An Orthopedic course is the first step toward a successful career in the field of orthopedics, which focuses on treating musculoskeletal disorders. Whether you’re interested in becoming an orthopedic surgeon or a physiotherapist, pursuing an Orthopedic course will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge.

These courses cover various aspects of bone, joint, and muscle care, and they provide the foundation for roles in hospitals, clinics, or research institutions. In this article, we’ll guide you through the essentials of an Orthopedic course, including eligibility, entrance exams, and career opportunities in India and abroad.

Eligibility Criteria Orthopedic Course

To be eligible for the Diploma in Orthopaedics, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Criteria	Details
Educational Qualification	Must possess an MBBS degree from a Medical Council of India (MCI) recognized institution.
Internship Requirement	A compulsory internship must be completed after obtaining the MBBS degree.
10+2 Qualification	Candidates should have completed their 10+2 education with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Minimum Marks	Generally, a minimum of 55% in MBBS is required, though this may vary by institution.

Entrance Examination

Candidates are required to pass specific entrance exams to qualify for admission into the Diploma in Orthopaedics course. The most common exams include:

Other state-level or institutional entrance exams may also be accepted.

NEET PG: National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate courses.

INI CET: Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test.

Admission Process Orthopaedic Course

Desh Bhagat University (DBU) offers a Diploma in Orthopaedics aimed at equipping medical graduates with specialized knowledge and skills in orthopedic care. Below is a structured overview of the admission process

The admission process for the Diploma in Orthopaedics at DBU involves several critical steps:

1. Entrance Examination:
   • Candidates must register and appear for the NEET PG exam, which assesses their readiness for postgraduate medical studies.
2. Application Submission:
   • After qualifying in the entrance exam, candidates should fill out the application form available on DBU’s official website or at the admissions office.
   • Necessary documents, including educational certificates and proof of internship completion, must be submitted.
3. Counseling Process:
   • Qualified candidates will participate in a counseling session organized by DBU or relevant state authorities.
   • Seat allocation will be based on NEET PG scores and preferences indicated by candidates.
4. Personal Interview:
   • Some candidates may be required to attend a personal interview to further assess their suitability for the program.
5. Final Admission:
   • Successful candidates will receive an admission offer and must complete any additional formalities, such as fee payment and document verification.

Important Dates

• NEET PG Exam Dates: Typically held twice a year; candidates should check the official NEET website for specific dates.
• Application Deadlines: Check DBU’s official website for precise deadlines regarding application submissions and counseling schedules.
  

Orthopaedics Courses & Specializations

To become an orthopedic professional, you need to pursue specific courses. Here’s a breakdown of the main courses and specializations in orthopedics:

1. Bachelor’s Degree

• BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery)
• MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)

After completing one of these degrees, you can enter the field of orthopaedics by specializing further in post-graduate programs.

2. Master’s Degree (Postgraduate Specialization)

• MS (Orthopaedics)
• DNB (Diplomate of National Board) in Orthopaedics

These programs typically take 3 years and provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills for treating musculoskeletal issues.

3. Fellowship Programs

After completing a Master’s degree, you can pursue specialized fellowships in areas such as:

• Spine Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Joint Replacement
• Pediatric Orthopaedics

These fellowships focus on specific areas of orthopaedic care and enhance expertise in treating complex conditions.

4. Certificate Courses

• Short-term certificate courses also provide practical skills in orthopaedics, ideal for professionals looking to upgrade their knowledge.

Each course opens different career opportunities in hospitals, clinics, research, and teaching positions.

Salary Expectations After Orthopedic Course

The salary for professionals in orthopaedics varies based on experience, job role, and location. Below is an overview of the expected salary ranges for different positions in the field:

Job Role	Starting Salary	Experienced Professional Salary
Orthopaedic Surgeon	₹8–10 lakhs per year	₹15–25 lakhs per year or more
Physiotherapist	₹2.5–4 lakhs per year	₹5–8 lakhs per year
Orthopaedic Nurse	₹3–5 lakhs per year	₹6–8 lakhs per year
Orthopaedic Technician	₹2.5–4 lakhs per year	₹5–6 lakhs per year
Sports Medicine Specialist	₹4–6 lakhs per year	₹10–15 lakhs per year
Researcher/Academic	₹4–8 lakhs per year	₹12 lakhs or more per year

Key Points:

• Orthopedic Surgeons earn the highest salaries in the field due to their specialized skill set. With more experience and a good reputation, they can earn significantly higher.
• Physiotherapists and Orthopaedic Nurses earn more as they gain experience or specialize in specific treatments.
• Orthopaedic Technicians also have opportunities for growth, especially with additional certifications.
• Sports Medicine Specialists and Researchers can earn a good salary, particularly if they work with professional sports teams or in academic positions.

As seen, salaries in orthopaedics can be quite competitive, and they increase over time with experience and specialization in high-demand areas.

Orthopedic Course Curriculum & Syllabus

The curriculum for orthopedic courses, particularly at the postgraduate level, is designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills essential for becoming proficient orthopedic surgeons. Below is a detailed overview of the curriculum, including core subjects, examination structure, and practical training components.

Core Subjects in Orthopedic Curriculum

1. Basic Sciences
   • Anatomy and function of joints
   • Bone structure and function
   • Growth factors and fracture healing
   • Cartilage structure and function
   • Tendon and muscle structure/function
2. Clinical Orthopedics
   • General Orthopedics
   • Traumatology
   • Sports Medicine
   • Pediatric Orthopedics
   • Geriatric Orthopedics
3. Diagnostic Imaging
   • MRI, CT scans, and X-rays interpretation
   • Ultrasound in musculoskeletal disorders
4. Surgical Techniques
   • Principles of fracture management
   • Arthroscopy techniques
   • Soft tissue reconstruction
5. Pathology
   • Bone tumors (benign and malignant)
   • Infectious diseases affecting bones (e.g., osteomyelitis)
   • Congenital anomalies of the musculoskeletal system
6. Rehabilitation
   • Post-operative care protocols
   • Physical therapy principles for orthopedic patients

Orthopedic Course Examination Structure

The evaluation process typically includes both theoretical and practical examinations:

Examination Type	Marks Distribution
Theory	Total = 400 marks
Paper 1: Basic Sciences	100 marks
Paper 2: Principles & Practice	100 marks
Paper 3: Traumatology	100 marks
Paper 4: Recent Advances	100 marks
Practical & Viva Voce	Total = 400 marks
Long case	150 marks
Short cases (3)	150 marks (50 each)
Oral/Viva	100 marks
Pathology specimens/X-Rays	25 marks
Bones	25 marks
Implants & Instruments	25 marks
Orthosis & Prosthesis	25 marks

Orthopedic Course Practical Training Components

Practical training is a crucial aspect of the orthopedic curriculum. It includes:

• Clinical Rotations: Residents undergo rotations in various specialties, including trauma, pediatrics, sports medicine, and spine surgery.
• Surgical Procedures: Hands-on experience in performing surgeries under supervision.
• Case-Based Learning: Engaging in real-life scenarios to enhance decision-making skills.

Orthopedic Course Sample Curriculum Breakdown

The following table outlines a typical breakdown of the orthopedic curriculum over three years for postgraduate students:

Year	Focus Areas	Key Activities
Year 1	Basic sciences, introductory clinical skills	Lectures, basic surgical techniques training
Year 2	Advanced clinical practice, surgical rotations	In-depth rotations in trauma, pediatrics
Year 3	Specialization in sub-disciplines	Elective rotations in sports medicine, oncology

The orthopedic course curriculum is structured to provide a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. This prepares graduates to handle a wide range of orthopedic conditions effectively and enhances their ability to contribute to the field through research and clinical practice. The emphasis on both surgical skills and patient management ensures that future orthopedic surgeons are well-equipped to meet the challenges of their profession.