Did you know that the field of medicine offers some of the best career opportunities in India? With the ever-increasing demand for healthcare professionals, pursuing a medical course after 12th can be a strong headstart towards a fulfilling and rewarding career.
In this detailed guide, we will explore some of the best medical courses available in India and provide valuable insights into their eligibility criteria, career prospects, specialisations, and average salaries.
Top Medical Courses in India
India has long been recognised as one of the top destinations for education in medicine. The country boasts world-class medical institutions that provide comprehensive training and equip students with the necessary skills to excel in the healthcare industry. Whether you aspire to become a doctor, pharmacist, or dentist, there are numerous avenues to explore within the medical field.
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
The MBBS degree is considered the foundation for a career as a doctor.
- Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as mandatory subjects.
- Duration: Five and a half years, including a one-year internship.
- Syllabus: During the course, students gain extensive knowledge about human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, and more. Many specialisations are available post-MBBS, such as cardiology, oncology, gynaecology, etc., allowing individuals to focus on their area of interest.
Upon completing MBBS and obtaining the necessary licensure from the Medical Council of India (MCI), you can pursue various job roles like doctors in hospitals or clinics, medical officers at healthcare facilities or government organisations, or even surgeons performing complex surgeries. Here's a look at some average salary ranges based on different job roles:
- General Physician: ₹6-9 lakhs per annum
- Surgeon: ₹10-20 lakhs per annum
- Cardiologist: ₹15-25 lakhs per annum
Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.)
- Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
- Duration: 4 years
- Syllabus: BPharm equips students with knowledge about drugs, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacognosy, and more. It focuses on developing skills related to drug manufacturing, quality control, research and development, drug testing, and patient counselling.
After completing BPharm, you can explore job roles like pharmacist in hospitals or retail pharmacies, pharmaceutical sales representative, regulatory affairs officer, or even pursue higher education in pharmacy.
The average salaries for BPharm graduates vary based on the job role and experience.
- Pharmacist in hospitals or retail pharmacies: ₹2-4 lakhs per annum
- Pharmaceutical sales representative: ₹3-6 lakhs per annum
- Regulatory affairs officer: ₹5-8 lakhs per annum
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
- Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as mandatory subjects.
- Duration: 5 years
- Syllabus: Along with theoretical knowledge about dental sciences and oral health, the course includes practical training to develop clinical skills. Students learn about dental anatomy, oral pathology, periodontics (gum diseases), orthodontics (braces), prosthodontics (dentures), and more.
After completing BDS and obtaining the necessary licencing from the Dental Council of India (DCI), graduates can work as dentists or dental surgeons in private clinics or hospitals. They can also specialise further in fields like orthodontics or periodontics.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing)
- Eligibility: 10+2 education with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as mandatory subjects.
- Duration: 4 years
- Syllabus: The course structure for BSc Nursing includes theoretical classes, practical sessions, and clinical training. Students learn about various aspects of nursing, such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, community health nursing, medical-surgical nursing, paediatric nursing, and psychiatric nursing.
After completing your BSc in Nursing, you can pursue several job roles, such as staff nurse, nurse educator, nurse supervisor or manager, community health nurse, and psychiatric nurse. The average starting salary for BSc Nursing graduates in India ranges from ₹3-5 lakhs per year. With experience and specialisation, the salary can increase significantly.
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc.)
- Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, or Mathematics as mandatory subjects
- Duration: 5 years
- Syllabus: The course structure for B.V.Sc. consists of both theoretical classes and practical sessions. Students learn about different aspects of veterinary science, including animal anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, surgery, and animal husbandry.
After completing your B.V.Sc., you can pursue job roles such as veterinarian in government or private clinics/hospitals, livestock development officer, research scientist, and animal welfare officer. The average starting salary for veterinary graduates in India ranges from ₹3-6 lakhs per year.
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)
- Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology as mandatory subjects
- Duration: 4 years
- Syllabus: The course structure for BPT includes theoretical classes and extensive practical training. Students learn about anatomy, physiology, exercise therapy, electrotherapy, musculoskeletal physiotherapy, neurophysiotherapy, cardiopulmonary physiotherapy, and community-based rehabilitation.
After completing BPT, you can explore job opportunities as a physiotherapist in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres, and sports organisations. You may also choose to work as a sports physiotherapist or specialise in areas like paediatric physiotherapy or geriatric physiotherapy. The average starting salary for BPT graduates in India ranges from ₹2-5 lakhs per year.
Unconventional Roles in Medicine: A Growing Industry
Along with traditional medical careers, the field of medicine offers an array of unconventional roles that are gaining popularity. These roles provide unique opportunities to work in healthcare while exploring different aspects of the industry.
Some non-traditional career options include:
- Healthcare management
- Medical writing and editing
- Medical transcriptionist
- Health informatics specialist
- Medical sales representative
If you are considering a career switch or looking to upskill yourself in these unconventional roles, platforms like WIZR can assist you. WIZR offers expert guidance on a range of upskilling programmes that can help you acquire the necessary skills and knowledge for these roles.
Choose Your Path to Success!
With a plethora of medical courses available after completing 12th, you have the opportunity to embark on a fulfilling and lucrative career in the healthcare industry. Also read about the Paramedical Courses after 12th, on WiZR.
Assess your interests and strengths to make an informed decision. Remember, WIZR is here to guide you every step of the way. From career guidance and skill assessment to financing options for upskilling programmes, we're dedicated to helping you achieve your goals in the medical field.
FAQs
1. Is NEET mandatory for all medical courses after 12th?
Yes, the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is mandatory for admission into most undergraduate medical courses in India.
2. Which medical courses do not require NEET scores?
Some medical courses that do not require NEET scores include Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing), and Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc).
3. How much is the average salary of a dentist?
The average salary of a dentist in India ranges from ₹4-10 lakhs per annum, depending on factors such as experience, specialisation, and location.
4. Which doctors are in high demand in India?
Doctors specialising in fields such as cardiology, neurology, orthopaedics, gynaecology/obstetrics, and paediatrics are currently in high demand in India.
5. Which online platform can provide me with financial assistance to pursue a career in medicine?
WIZR provides financial assistance options for young professionals seeking career-focused upskilling or certification programmes in the medical field. Reach out to us for more information on the financing options available.
