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