Miscellaneous Health Technologists and Technicians

Job Zone

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

O’NET publishes details below this occupation’s level. Showing Orthotists and Prosthetists — one of 3 occupations here: Orthotists and Prosthetists, Hearing Aid Specialists, Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Fit, test, and evaluate devices on patients, and make adjustments for proper fit, function, and comfort.95
Instruct patients in the use and care of orthoses and prostheses.94
Maintain patients' records.94
Examine, interview, and measure patients to determine their appliance needs and to identify factors that could affect appliance fit.93
Select materials and components to be used, based on device design.91
Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices, based on physicians' prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients.88
Repair, rebuild, and modify prosthetic and orthopedic appliances.87
Construct and fabricate appliances, or supervise others constructing the appliances.86
Make and modify plaster casts of areas to be fitted with prostheses or orthoses to guide the device construction process.85
Confer with physicians to formulate specifications and prescriptions for orthopedic or prosthetic devices.75
Show and explain orthopedic and prosthetic appliances to healthcare workers.74
Train and supervise support staff, such as orthopedic and prosthetic assistants and technicians.71

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Update skills and knowledge by attending conferences and seminars.70
Research new ways to construct and use orthopedic and prosthetic devices.68
Publish research findings or present them at conferences and seminars.46

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening75
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking75
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing75
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning69
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving69
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Service Orientation69
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness69
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Monitoring60
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Coordination56
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Judgment and Decision Making56
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

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Instructing53
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies53
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Operations Analysis53
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Time Management53
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Mathematics50
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Operations Monitoring50
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Persuasion50
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Quality Control Analysis50
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Science47
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Systems Analysis47
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation47
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Technology Design47
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Negotiation44
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Management of Personnel Resources38
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Equipment Selection31
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Operation and Control31
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Troubleshooting28
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Management of Material Resources25
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Repairing25
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Equipment Maintenance22
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Management of Financial Resources19
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Programming10
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Customer and Personal Service89
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Medicine and Dentistry83
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Design74
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Therapy and Counseling74
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
English Language72
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Psychology71
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Education and Training70
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Mechanical70
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Production and Processing69
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Administration and Management67
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Engineering and Technology66
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Administrative63
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

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Computers and Electronics63
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Physics63
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Biology55
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Mathematics53
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Sales and Marketing48
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Economics and Accounting47
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Personnel and Human Resources44
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Chemistry43
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Public Safety and Security43
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Telecommunications40
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Communications and Media38
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Law and Government37
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Building and Construction34
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Sociology and Anthropology30
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Foreign Language28
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Philosophy and Theology20
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Transportation18
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Geography14
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
History and Archeology7
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Fine Arts5
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Food Production3
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Deductive Reasoning75
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning75
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Near Vision75
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity75
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Visualization72
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Written Expression72
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Information Ordering69
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Speech Clarity66
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition66
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

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Category Flexibility60
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Fluency of Ideas56
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Originality53
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Selective Attention53
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Arm-Hand Steadiness50
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision50
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Far Vision50
The ability to see details at a distance.
Finger Dexterity50
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Manual Dexterity50
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Flexibility of Closure47
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Mathematical Reasoning47
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Multilimb Coordination47
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Perceptual Speed44
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Time Sharing44
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Visual Color Discrimination41
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Number Facility35
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Speed of Closure35
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Depth Perception31
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Trunk Strength31
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Auditory Attention28
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Extent Flexibility28
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Memorization28
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Static Strength28
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Dynamic Strength25
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Reaction Time25
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Stamina25
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Wrist-Finger Speed25
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Hearing Sensitivity22
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Explosive Strength19
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Gross Body Coordination19
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium19
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Rate Control19
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Response Orientation19
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Spatial Orientation13
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Glare Sensitivity10
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision10
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision10
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization10
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Speed of Limb Movement10
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Documenting/Recording Information88
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Assisting and Caring for Others87
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems87
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public85
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates79
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Working with Computers79
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information78
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work78
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Processing Information78
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials76
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Thinking Creatively76
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge76
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships74
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards74
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others73
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events72
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Performing Administrative Activities71
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization69
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Controlling Machines and Processes66
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Scheduling Work and Activities66
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings64
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People63
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Handling and Moving Objects62
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Analyzing Data or Information60
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others60
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others60
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Training and Teaching Others60
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources59
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Performing General Physical Activities57
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others56
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing and Building Teams56
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment56
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Coaching and Developing Others55
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates55
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Developing Objectives and Strategies53
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information53
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment51
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment44
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Selling or Influencing Others44
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Staffing Organizational Units44
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment39
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail96
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability84
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Empathy77
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Cautiousness76
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Cooperation73
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Innovation71
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Integrity70
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Achievement Orientation67
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Sincerity66
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Intellectual Curiosity64
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Adaptability60
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Perseverance60
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

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Social Orientation60
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Self-Control57
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Self-Confidence55
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Stress Tolerance55
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Optimism53
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Initiative44
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Tolerance for Ambiguity44
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Humility41
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Leadership Orientation38
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Realistic83
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Investigative68
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Social55
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Conventional43
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Artistic17
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Enterprising9
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day100%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day90%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day95%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)76%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)14%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day76%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day85%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others57%
- Contact with others most of the time38%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom57%
- Some freedom38%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day76%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours71%
- 40 hours29%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day86%
- Never14%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day67%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%

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Time Pressure
- Every day62%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom43%
- Some freedom43%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important48%
- Very important29%
- Important19%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually40%
- More than half the time45%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important50%
- Very important20%
- Important25%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day45%
- Once a week or more but not every day35%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility35%
- High responsibility45%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results38%
- Important results33%
- Minor results19%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important38%
- Very important29%
- Important19%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day43%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility24%
- High responsibility38%
- Moderate responsibility29%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day24%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Once a month or more but not every week48%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day38%
- Once a week or more but not every day33%
- Never19%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive14%
- Highly competitive38%
- Moderately competitive38%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important11%
- Very important42%
- Important32%
- Fairly important11%
Spend Time Standing
- More than half the time43%
- About half the time57%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day19%
- Once a week or more but not every day33%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week52%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important14%
- Very important24%
- Important24%
- Fairly important24%
- Not important at all14%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
- Once a month or more but not every week29%
- Once a year or more but not every month43%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious14%
- Serious38%
- Fairly serious24%
- Not serious at all14%
Spend Time Sitting
- About half the time52%
- Less than half the time33%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- More than half the time19%
- About half the time24%
- Less than half the time57%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day14%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never33%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- About half the time19%
- Less than half the time62%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- About half the time14%
- Less than half the time67%
Public Speaking
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month62%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time70%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Never52%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never57%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month38%
- Never48%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated14%
- Slightly automated43%
- Not at all automated43%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Very important14%
- Fairly important19%
- Not important at all62%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never62%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time24%
- Never62%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Never81%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never76%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never81%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a year or more but not every month33%
- Never67%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never71%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time14%
- Never81%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never86%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never90%
Exposed to High Places
- Never95%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Master’s degree
Bachelor’s degree
Post-baccalaureate certificate

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD, Ohio Willow Wood OMEGA Tracer System, Polhemus FastSCAN, Seattle Systems Shapemaker
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Medical software
Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS, MedEvolve eCeno, OPIE Practice Management Suite, Patient management software
Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Outlook
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Accounting software
Intuit QuickBooks
Graphics or photo imaging software
Computer graphics software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Adjust prostheses or other assistive devices.
Instruct patients in the use of assistive equipment.
Record patient medical histories.
Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.
Examine patients to assess general physical condition.
Measure the physical or physiological attributes of patients.
Fabricate medical devices.
Design medical devices or appliances.
Supervise medical support personnel.
Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
Train medical providers.
Maintain medical or professional knowledge.

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Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.
Present medical research reports.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Orthotist
Prosthetist (Medical Serv)

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology