Description
Construct and assemble medical supportive devices—braces, orthoses, prosthetic limbs, joints, arch supports, and related surgical appliances—based on prescriptions or specifications; finish, adjust, and repair them to meet functional, comfort, and quality standards.
- • Interpret prescriptions, work orders, or CAD files to determine designs, materials, and tooling.
- • Fabricate orthotic and prosthetic components using thermoplastics, thermosets, metals, leather, and composites.
- • Lay out, cut, and shape parts with templates, precision instruments, and shop machinery.
- • Construct or receive and evaluate casts, impressions, or digital models for pattern making.
- • Bend, form, laminate, and thermoform materials to prescribed contours and thicknesses.
- • Drill, tap, glue, weld, bolt, or rivet parts to assemble devices.
- • Fit devices on patients or models and make alignment and comfort adjustments.
- • Test alignment, range of motion, and biomechanical stability using gauges and fixtures.
- • Cover or pad frames and shells with rubber, leather, felt, plastic, or fiberglass.
- • Polish and finish devices using grinding and buffing equipment.
- • Mix and apply pigments to match skin tones when required.
- • Repair, modify, and maintain existing orthotic and prosthetic devices to specification.
- • Service, calibrate, and troubleshoot fabrication machinery and tools.
- • Document measurements, materials, and build steps; label and track work orders.
- • Follow safety, infection control, and quality assurance standards during fabrication.
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Healthcare & Human Services
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
