HealthcareISCO 2269
Prosthetic-orthotics technician
Prosthetic-orthotics technicians design, create, fit and repair supportive devices, such as braces, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances.
Check yourself in a minute: prosthetic-orthotics technician
Rate 5 of the 17 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
manipulate plastic
manipulate metal
manipulate wood
repair prosthetic-orthotic devices
use technical drawing software
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (17)
prosthetic devicesprosthetic devicesThe various artificial replacements of body parts or limbs, which were lost during a trauma, disease or an accident.human anatomyhuman anatomyThe dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and ...types of orthopedic suppliestypes of orthopedic suppliesVarious types of orthopaedic supplies such as braces and arm supports, used for physical therapy or physical rehabilitation.biomedical engineeringbiomedical engineeringThe biomedical engineering processes used to create medical devices, prostheses and in treatments.orthotic devicesorthotic devicesThe types of devices used for support such as braces, arch supports and joints.prosthetic-orthotic device materialsprosthetic-orthotic device materialsThe materials used to create prosthetic-orthotic devices such as polymers, thermoplastic and thermosetting materials, metal alloys and leather. In the choice of materials, attention must be paid to me...manipulate plasticmanipulate plasticManipulate the properties, shape and size of plastic.manipulate metalmanipulate metalManipulate the properties, shape and size of metal.manipulate woodmanipulate woodManipulate the properties, shape and size of wood.repair prosthetic-orthotic devicesrepair prosthetic-orthotic devicesPerform repairs, fix and modify prosthetic-orthotic devices according to the specifications.use technical drawing softwareuse technical drawing softwareCreate technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.finish prosthetic-orthotic devicesfinish prosthetic-orthotic devicesComplete the manufacturing of prosthetic and orthotic devices by sanding, smoothing, applying paint or lacquer layers, stuffing and covering some parts with leather or textiles.interpret prescriptionsinterpret prescriptionsInterpret the specifications written down by doctors or other professionals to determine the type of product or device that needs to be created, as well as the materials that need to be used.maintain prosthetic-orthotic devicesmaintain prosthetic-orthotic devicesEnsure that all prosthetic-orthotic devices are properly stored and taken care of so they maintain their functionality and appearance.test prosthetic-orthotic devicestest prosthetic-orthotic devicesEnsure that the prosthetic-orthotic devices fit the patient according to specifications. Test and evaluate them to ensure that they work as intended. Make adjustments to ensure proper fit, function an...manufacture prosthetic-orthotic devicesmanufacture prosthetic-orthotic devicesCreate prosthetic-orthotic devices according to the designs of the prosthetist-orthotist, company specifications and national and international regulations. Use specialised materials, tools and machin...repair orthopedic goodsrepair orthopedic goodsReplace and repair orthopaedic material such as prostheses, technical supports and rehabilitation aids.
Optional (11) — show
use of special equipment for daily activitiesuse of special equipment for daily activitiesThe types of special equipment, prosthetics and orthotics used to aid with performing daily activities, such as wheelchairs.musculoskeletal anatomymusculoskeletal anatomyThe human musculoskeletal system, comprising of the skeleton, muscles, cartilage, tendons, joints and other connective tissue that supports and binds tissues and organs together. The human musculoskel...biomedical techniquesbiomedical techniquesThe various methods and techniques used in biomedical laboratory such as molecular and biomedical techniques, imaging techniques, genetic engineering, electrophysiology techniques and in silico techni...prosthetic-orthotic examinationprosthetic-orthotic examinationThe examination, interview and measurement of patients to determine the prosthetic-orthotic device to be made, including their kind and size.order suppliesorder suppliesCommand products from relevant suppliers to get convenient and profitable products to purchase.recommend orthopedic goods to customers depending on their conditionrecommend orthopedic goods to customers depending on their conditionRecommend and provide advice on orthopaedic goods and pieces of equipment such as braces, slings or elbow supports. Provide individual advice depending on customer's specific condition and needs.advise on medical device featuresadvise on medical device featuresProvide information on how the medical device is functioning, what are its features, advantages and usability terms.comply with legislation related to health carecomply with legislation related to health careComply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.maintain prosthetic-orthotic laboratory equipmentmaintain prosthetic-orthotic laboratory equipmentCheck the condition of the prosthetic-orthotic laboratory equipment used. Clean and perform maintenance operations as necessary.design objects to be crafteddesign objects to be craftedSketch, draw or design sketches and drawings from memory, live models, manufactured products or reference materials in the process of crafting and sculpting.use casts of body partsuse casts of body partsUse plaster to make impressions of body parts, or receive casts to use for the fabrication of products or devices.
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
Frequently asked questions
What does a prosthetic-orthotics technician do?
Prosthetic-orthotics technicians design, create, fit and repair supportive devices, such as braces, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances.
What skills does a prosthetic-orthotics technician need?
A prosthetic-orthotics technician needs 17 essential skills, including prosthetic devices, human anatomy, types of orthopedic supplies, biomedical engineering, orthotic devices.
Will AI replace prosthetic-orthotics technician jobs?
The AI disruption score for prosthetic-orthotics technician is 13/100 (very low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: order supplies, comply with legislation related to health care, interpret prescriptions. Most resilient: prosthetic devices, manipulate metal, human anatomy.
AI Replacement Risk
13/ 100
Very Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
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