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Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 51-9082 Medical Appliance Technicians
Construct, fit, maintain, or repair medical supportive devices, such as braces, artificial limbs, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances.
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Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
OJT: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Tasks: 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 that will be 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. Test medical supportive devices for proper alignment, movement, or biomechanical stability, using meters and alignment fixtures. Lay out and mark dimensions of parts, using templates and precision measuring instruments. Fit appliances onto patients and make any necessary adjustments. Polish artificial limbs, braces, or supports, using grinding and buffing wheels. Take patients' body or limb measurements for use in device construction. Instruct patients in use of prosthetic or orthotic devices. Service or repair machinery used in the fabrication of appliances.
License: License not required.
Outlook: Good
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $14.64   Entry $30,437.00
Mean $20.33   Mean $42,287.00
Experience $23.18 Experience $48,208.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
120140151.55
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Occupational Videos
51-9082.00 Medical Appliance Technicians