Every candidate who aspires to pursue a career as a healthcare professional comes to a juncture where they need to choose the right specialization for the career path they have visualized. Although the world is seeing diversification in career choices, choosing a career in the field of Medical and Healthcare is still among the top choices.
Each year about 1.5 million students appear for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). The qualifying candidates can apply for courses like MBBS, BDS, and BVSc. AH, B.Pharm, etc. There are a little over 90,000 MBBS seats available in India through NEET-UG.
The Medical and Healthcare sector encapsulates a wide range of sectors from hospitals, to medicines, to laboratories and equipment, and a lot more. To cater to these services, there are a number of courses offered in the fields of Allied Health, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health and Fitness, Laboratory Technologies, etc. The world is seeing an increasing demand for courses like B.Sc in Allied Health Sciences, B.Sc. nursing, B.Sc in Biotechnology, a Bachelor's degree in Optometry, etc.
Apart from those mentioned above, there are a plethora of diploma courses available in the field of Medical and Health Sciences, like a Diploma in Cardiology, a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technologies, and many more.
There are multiple institutes both government and private offer courses in the Medical and Healthcare sector like the AIIMS Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, Aligarh Muslim University, M S Ramaiah Medical College, Medical College Kolkata, Christian Medical College Vellore, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, etc.,
The graduating students can get career opportunities in various Healthcare sectors like Hospitals, Private Clinics, Pharmaceutical Industry, Research Centers, Laboratories, etc. The scope of a career in the Medical and Healthcare field is among the most in-demand and is accompanied by a handsome pay scale. It is also one of the most reputable and noble professions.
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Aspiring candidates need to qualify for their 10+2 board examinations from a recognized board or Council in India. They also need to qualify for the required entrance examinations like the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT), West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE) etc. as well as various other examinations conducted at the central level and state level or by individual institutes.
There are a number of courses available in the Medical and Healthcare sector along with the Allied Health Sciences, Nursing, etc. Apart from the contemporary fields of medicine, one can also opt for Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy or AYUSH courses. The candidates can segregate their interests and opt for any of the many courses available. The below-mentioned courses are some of the top Medical and Healthcare courses that can be pursued at the undergraduate level.
Top Medical Courses include:
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)
Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine & Surgery (BHMS)
Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences (BNYS)
Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS)
Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS)
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.VSc)
Bachelor of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry (B.VSc AH)
Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.)
These courses generally occupy a duration of 5.5 years except for B.Pharm which is a 4-year course.
Apart from the above-mentioned, the top courses in Allied Health Sciences include:
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Technology (BMLT)
Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom.)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (Biotechnology)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (CardiacTechnology/Cardiovascular Technology)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (Industrial Microbiology)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (Medical Imaging Technology)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (Medical Laboratory Technology)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (Microbiology)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (NeuroPhysiology Technology)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (Nutrition and Dietetics)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (Operation Theater Technology)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (Radiology)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (Renal Dialysis Technology)
These courses generally commence for a duration of 3-4 years.
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There are also a number of diploma courses that the students can avail of. Some of the top diploma courses include:
Diploma in Blood Bank Technician (DBBT)
Diploma in Cardiology
Diploma in CT Scan Technician
Diploma in Dental Technician and Hygiene
Diploma in ECG Technician
Diploma in Emergency Medicine
Diploma in General Duty Assistant (DGDA)
Diploma in Medical Imaging Technology (DMIT)
Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT)
Diploma in Medical Nursing Assistant (DMNA)
Diploma in Medical X-Ray Technology (DMRT)
Diploma in Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences (DNYS)
Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics
Diploma in Occupational Therapy (DOT)
Diploma in Ophthalmic Assistant (DOA)
Diploma in Optometry
Diploma in Radio Imaging Technology (DRIT)
Diploma in Sanitary Inspector (DSI)
These Diploma courses span a duration of 2-3 years.
Apart from the courses mentioned above, the candidates can also apply for a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Biomedical Engineering which is an amalgamation of Medical and Engineering Courses and is completed in 4 years. One can also opt for an integrated course like the integrated B.Pharm+MBA degree which is a 5-year course.
There are plenty of other undergraduate and diploma courses as well being offered by multiple institutes throughout the country which help the candidates pursue a career in the field of Medical and Healthcare.
The nation has well over 500 institutes offering undergraduate courses in Medical and Healthcare, Allied Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Nursing, etc.
There are institutes that are the dream aspirations of the candidates aiming for a career in the Medical and Healthcare field. These institutes provide relevant theoretical and practical knowledge to the students and are among the best institutes in the country.
Here is a list of the top 50 institutes in India offering an undergraduate degree in the Medical and Healthcare sector:
Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh
Christian Medical College, Vellore
National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences, Bangalore
Banaras Hindu University
Jawaharlal Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education & Research, Puducherry
Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow
Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram
Madras Medical College & Government General Hospital, Chennai
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai
Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi
Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research, Kolkata
Aligarh Muslim University
Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai
Christian Medical College, Ludhiana
M. S. Ramaiah Medical College
Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Deemed University, Karad
Medical College
Some of the institutes providing the courses have been declared as the Institutes of National Importance by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. These institutes are recognized by the Government of India as a major premier public institutions of higher education which are responsible for developing highly skilled personnel within the country. They are:
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi
Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneshwar
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Puducherry
National Institute of Pharmaceutical, Educational and Research, Mohali
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh
There are a number of institutes which provide top-tier education to BDS candidates. Some of these include:
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai
Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune
King George’s Medical University, Lucknow
Siksha 'O' Anusandhan, Bhubaneswar
Apart from these colleges, a number of Pharmacy institutes train their students to be outstanding professionals. The following institutes are a few among them:
Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi
National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad
National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Mohali
National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ahmedabad
SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai
S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Guwahati
Candidates who want to pursue a diploma degree can opt for the below-mentioned institutes which are a few of the many:
Christian Medical College, Vellore
Armed Forces Medical College, Pune
Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, New Delhi
Byramji Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College, Pune
Byramji Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College, Ahmedabad
King George’s Medical University, Lucknow
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry
Smt. Nathiba Hargovandas Lakhmichand Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad
All India Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mumbai
Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh
Topiwala National Medical College And Bai Yamunabai Laxman Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai
Government Medical College, Surat
The fees for pursuing a medical degree in India witnesses a wide range. The fees for pursuing an MBBS degree differ widely in government institutes and private institutes. The average fees for pursuing MBBS from government institutes can range from INR 20,000 to INR 7.5 Lakhs, whereas the range of fees for completing an MBBS from private colleges in India ranges from an estimated INR 15 Lakhs to more than INR 1 Cr. Apart from the regular fee structure, students are also admitted through management quota where the fees range from an estimated INR 4 Lakhs to INR 20 Lakhs. There are several other quotas as well like, the NRI quota, Government Quota, etc. in private colleges.
The course fees for pursuing a degree in B.Pharm from government colleges range from an average of INR 15,000 to INR 6 Lakhs, whereas in private institutes the fees range from around INR 32,000 to INR 20 Lakhs.
The fees for completing a diploma degree would cost around INR 12,000 to INR 2Lakhs from a government institute and the fees would range from INR 40,000 to more than INR 40 Lakhs in private institutes.
Pursuing a degree in MBBS is rigorous and the preparation for the entrance exams is a test of patience as well as merit. To pursue a degree in MBBS, the candidates must:
Complete their 10+2 board examinations from a recognized Board or Council in India
Have Physics, Chemistry and Biology at the 10+2 level mandatorily
Score minimum mark of 50% for the uncategorized candidates and 40% for students with category.
Be at least 17 years of age.
All the candidates must appear for and secure good scores in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) which is conducted by the National Testing Academy (NTA). The above-mentioned criteria also hold true for the AYUSH courses through NEET, viz., BDS, BAMS, BUMS, BVSc. AH, BHMS, BNYS, etc.
Apart from NEET, there are several other entrance exams at the national and state levels. At the national level, the top entrance exams other than NEET for MBBS include:
AIIMS
JIPMER
MGIMS, Wardha
MU-OET, Manipal
CMC Ludhiana
CMC Vellore
At the state level, there are several entrance exams for admission to the MBBS degree. Some of the most prestigious entrance exams among them include:
Assam CEE (MBBS)
EAMCET - A. P. (MBBS)
Goa-CET
Gujarat -(ACPMEC)
WB-JEE (MBBS)
KEAM-Kerala (MBBS)
Karnataka (MBBS)
There are other entrance exams being conducted at the institute level by certain institutes for admission to MBBS courses as well.
Apart from MBBS, candidates seeking admission in the B.Pharm course need to have the following eligibility criteria:
Complete their 10+2 board examinations from a recognized Board or Council in India
Have Physics, Chemistry and Biology at the 10+2 level mandatorily
Score minimum mark of 50% for the uncategorized candidates and 45% for students with category.
Be at least 17 years of age.
There are a number of exams that are conducted for candidates seeking admission in the B.Pharm courses. Some of them include:
National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)
Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT)
Uttar Pradesh State Entrance Exam (UPSEE)
West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE)
Telangana State Engineering, Agriculture & Medical (Pharmacy, Veterinary etc.,) Common Entrance Test (TS EAMCET)
Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination (BCECE)
Candidates seeking admission in the B.Sc courses in the Medical and Healthcare field along with Allied Health Sciences must:
Complete their 10+2 board examinations from a recognized Board or Council in India
Have Physics, Chemistry and Biology at the 10+2 level mandatorily
Score minimum mark of 50% for the uncategorized candidates and 45% for students with category.
Be at least 17 years of age.
Students must qualify in one or more of the following entrance examinations to get enrolled:
Common University Entrance Test (CUET) [earlier known as Central Universities Common Entrance Test (CUCET)]
Panjab University Common Entrance Test (PU CET)
Jain Entrance Test (JET)
National Test For Programs After Twelfth (NPAT) conducted by NMIMS
Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test (BHU UET)
Apart from the entrance exams mentioned above, there are other examinations as well that are conducted for getting enrolled in the B.Sc. courses in the Medical and Healthcare sector as well as in Allied Health Sciences.
The candidates who want to pursue a diploma degree in this field must:
Qualify the 10+2 board examinations from a recognized Board or Council in India
Have Physics, Chemistry and Biology at the 10+2 level mandatorily
Be at least 17 years of age
The students pursuing a degree in the Medical and Healthcare sector along with the Allied Health Sciences must not only be meritorious and score good marks but they should also be skilful to make a mark for themselves. A few of the many skills that make a medical candidate stand out from the crowd include:
Communication and interpersonal skills
Patience and perseverance
Dedication towards medical ethics
Commitment
Desire for knowledge
Prompt approach
Empathy
The students should also learn and abide by the Hippocratic Oath which includes a pledge, a list of positive obligations, a list of negative obligations and a concluding duty.
The field of Medical and Healthcare as well as that of Allied Health Sciences is one of the most prestigious and noble professions recognized unanimously all over the nation as well as all over the world. A career in this field includes a lot of variable and exciting options. After completing a degree in MBBS, a candidate may pursue the following career options:
Junior Doctor
Doctor
General Physician
Junior Surgeon
Scientist
Medical Researcher
Healthcare Informatics
Medical Writers
Medical Officers
Faculty Members
Clinical Research
Starting a private clinical practice
The following sectors are a few that offer career options to MBBS degree holders:
Hospitals
Research agencies
Nursing Homes
Laboratories
Defence Forces
Indian Railways
NGOs
Biomedical companies
There are a number of alternative career options available after MBBS as well. Some of the most notable options among them are:
Hospital Administration
Public Health Work
Medical Journalism
Medico-Legal Advisor
Academic Medicine
Sports Medicine
Entrepreneurship
Combined Medical Services (UPSC, SSC, etc.)
The salary that an MBBS graduate draws on average ranges from around INR 3 LPA to INR 6 LPA. With experience and reputation, this figure may rise above INR 12 LPA or even more depending on the area of employment, specialization, exposure, etc. These figures are only indicative and may vary by large scales based on other parameters.
A candidate holding a degree in B.Pharm may find the following career options suitable:
Medical Representative
Drug Inspector
Clinical Researcher
Hospital Pharmacist
Medical Writer
Drug Therapist
Drug Inspector
Chemical/Drug Technician
Hospital Drug Coordinator
There are multiple other career options available for B.Pharm graduates as well. The B.Pharm graduates might find themselves in industries like:
Hospitals and clinics
Drugs and Pharmaceutical Boards
Medical Shop Chains
Research bodies
Laboratories
Biotechnology Industries
A B.Pharm graduate typically earns INR 1 LPA to INR 4 LPA on average.
The career options after graduating from a non-MBBS course are also vast. A candidate can opt for:
Nursing
Medical Laboratory Technologist
Occupational Therapist
Sanitary Inspector
Health Assistant
Research Assistant
Laboratory Manager
Rehabilitation Worker
Audiologist
Speech Therapist
Radiographer
Pharmacist
Biochemist
Pharmacist
A graduate with a non-MBBS degree may earn INR 1 LPA as a fresher to INR 10 LPA with around 5 years of experience. There are several parameters like employment area, organization, skills, etc. among other factors that create a difference in the average salary being offered to the candidates.
There are an increasing number of other viable career options as well which the candidates may pursue apart from the ones above mentioned. They may also pursue higher studies and improve their skills in fields of specialization to see a steep rise in their career graph. A graduate may choose among the few among many options available after their graduation in the Medical and Healthcare field:
Specialization - The students can pursue a Master of Surgery (MS) or a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in an area of specialization.
Diploma of National Board - An equivalent of MD or MS, a candidate can pursue a postgraduate diploma degree in an area of specialization.
Management Courses - A student may pursue a degree in MBA in the departments of Healthcare Management, Hospital Management, Medical Administration, etc.
International Education - A student can qualify for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) for pursuing further studies in the USA or they can qualify for the Professional and Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB) test for getting a higher degree from the UK.