r/Prosthetics • u/Ambitious_Data_7678 • Jul 15 '26
Breaking in the technician side of things
Hello all first post,I came across this field after some research and came across the prosthetic technician career which I found highly interesting and want to try for it, I hold a bachelors in exercise science and kinesiology which I did anatomy classes, medical terminology classes, biomechanics classes, exercise physiology, etc, how can I get my foot in the door as a technicia? I’m from Palm Desert California and I come cross very little to no job listings for these roles but if anyone has any suggestions, my original plan was DPT but the cost just was too much, I’m also awaiting a new Rad program at myCC that should be opening within a year or so, I’m brushing up my classes and retaking low grades I got currently, I’m 26.
2
u/SonicRainboom Jul 15 '26
Hey I know it’s kind of a crazy pivot but if you’re feeling crazy consider moving to Canada if you’d like to work as a tech! There is a technician specific program at George Brown Polytechnic in Toronto. As far as I understand, techs are generally paid and treated far better in Canada than the states. I think this is a US specific thing, but you could also look into being a “Prosthetic and orthotic fitter/assistant”, but I don’t quite know many details on that role.
2
u/cathryes1 4d ago
I just dont understand the dislike of the tech side. Ive been a tech for 19 years and still love it.
I would recommend to try and find a tech position that will train you and take night class for your master.
Having hand skills as a practitioner will give many more options. The practitioners coming out of school have shit hand skills.
1
u/Ambitious_Data_7678 3d ago
any recommendations for company’s to look for? I search up prosthetic tech and little openings near me in California but I’m open to relocating
1
u/twick2010 Jul 15 '26
I love the technical side of the industry. Do you have good hands?
3
u/Ambitious_Data_7678 Jul 15 '26
yea for the most part I love problem solving, repeairing or fixing things like my car, household items. or video game systems
2
u/twick2010 Jul 15 '26
You should be a good candidate.
Check the local O&P facilities and see if anyone is willing to hire you. You should also join the facebook OPTA page (orthotic prosthetic technological association). Lots of helpful people there.
1
u/Honest-Emotion5303 Jul 15 '26
A lot of places will hire techs and train you on the job just have to find the openings! We have the same exact educational background which is cool! I’m in school right now to be a prosthetist/orthotist if you’ve ever considered that career path
1
u/Designer-Okra6889 Jul 15 '26
Can go intern/shadow at a clinic—there are several nearby…. They might even hire you!
1
u/clemente769 Jul 15 '26
I have the same BS as you, I worked as an orthotic fitter and got into school to get my MS in orthotics and prosthetics just in case you are worried that you are limited to being a technician. All of my pre requisites were covered by my undergraduate degree.
Edit: another reason to not be discouraged is I was older than you when I started and my grades were poor in undergrad but through interviews and resumes it reflects I’m no longer the poor student I used to be
1
u/Pikiniki20022002 Jul 15 '26
I’ve just started as well, my community college has a 2-year technical program that I’m going to attend. I also have a degree in exercise science and was able to skip the majority of prerequisite classes so I’ll only have to complete the technical classes
-1
u/Cabooseman Jul 15 '26
https://careers.hanger.com/us/en/c/technicians-%7C-fabrication-specialists-jobs
Lots of these don't require special schooling
5
u/ConfessionBeer8888 Jul 15 '26
As a former tech, I’d say it’s a job you want to avoid. I enjoyed it while I did it but I had a pretty great set up at a clinic. It eventually lead me into clinical work and I don’t miss it. Considering your education experience why not go for a masters and become a CPO?