Orthopaedic Surgeon
Bones and joints: fractures, replacements, sports injuries and spines. Physical, mechanical, immediately useful surgery.
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- Typical pay
- €48k–€110k
- Usual education
- Medicine degree + 5-year orthopaedics residency
- Outlook
- Ageing populations and sports medicine keep demand high.
A day in the life
Trauma lists after weekend accidents, planned hip and knee replacements, fracture clinics and rehabilitation planning with physios.
Ways in
- Medicine degree
- MIR exam
- Five-year orthopaedic surgery and traumatology residency
- Hospital trauma units, sports clinics or private surgery
What to study at 16
The subjects you choose for the final years of secondary school can shape which degrees, exams and careers are easiest to reach. This is about choosing courses, not choosing a school.
Spain
Bachillerato de Ciencias y Tecnología
Portugal
Ciências e Tecnologias
France
Bac général — spécialités
Germany
Oberstufe — Leistungskurse
Italy
Liceo scientifico
Netherlands
Profiel Natuur & Gezondheid
Exams you'll need
The gates between you and this job, and when each one comes.
Browse all examsSkills that matter
Best courses to take
The study routes that lead most directly into this career.
Degree in Medicine
Six years, the highest entrance marks in the country, and the only route to becoming a doctor of any specialty.
Specialty chosen after the MIR exam.
Helpful school subjects: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Clinical rotations