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Science · Rehabilitation Profession

Prosthetist & Orthotist — Artificial Limbs and Braces

8 min read · Registered with RCI · Class 12 Science with English

Prosthetists and orthotists design, fit and adjust artificial limbs (prostheses) and supportive braces and splints (orthoses) for people with amputations, polio, cerebral palsy, injuries and other conditions. The professional degree is the Bachelor in Prosthetics and Orthotics (BPO), with an internship. It is a rehabilitation profession: you must be registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) to practise.

📍 See The Journey / Full Roadmap
Degree
Bachelor in Prosthetics & Orthotics [1]
Duration
4 yrs + 6-month internship [1]
Registration
RCI [1]
Entry
Class 12 Science + English
Mapped Institutions & Degrees7 verified institutions · by state & city

BPO (Prosthetics & Orthotics)Institute entrance or Class 12 (PCB / PCM) merit

Delhi NCR1
Karnataka2
Maharashtra1
Odisha1
Uttar Pradesh1
West Bengal1
Compare all BPO (Prosthetics & Orthotics) colleges in the finder
Overview

What does a Prosthetist & Orthotist do?

  • Prosthetists assess amputees, take measurements or scans, and build and fit artificial limbs; orthotists design braces, splints, calipers and special footwear.
  • They work closely with doctors, physiotherapists and occupational therapists in rehabilitation teams.
  • Modern practice uses CAD/CAM, 3D scanning, carbon-fibre and microprocessor components.
Fit check

Who should become a Prosthetist & Orthotist

✔ Ideal for you if…

  • Enjoy hands-on making, measuring and mechanics.
  • Want direct, visible impact on patients' mobility.
  • Are patient and good with people of all ages.

✖ Reconsider if…

  • Want a desk-only career.
  • Are uncomfortable with amputations or disability.
  • Expect a large number of colleges to choose from — seats are limited.
Eligibility

What you need, stage by stage

  • Class 12 in Science with Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Mathematics, and English; minimum aggregate as the institute sets.
  • Admission at an RCI-recognised institute — national institutes and some universities run entrance tests.
  • Complete the course and internship, then register with RCI.
Step-by-step

Your full path to becoming a Prosthetist & Orthotist

  1. Start here

    Class 12 Science

    Keep English and science marks strong.

  2. Step 2

    Apply to RCI-recognised institutes

    National institutes under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and universities.

  3. Step 3

    BPO course

    Anatomy, biomechanics, materials and clinical P&O.

  4. Step 4

    Six-month internship

    Supervised clinical work.

  5. Licence

    RCI registration

    Needed to practise legally.

  6. Goal

    Practice or specialise

    Hospital, rehab centre, industry, or a master's degree.

Want the exact step-by-step journey?

Eligibility, exams and cycles, training and final qualification for Prosthetist & Orthotist, in order, with official links.

📍 See The Journey / Full Roadmap
Registration

RCI recognition and registration

RCI-recognised coursesOnly courses recognised by RCI lead to registration — check RCI's list. [1]
Central Rehabilitation RegisterRegistration with RCI is required to practise as a rehabilitation professional. [1]
Diploma holdersSome institutes allow diploma holders from RCI-approved programmes to join the BPO in a later year.
Indicative figures

Prosthetist & Orthotist pay in India

Pay varies a lot by employer, city and experience; these are broad, commonly reported ranges, not guarantees.

FresherEntry level

Hospitals, NGOs and limb-fitting centres.

ExperiencedMid level

Private clinics and industry pay more.

Own practiceVariable

Established practitioners can earn well.

Where they work

Employers & growth path

EmployersGovernment and private hospitals, national institutes, rehabilitation centres, NGOs, P&O companies
Growth pathP&O → senior clinician → head of department / own clinic
Further studyMPO (Master in Prosthetics and Orthotics) for teaching and research
Honest take

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

  • Visible, life-changing patient outcomes.
  • Mix of engineering and healthcare.
  • Shortage of trained professionals in India.

Disadvantages

  • Few institutes and seats.
  • Physically hands-on workshop work.
  • Government job numbers are limited.
Related careers
Physiotherapy (BPT)Rehabilitation & movementView guide
Occupational TherapyRehabilitation supportView guide
Biomedical EngineerMedical devicesView guide
Audiology & Speech TherapyAnother RCI professionView guide
Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Four academic years followed by a six-month internship, as per the RCI framework.
Yes. Rehabilitation professionals must be registered with RCI to practise.
Yes. Institutes accept Physics and Chemistry with either Biology or Mathematics, plus English.

*Pay figures are indicative unless they quote an official pay level, and rules change: confirm eligibility, dates and fees on the official websites listed under Sources before you act.

Sources & verification

Where these facts come from

Rules, exams and rankings on this page are taken from the official bodies below. Always confirm dates and fees on the official website before you act.

  1. Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) (opens in a new tab) BPO course recognition, recognised institutes and the Central Rehabilitation Register
Show these sources as Markdown (to copy or cite) 
**Sources — Prosthetist & Orthotist — Artificial Limbs and Braces (https://emargdarshan.com/prosthetist-orthotist.html)**
1. [Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)](https://rehabcouncil.nic.in/) — BPO course recognition, recognised institutes and the Central Rehabilitation Register

Spotted something out of date? Email margdarshan07support10@gmail.com with the official link and we will update it.