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Medical Appliance Technicians

Production (51-9082)

Construct, maintain, or repair medical supportive devices such as braces, orthotics and prosthetic devices, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances.

At a Glance

Medical Appliance Technicians earns a median of $47,060/yr with +3.7% projected growth. Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent. Top skills: Autodesk AutoCAD, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office software.

Median Annual Wage

$47,060/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+3.7%

Annual Openings

2

Typical Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Skills & Requirements

Skills (11)

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

3.9
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

3.8
Quality Control Analysis

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

3.8
Troubleshooting

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

3.6
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

3.6
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

3.6
Social Perceptiveness

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

3.5
Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

3.5
Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

3.4
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.3
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

3.3

Knowledge (5)

Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

3.9
Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

3.7
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

3.5
Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

3.4
Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

3.3

Abilities (16)

Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

3.9
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.9
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

3.9
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

3.8
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

3.8
Visualization

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

3.8
Arm-Hand Steadiness

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

3.8
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

3.6
Finger Dexterity

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

3.6
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3.5
Manual Dexterity

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

3.5
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

3.5
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.5
Control Precision

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

3.4
Multilimb Coordination

The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

3.4
Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

3.3

Technology (5)

Autodesk AutoCAD

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5

Work Activities (16)

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.1
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

3.9
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

3.9
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.7
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

3.7
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

3.6
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

3.6
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

3.6
Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

3.6
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

3.4
Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

3.4
Handling and Moving Objects

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

3.3
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

3.3
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

3.3
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

3.3
Assisting and Caring for Others

Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

3.3

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

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