Medical & Allied Health · Allied

Prosthetist & Orthotist

⚠ Estimate — needs validation · as of 2025

Prosthetists and orthotists design, fit and maintain artificial limbs, braces and other rehabilitation devices for people with injury, disability or limb loss. It is a hands-on allied health career with opportunities in hospitals, rehab centres, NGOs and device companies in India.

Who it's for: Best for students who like biology, patient care, problem-solving and practical work. Suits those comfortable with technology, measurements, and helping people regain mobility and independence.

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At a glance

Entry mode: Institution Specific
Exam shape: mixed
Key exam: Institution
Min qualification: BPO
Duration: 4-5 yr
Starting salary: 3-6 LPA (approx, as of 2025)
Sector: Govt/Private
Category: Medical & Allied Health

Subjects / Stream

BiologyPhysicsChemistryMathematicsAllied health sciencesRehabilitation science

Step-by-step path

  1. Complete Class 12 with science, usually Biology and Physics/Chemistry; some institutes may ask for Mathematics too.
  2. Check eligibility for the BPO/BPO-like undergraduate program in prosthetics and orthotics at approved institutions.
  3. Appear for the institution-specific entrance test, interview, or merit-based selection if required.
  4. Complete the BPO degree and mandatory clinical training/internship in prosthetics and orthotics.
  5. Register or meet any state/central professional requirements if applicable, and build practical skills in fitting, fabrication and patient assessment.
  6. Apply for jobs in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, orthotic/prosthetic labs, NGOs, or private device companies.

Key exams

Institution-specific test: admissionMerit list: selectionInterview: screeningClass 12 board exam: eligibility

Top institutes / boards

National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (NILD), KolkataAll India Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AIIPMR), MumbaiNational Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (NIRTAR), CuttackSwami Vivekanand National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR), CuttackPt. Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities (PDUNIPPD), New DelhiSelected medical colleges and rehabilitation institutes approved for BPO

Similar careers

PhysiotherapistOccupational TherapistRehabilitation TechnicianProsthetics and Orthotics TechnicianClinical Assistant in rehabilitation
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Frequently asked questions

What is Prosthetist and Orthotist in India?
It is an allied health profession focused on making, fitting and adjusting artificial limbs, braces and support devices for people with mobility needs.
What is the minimum qualification for BPO course?
Usually Class 12 in the science stream. Many institutes prefer Biology and Physics/Chemistry; some may also ask for Mathematics.
Is NEET required for Prosthetist and Orthotist admission?
Usually no. Admission is often institution-specific, through the institute’s own test, merit list, or interview.
Which exam should I prepare for?
Prepare for the specific institute’s entrance process. There is no single all-India common exam for most BPO admissions.
How many years does the course take?
The typical BPO route takes about 4 years including academic study and clinical training, though it can vary by institute.
What is the fee for BPO course in India?
Fees vary widely by institute, roughly from low government-college fees to much higher private-college fees. Check the official prospectus for the current year.
Is this course available in government colleges?
Yes, some government and national rehabilitation institutes offer it, along with a few approved colleges and centres.
What jobs can I get after BPO?
You can work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, prosthetic and orthotic workshops, NGOs, disability support organisations, and device companies.
What is the starting salary in India?
Freshers may earn around 3-6 LPA in 2025, depending on institute, city, employer and skills.
Is there good scope in India?
Yes, scope is steady because of demand in rehabilitation, trauma care, diabetes-related foot care, disability support and assistive devices.
Can girls join Prosthetist and Orthotist course?
Yes. The course and profession are open to women, and many women work successfully in rehabilitation and clinical roles.
Is there any age limit for admission?
Age limits depend on the institute. Many colleges do not have a strict upper age limit, but you should check the official admission notice.
Are reservations available in admission?
Yes, government and many approved institutions follow applicable reservation rules as per Indian law and institute policy.
Do I need strong biology for this career?
Yes, biology helps because the work involves anatomy, movement, disability care and patient assessment.
Is this a medical degree like MBBS?
No. It is an allied health and rehabilitation course, not a doctor’s degree, but it is a professional healthcare role.
Can I work in the private sector after this course?
Yes. Private hospitals, rehab centres, orthotic/prosthetic labs and device manufacturers hire trained professionals.
Is internship compulsory?
In most approved programs, yes. Clinical training and internship are important parts of becoming job-ready.
What skills are important for this profession?
Patient communication, precision, manual dexterity, anatomy knowledge, problem-solving and teamwork are very important.
Is this a good career for someone who likes helping people?
Yes. The work directly improves mobility, comfort and independence for patients, so it suits service-minded students.
How do I know if this career is right for me?
Choose it if you like science, practical work, rehabilitation and patient care more than pure desk work or theory-only study.

Figures are indicative and source-stamped with an "as of" year (2025). Confirm on the official exam authority website before deciding.

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