Orthotic & Prosthetic Lab Technician

SUMMARY

The Orthotic & Prosthetic Lab Technician (OPT) is a highly trained individual who is an expert in the custom fabrication of orthotic and prosthetic devices.  The OPT has knowledge in all aspects of orthotic and prosthetic fabrication techniques, materials and a knowledge of appropriate use of specialized tools and the maintenance of those tools.  The OPT is responsible for continual education in the discipline of orthotic and prosthetic fabrication. An OPT maintains a clean and safe work area and also uses appropriate PPE, when necessary. 

In the area of fabrication.  The OPT:

• Fabricates orthotic and prosthetic custom devices in a timely manner.
• Uses fabrication techniques such as: Lamination techniques, Mold preparation, and thermoforms for both orthotics and prosthetics. 
• Uses componentry as how it relates to specialized fabrication techniques.
• Receives verbal and written instructions from qualified staff as to the production of custom orthotics and prosthetics.

In the area of materials.  The OPT:

• Recognizes and fabricates orthotic and prosthetic materials.
• Uses both common and uncommon materials in the fabrication of specialized orthotic and prosthetic devices.
• Is knowledgeable in material preparation, material heating procedures, lay up procedures, amount of vacuum (for vacuum formed processes) and of various uses of modern high tech materials and procedures.
• Keeps notes regarding fabrication specifications, such as but not limited to, times and temperatures of thermoformed materials, amount and type of lamination, weight of a finished product, or any information specific to the specialized materials used in a production process.

In the area of specialized tools.  The OPT:

• Works with common orthotic and prosthetic tools, both power and hand.
• Has knowledge of and practice in, using modern personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Is proficient in bending irons, hammers, rivet work, scissors and all cutting tools. 
• Is also proficient in the functional use of power tools such as trautman routers, sanding, buffing and finishing tools, hand drills, heat source tools, sewing machines, appropriate bitts, blades or any specific implement used with a power tool.

In the area of education. The OPT:

• Has a personal responsibility to keep current on all modern fabrication techniques and materials through journals, course work and experimentation in the lab.
• Consults with technical staff in regards to types of materials and procedures needed for a desired outcome.
• Stays at the forefront of O and P care, the OPT continually receives education and views production as a sub specialty of orthotics and prosthetics.