prosthetic-orthotics-technician/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — prosthetic-orthotics technician

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 51-9082.00 (Medical Appliance Technicians).

Task statements

• [Core] Fit appliances onto patients, and make any necessary adjustments.
• [Core] Make orthotic or prosthetic devices, using materials such as thermoplastic and thermosetting materials, metal alloys and leather, and hand or power tools.
• [Core] Read prescriptions or specifications to determine the type of product or device to be fabricated and the materials and tools required.
• [Core] Repair, modify, or maintain medical supportive devices, such as artificial limbs, braces, or surgical supports, according to specifications.
• [Core] Instruct patients in use of prosthetic or orthotic devices.
• [Core] Take patients' body or limb measurements for use in device construction.
• [Core] Construct or receive casts or impressions of patients' torsos or limbs for use as cutting and fabrication patterns.
• [Core] Bend, form, and shape fabric or material to conform to prescribed contours of structural components.
• [Core] Drill and tap holes for rivets, and glue, weld, bolt, or rivet parts together to form prosthetic or orthotic devices.
• [Core] Lay out and mark dimensions of parts, using templates and precision measuring instruments.
• [Core] Test medical supportive devices for proper alignment, movement, or biomechanical stability, using meters and alignment fixtures.
• [Core] Cover or pad metal or plastic structures or devices, using coverings such as rubber, leather, felt, plastic, or fiberglass.
• [Core] Polish artificial limbs, braces, or supports, using grinding and buffing wheels.
• [Core] Service or repair machinery used in the fabrication of appliances.
• [Supplemental] Mix pigments to match patients' skin coloring, according to formulas, and apply mixtures to orthotic or prosthetic devices.

Detailed work activities

• Adjust fabrics or other materials during garment production.
• Apply protective or decorative finishes to workpieces or products.
• Cast molds of patient anatomies to create medical or dental devices.
• Construct customized assistive medical or dental devices.
• Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
• Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials.
• Inspect medical or dental assistive devices.
• Instruct patients in the use of assistive equipment.
• Measure clients to ensure proper product fit.
• Mix ingredients to create specific finishes.
• Operate grinding equipment.
• Operate welding equipment.
• Polish materials, workpieces, or finished products.
• Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
• Repair medical or dental assistive devices.
• Repair production equipment or tools.