Are you a fresh graduate or a young professional looking for an exciting and rewarding career in healthcare besides being a doctor? If so, nursing may be the perfect field for you!
Nursing courses have become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more people recognise the importance of this profession. So whether you're interested in becoming a staff nurse or a clinical nurse specialist, read on to find out the skills you need to pursue an exciting career in nursing.
What is Nursing?
Nursing is a healthcare profession that focuses on providing care to individuals, communities, and families. Nurses work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools, and community centres.
To become a nurse, one needs patience, compassion, critical thinking skills, and the ability to work under pressure.
Nursing Courses After the 12th Grade
To pursue a degree in nursing, you must have completed your 12th grade with Science as the main subject. After that, there are two main entrance exams that you can take to get admission to a nursing programme: NEET and AIIMS.
Bachelor's Degrees in Nursing
If you want to go for a Bachelor's degree, there are four main options available:
- B.Sc Nursing
- Post-Basic B.Sc. Nursing
- B.Sc. (Hons.) Nursing
- PB Diploma in Critical Care Nursing
The duration of these degrees varies from 3–4 years, depending on the course and college. The fees range anywhere between INR ₹50,000 and ₹5 lakhs per year.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc.N)
- BSc.N. is an undergraduate four-year course that provides an in-depth understanding of health science concepts along with clinical experience.
- The course curriculum includes nutrition and dietetics, community health nursing, psychology and sociology, and medical-Surgical nursing, among others.
- The fees for this bachelor's course range from INR 1–5 lakhs.
Postgraduate Degrees in Nursing
After completing your Bachelor's degree or diploma, you can also opt for postgraduate degrees like M.Sc. Nursing, Post Basic Bachelor of Science in Nursing (PBBSc.N), or Master of Public Health (MPH).
These courses aim to provide the advanced knowledge and skills required for leadership positions in healthcare organisations. The duration of these degrees is generally two years, with fees ranging anywhere between INR ₹50,000 and ₹4 lakhs per year.
Post-Basic Bachelor of Science in Nursing (PBBSc.N)
- PBBSc.N. is a two-year programme designed for those who have completed GNM or Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM).
- This course allows registered nurses the opportunity to expand their knowledge base and specialise in a particular area of interest.
- The course fees range from INR 50,000 to 2 lakhs.
Diplomas in Nursing
Diploma courses typically take less time than Bachelor's degrees and mainly focus on providing practical training to students.
Some popular diploma courses include General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM), Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM), and Diploma in Critical Care Nursing. The duration of these courses is usually between 1 and 3 years, with fees ranging from INR ₹20,000 to ₹3 lakhs.
Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM)
- GNM is a three-year course designed to train students in the practical nursing skills required for clinical practice.
- The course covers topics like anatomy and physiology, the fundamentals of nursing care, pharmacology and medicine management, and child health nursing, among others.
- The fee for this diploma course ranges from INR 50,000 to 2 lakhs.
Certificate courses
Certificate courses are available for those who wish to enhance their knowledge without committing to a full-fledged degree or diploma programme.
A few popular diploma courses include:
- Emergency Nursing Certificate Course (ENCC)
- Infection Control Nurse Certificate Course (ICNCC)
- Oncology Nurse Certificate Course (ONCC)
- Certificate in Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing
- Certificate in Emergency and Trauma Care Nursing
- Certificate in HIV/AIDS and Family Education
These certificate courses' duration may vary from one week up to six months, with fees ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹50,000.
Job Roles and Salaries in Nursing
Nursing is more than just care provision. It involves several job roles that nurses can choose based on their interests or expertise.
A few popular job roles for nurses include:
- Staff nurses form the largest group in nursing jobs and work in various healthcare settings. The average salary in India ranges from INR 2–5 lakhs per annum.
- Nurse administrators are responsible for managing healthcare units and overseeing day-to-day activities to ensure smooth operations. Their average salaries range from INR 4–9 lakhs per annum.
- Nurse Educators are responsible for teaching aspiring nurses and organising training programmes for other staff members. The salary range is between INR 3-8 lakhs per annum.
- Clinical Nurse Specialists provide advanced patient care in specialised clinical areas such as Oncology, Critical Care, or Paediatrics. They earn an average salary of INR 4-12 lakhs per annum, depending on the specialisation they work in.
Career Pathways in Nursing
There are numerous career paths available to nurses based on their individual areas of interest or specialisation. Specialisations such as Critical Care Nursing, Paediatric Nursing, Oncology Nursing, and Psychiatric Nursing offer opportunities for growth within each path.
Opportunities for Growth in Different Specialisations
Upskilling Opportunities
Upskilling opportunities are available for nurses who want to advance their careers or enhance their knowledge base by pursuing postgraduate degree courses, nursing certification courses, or skill development programmes.
Skill Development Programmes include Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support Training, Communication Skills Training, and Leadership Workshops. Fees for these programmes range from INR 5,000–20,000.
Industry Growth and Opportunities
The healthcare industry in India is continually expanding, creating more opportunities for nurses to explore different roles and specialisations. The Indian Government has also emphasised the need to strengthen the system by increasing the number of nurses employed in public health settings and establishing nursing schools across rural areas. Globally, there is a shortage of nurses, which opens up employment opportunities abroad too.
Kickstart Your Nursing Career
Congratulations on taking the first step towards a fulfilling career in the nursing field!
At WIZR, we understand how important it is to choose the right course for your career growth. That's why we offer tailored guidance and financing options for young professionals seeking upskilling programmes. Start building your future today with our expert assistance.
FAQs
1. Does B.Sc. Nursing come under NEET?
No, B.Sc. Nursing has its own entrance exam conducted by various universities and institutions across India.
2. Which cities pay the highest for nurses?
Cities such as Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru offer some of the highest salaries for nurses.
3. Can men pursue nursing as a career in India?
Yes! The nursing profession is open to all genders and offers equal opportunities for growth and advancement.
4. Which countries have the highest demand for Indian nurses?
Countries like the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, and the Middle East have a high demand for Indian nurses due to their proficiency in English and expertise in nursing skills.
