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Orthotists and Prosthetists

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

Examine, interview, and measure patients to determine their appliance needs and to identify factors that could affect appliance fit.
Fit, test, and evaluate devices on patients, and make adjustments for proper fit, function, and comfort.
Instruct patients in the use and care of orthoses and prostheses.
Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices, based on physicians' prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients.
Maintain patients' records.
Make and modify plaster casts of areas to be fitted with prostheses or orthoses to guide the device construction process.
Select materials and components to be used, based on device design.
Confer with physicians to formulate specifications and prescriptions for orthopedic or prosthetic devices.
Repair, rebuild, and modify prosthetic and orthopedic appliances.
Construct and fabricate appliances, or supervise others constructing the appliances.
Train and supervise support staff, such as orthopedic and prosthetic assistants and technicians.
Update skills and knowledge by attending conferences and seminars.
Show and explain orthopedic and prosthetic appliances to healthcare workers.
Research new ways to construct and use orthopedic and prosthetic devices.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)