Orthotist/Prosthetist
Assesses, designs, fabricates and fits orthotic braces and prosthetic limbs for patients.
Overview
An Orthotist/Prosthetist caters to those people who are in pain or have difficulty moving. They specialize in the assessment, prescription, design, fabrication and fitting of orthotic or prosthetic devices to their patients.
Where they work
- Government R&D centres
- MNC R&D centres
- Government hospitals/dispensaries
- Private hospitals/clinics
Work environment
You are likely to work in various industries, including manufacturing, health and personal care stores, doctors' offices, and hospitals. You are expected to work full time.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like helping others
- You like to analyse problems/situations
- You pay attention to details
- You have strong communication skills
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.Sc) in Prosthetics and Orthotics.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree (M.Sc) in the same field.
Alternative route 3
- 1Pursue a Diploma in Prosthetics and Orthotics.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- All India Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Rajasthan University of Health Sciences, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana
- Dr Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi
- Swami Vivekanand National Institute of Rehabilitation and Training and Research, Cuttack, Odisha
- National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- Era University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- Indian Institute of Health Education and Research, Patna, Bihar
- ISIC Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, New Delhi
- MGM University of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Intern
- 2Orthotist and Prosthetist Technician
- 3Orthotist and Prosthetist
- 4Assistant Practitioner
- 5Practitioner
Expected income
₹28,000 – ₹30,000 per month or more, depending on experience
These figures are taken from NCS and are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Rehabilitation Specialist
Helps people recover from illness or injury, and helps disabled people live independently.
Physiotherapist
Treats injury and restores movement and function using massage, exercise and other techniques.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Sumant Kumar Singh — A prosthetist at the Bhagalpur Unit of Bihar Education Project Council who made news for designing a prosthetic limb for a 10-year old specially-abled girl, Seema, within 12 hours of receiving the request. He has been an engineer at the unit for 8 years.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 391 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3HtxByi
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.