According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Drill and tap holes for rivets, and glue, weld, bolt, or rivet parts together to form prosthetic or orthotic devices. | 89% |
| Read prescriptions or specifications to determine the type of product or device to be fabricated and the materials and tools required. | 88% |
| Make orthotic or prosthetic devices, using materials such as thermoplastic and thermosetting materials, metal alloys and leather, and hand or power tools. | 88% |
| Bend, form, and shape fabric or material to conform to prescribed contours of structural components. | 87% |
| Construct or receive casts or impressions of patients' torsos or limbs for use as cutting and fabrication patterns. | 86% |
| Repair, modify, or maintain medical supportive devices, such as artificial limbs, braces, or surgical supports, according to specifications. | 85% |
| Cover or pad metal or plastic structures or devices, using coverings such as rubber, leather, felt, plastic, or fiberglass. | 84% |
| Test medical supportive devices for proper alignment, movement, or biomechanical stability, using meters and alignment fixtures. | 83% |
| Lay out and mark dimensions of parts, using templates and precision measuring instruments. | 83% |
| Fit appliances onto patients, and make any necessary adjustments. | 82% |
| Polish artificial limbs, braces, or supports, using grinding and buffing wheels. | 81% |
| Mix pigments to match patients' skin coloring, according to formulas, and apply mixtures to orthotic or prosthetic devices. | 81% |
| Take patients' body or limb measurements for use in device construction. | 81% |
| Instruct patients in use of prosthetic or orthotic devices. | 80% |
| Service or repair machinery used in the fabrication of appliances. | 72% |
