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3D Printing for Healthcare Education and Workforce Development

Bridging Innovation, Education, and Community Impact

A person wearing a green sweater holds a 3D-printed prosthetic arm with an orange and red design. A reflective panel behind the arm shows its mirrored image.

3D printed prosthetic hand. Photo: Adobe Stock

🎯 Project Focus: The 3D Printing for Healthcare Education and Workforce Development project will equip students with hands-on experience in 3D printing for medical applications. By developing assistive devices for individuals with limb loss and other medical needs, this initiative combines education, community engagement, and workforce development. Students will gain practical skills in biomechanics, prosthetic design, and advanced manufacturing, preparing them for careers in healthcare, rehabilitation, and engineering​.

💡 Why It Matters

  • 3D printing is revolutionizing healthcare: From custom prosthetics to surgical models, 3D printing is reshaping patient care and medical training.
  • Hands-on learning leads to better career readiness: Students will work directly with community members, gaining real-world experience in assistive technology design.
  • Education to benefit communities: The program prioritizes students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and individuals with orthopedic needs, ensuring accessible STEM education.

🚀 Key Initiatives

  • 3D Printing Training & Course Development
    • Offers a 10-week summer program based on UNO’s 3D Printing in Healthcare course.
    • Teaches computer-aided design (CAD), additive manufacturing, and assistive device creation.
  • Community Partnerships & Assistive Device Development
    • Students will collaborate with local clinics and nonprofits to design affordable prosthetics and rehabilitation tools.
    • Engages patients with orthopedic needs and ASD, ensuring community-driven innovation.
  • Workforce Development & Industry Collaboration
    • Partners with Autism Action Partnership and Innovative Prosthetics & Orthotics to provide paid internships and career pathways.
    • Expands STEM education opportunities for students in healthcare and engineering.

📈 Impact Goals

  • Prepare students for careers in healthcare, biomechanics, and rehabilitation through experiential learning.
  • Develop assistive devices for individuals in need, increasing accessibility and affordability of medical solutions.
  • Strengthen UNO’s role as a leader in biomedical innovation, expanding research, education, and workforce pipelines.
  • Increase enrollment and retention in STEM fields by engaging students.