professional who specializes in creating custom limbs and prosthetic devices for patients from material including wood, metal and plastic using machinery and computer equipment. The professional’s job is to make the artificial devices look as realistic as possible. In addition, the technician typically works for a prosthetist and is responsible for testing the prosthetic devices and making corrections where necessary. A prosthetic technician can work in a variety of settings, including private clinics, outpatient care services, and rehabilitation departments. Generally, at least a two-year college degree is required to become a prosthetic technician.
Much of the technician’s duty includes constructing prosthetic devices to specific specifications provided by a prosthetist in a laboratory or workbench. Upon receipt of a prescription, the technician designs sketches or models of plaster casts using drawings and measurements. The technician can make devices from wax or plastic impressions of a person’s amputated area.
Artificial devices are created by cutting, carving and grinding plastic, wood or metal. A prosthetic technician will glue, clip, or sew the pieces together to make them stick together. In addition, the technician adds a layer of padding to fit over the device, which is usually made of fiberglass or leather. To make the device as realistic as possible, the technician will polish and paint the device to match the patient’s pigment.
A prosthetic technician may be responsible for taking a patient’s measurements and often performs tests to ensure the constructed device is mobile and stable. Often, he will be responsible for adjusting the device created on a patient. In addition, he will instruct the patient on the use of the newly created device. The technician provides patient support by repairing and repairing prosthetic devices when necessary.
The types of prosthetic devices designed by a technician vary. A technician may be responsible for designing artificial ears, noses or hands that may have been lost due to serious injury or illness. Some projects can be as complicated as building a prosthetic device that contains electrodes that allow the patient to move the hand. Some technicians even specialize in designing oral prosthetic devices, including dentures, bridges, and crowns.
To be successful as a prosthetic technician, an individual typically needs to be skilled in using power tools, which requires extreme hand-eye coordination. A technician is required to follow specific instructions and projects, which requires good time management and communication skills. On the way to a career as a prosthetic technician, a person usually earns a physical therapy or medical assistant degree. Educational paths can vary, but a person can gain valuable skills in a two-year university program offering prosthetics or orthotics, followed by one or two years of targeted practical training. Additionally, a person can gain experience right out of high school by doing a four-year internship working for a certified prosthetist.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
