Orthopedic also referred as Orthopaedic is a discipline of surgery concerned with the diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system.
The musculoskeletal system includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves.
The physician who specializes in this field is called as Orthopaedic surgeons or specialist. They use both surgical and non-surgical methods to treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
If you are a student passionate about healthcare, human anatomy, and aspire to help individuals regain mobility and a better quality of life, then pursuing a career in orthopedics could be the right path for you.
In this career guide we will walk you through the How to become a Orthopaedic doctor, courses, eligibility criteria, job roles, and salary prospects in the field of orthopedics.
Orthopedic – A brief History
The term “orthopaedics” is derived from the Greek words orthos meaning “straight” and paideia referring to “children”.
In 1780 the French physician Nicolas Andry first coined the term “Orthopaedia” in his book named “Orthopédie”. His book laid the groundwork for the modern specialty and focused on correcting deformities in children, such as scoliosis or rickets.
How to Become an Orthopedic Specialist
To become an orthopedic doctor or surgeon, aspirants has to go through a structured path of medical education and specialization.
Below is the step-by-step courses to become an orthopedic doctor in India:
Step 1: MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
Duration: 5.5 years (including 1-year internship)
Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology; NEET UG qualification is mandatory.
Objective: Foundational medical knowledge and clinical training.
Step 2: Postgraduate Degree: MS Orthopedics (Master of Surgery in Orthopedics)
Duration: 3 years
Eligibility: MBBS with a valid NEET-PG score
Focus Areas: Musculoskeletal system, trauma, bone and joint surgery, spinal disorders, fractures, and sports injuries.
Step 3: Super-Specialization (Optional)
Examples: M.Ch in Orthopedics, DNB (Diplomate of National Board) in Orthopedics
Focus: Advanced surgical techniques, research, subspecialties like pediatric orthopedics, hand surgery, or joint replacement.
Candidates can also pursue the following courses:
Diploma & Certificate Courses
- Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Exam in Orthopaedics
- Diploma in Orthoptics
- PG Diploma in Orthopaedics – D.Ortho.
- PDCC (Neuro & Ortho Anaesthesiology)
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Eligibility Criteria
To pursue a career in orthopedics, candidates must meet the following following academic qualification:
To pursue MBBS course, candidates must passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) subjects with at least 50%.
A good NEET score is mandatory to get admission into MBBS, which is the first step toward becoming an orthopedic doctor.
After completing MBBS, candidates have to pursue MS in Orthopedics.
After MS, candidates can also go for super specialization (M.Ch/DNB/Fellowships) to pursue career as a orthopedic surgeon.
What do the Orthopedic surgeons do?
- Examine patients with bone, joint, or muscle problems
- Joint replacements (hip, knee, shoulder)
- Spinal surgery
- Tendon injuries, pulled muscles
- Arthritis and osteoporosis
- Bone tumors, club foot and unequal leg lengths
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Admission Process
How to get admission in the Orthopedic courses?
A good NEET score is mandatory to get admission into MBBS, which is the first step toward becoming an orthopedic doctor.
In India, all medical colleges and universities accept NEET UG for admission to their MBBS program.
For admissions to MS in Orthopedics, candidates have to qualify NEET PG exam. After MS, candidates can pursue super specialization like (M.Ch/DNB/Fellowships). The admission are based on NEET SS and DNB SS exam score.
Some most popular medical entrance tests are mentioned below:
Top Colleges & Universities
Top colleges to study Orthopedic in India are:
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
- Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh
- Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
- Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), New Delhi
- Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune
- King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow
- Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow
- Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal
- Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College (LTMMC), Mumbai
- Grant Medical College, Mumbai
- Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (IPGMER), Kolkata
- Madras Medical College, Chennai
- BJ Medical College, Ahmedabad
- Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore
- Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Hyderabad
Key Skills Required
To Become an Orthopaedic Surgeon, candidates must possess the following skills:
- You should be physically and mentally fit for standing long times in operation theatres
- You have to confidents about your decisions
- Know the complete knowledge of all machines and instruments related to operations
Career Scope
The field of orthopedics offers various job prospects for the degree holders. The great variety of career job opportunities and the career growing way for the orthopedic surgeons is very much sharp.
Orthopedic surgeons gain vast knowledge of the diseases and injuries that affect the musculoskeletal system. It includes the muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Orthopedic surgeons treat congenital concerns like scoliosis, injuries such as broken hips, or degenerative diseases like osteoporosis and arthritis.
The candidate can join defense services such as army or naval forces. An Orthopedic can start its career in working with high profile hospitals, either in the public or private sector, according to the choice of individuals. There are many other options for orthopedic degree holders, they can open their own Clinic and provide services to the patients. You can also opt to teach at universities and colleges or enter into research as orthopedic doctor.
Orthopedists who have graduated or doctoral degree can get jobs in reputed Government Hospitals like AIIMS and PGIMER, Corporate Hospitals like Fortis, Apollo etc. They can also get jobs in rehabilitation centers established by sports and defense organizations.
Career & Jobs
There are a great career opportunities in the field of Orthopedics not in India but also in abroad. The career development path for the orthopedic specialists is very bright. There are lots of job opportunities in government, private and public sector.
After completing your education, you can get jobs in reputed Government Hospitals, for example, AIIMS and PGIMER, Corporate Hospitals such as Apollo, Fortis, etc. You can also work in rehabilitation centers established by sports and defense associations.
Degree holder candidates may appear for Combined Medical Service examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Government of India for entry into central services. The services provided under UPSC are such as railways, ordnance Factories Health Service, Central Health Service and Municipal Corporation of Delhi. The state, provincial service examination is organized by the state, provincial service commission (SPSC) for admission into state services.
Those candidates have a graduation degree in this field, they can look jobs in the health care sector such as doctors, therapist, surgeon, nurse and so on. The doctoral degree holder can opt teaching career in the colleges and universities or enter into the research field. Those professionals have a some experience, they can also set up their own nursing homes and hospital.
You can appear for the Combined Medical Services Examination to join central services such as an ordnance Factories Health Service, Central Health Service, railways and Municipal Corporation of Delhi. You can also join the armed force and naval force.
Some of the working areas are:
- Researchers
- Orthopedic Surgeon
- Physical Therapist
- Orthopedic Nurse
- Sports Medicine Physician
- Orthopedic distributors for surgery and musculoskeletal Products
- Consultants
Job Profile:
- Orthopedic Surgeon
- Researchers
- Consultants
- Physical Therapist
- Orthopedic Nurse
- Sports Medicine Physician
Salary
Orthopedics is one of the highest paying medical specialties in India and abroad. The salary of professionals depends on their experience, expertise and location of practice, and type of healthcare institution they work for.
The entry level salary for Orthopedic specialist is ₹80,000 – ₹1.5 lakh per month. Professionals with 3-5 years of experience can earn in the range ₹1.5 lakh – ₹3.5 lakh.
Candidates working as a senior consultant or as a super-specialist (Joint/Spine) can earn anywhere between ₹3 lakh – ₹6 lakh per month or more.
In USA, an Orthopaedic Surgeon can get the salary package of $153,197 to $541,917 per annum.
Books & Study Materials
Practical Fracture Treatment by Ronald McRae
Low Back Disorders by Stuart McGill
Operative Techniques in Orthopaedic Surgery by Wiesel
Review of Orthopaedics by Mark D. Miller
Emergency Surgery of the Hand by Michel Merle
For any other queries related to Career In Orthopedics, feel free to ask us by commenting below in the comment box.
Thank you for sharing this valuable information about a career in orthopedics! It’s inspiring to learn about the dedication and specialized skills required in this field. Orthopedics plays such a vital role in improving mobility and enhancing quality of life for patients. This post has provided great insights into the opportunities and challenges in the profession. Looking forward to reading more about how aspiring professionals can succeed in this impactful medical specialty
Great blog! A career in orthopedics is truly rewarding, offering the opportunity to make a profound impact on patients’ lives by restoring mobility and reducing pain. Your insights on this field are inspiring and provide a clear picture for aspiring medical professionals. Thanks for sharing
It’s inspiring to see how this field combines medical expertise with the opportunity to improve patients’ quality of life. The detailed guidance is truly helpful for aspiring professionals.Thank you for sharing this valuable insight into a career in orthopedics
Wonderful post! A career in orthopaedics is incredibly rewarding, and your article beautifully highlights the various pathways and opportunities in this field. Orthopaedics combines surgery with patient care, and it’s a specialty that offers the chance to make a significant impact on people’s lives helping them regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life.
Fantastic post! A career in orthopedics offers diverse opportunities in patient care, surgery, and research. It’s a rewarding field for those passionate about improving mobility and quality of life.
A career in orthopedics is highly rewarding, combining hands-on patient care with innovative treatments. With growing demand in India