Are you a recent graduate looking for a promising career option? Have you considered paramedical courses after 12th grade? With the healthcare industry experiencing rapid growth, there is an increasing demand for skilled healthcare professionals. This means that pursuing paramedical courses can open up numerous career opportunities for you.
In this guide to paramedical courses, we will delve into various aspects of these courses that could help you make informed career decisions.
Paramedical Courses: Why Pursue Them?
Paramedical courses provide a vital link between medical professionals and patients. These courses prepare students for a wide range of healthcare roles, including diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Typically, paramedics work under the guidance of medical doctors and other professionals to provide critical support services such as physiotherapy, nursing, medical lab technology, radiology technology, and dialysis technology.
Eligibility Criteria for Paramedical Courses
To pursue a career in paramedical fields after completing the 12th grade, you need to fulfil certain eligibility criteria.
- Generally, the minimum qualification required is passing with at least 50% marks in physics, chemistry, and biology.
- Age limitations vary with respect to specific course requirements; however, most programmes have a maximum age limit ranging between 17 and 25 years.
Top Five Paramedical Courses After 12th
1. Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy involves diagnosing physical abnormalities caused by injury or disease and developing treatment plans to restore mobility and improve body functions. A degree or diploma in Physiotherapy opens up opportunities for employment in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and sports clinics.
Qualification Requirements: Candidates must have completed their Class 12 board examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Mathematics as core subjects. A minimum of 50% is mandatory for admission. Some institutions may require entrance exams.
Skill Sets: Manual dexterity, attention to detail, empathy, physical stamina
Job Roles: Physiotherapist, Sports Physiotherapist
Salaries: The starting salary of a physiotherapist in India is around ₹3-5 lakhs per annum. With experience and specialisation, the salary can increase to over ₹10 lakhs per annum.
College Fees: ₹2-5 lakhs
2. Nursing
Nursing involves taking care of patients admitted to hospitals and ensuring that they receive adequate medical attention. A degree or diploma in Nursing can lead to opportunities for employment in private and government hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, etc.
Qualification Requirements: Candidates must have completed their Class 12 board examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects. For admission to a Nursing programme, candidates need to pass an entrance exam such as the NEET or AIIMS Nursing Entrance Exam.
Skill Sets: Compassion, Attention to detail, Stamina, Communication skills
Job Roles: Registered Nurse (RN), Head Nurse
Salaries: The starting salary of registered nurses (RNs) in India is around ₹3-4 lakhs per annum. With experience and seniority, the salary can exceed ₹8 lakhs per annum.
College Fees: ₹1-4 lakhs
3. Medical Lab Technology
Medical lab technology deals with diagnostic procedures and laboratory testing. It includes a wide range of medical tests that help doctors diagnose diseases accurately. A degree or diploma in Medical Lab Technology can lead to opportunities for employment in hospitals, diagnostic labs, and research institutions.
Qualification Requirements: Candidates must have completed their Class 12 board examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects.
Skill Sets: Attention to Detail, Coordination, Technical Skills
Job Roles: Medical Lab Technician, Lab Technologist
Salaries: The starting salary of a lab technician in India is around ₹2-4 lakhs per annum. With experience and seniority, the salary can increase beyond ₹8 lakhs per annum.
College Fees: A diploma in Medical Lab Technology ranges from ₹50,000 to 1 lakh, while a bachelor's Degree in Medical Lab Technology costs between ₹2 and 5 lakhs.
4. Radiology Technology
Radiology technology involves using imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, etc. to diagnose medical conditions. A degree or diploma in Radiology technology can lead to opportunities for employment in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centres.
Qualification Requirements: Candidates must have completed their Class 12 board examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects.
Skill Sets: Attention to Detail, Technical Skills
Job Roles: Radiologic Technologist
Salaries: The starting salary of a radiologic technologist is around ₹3-5 lakhs per annum. With experience and seniority, the salary can increase beyond ₹10 lakhs per annum.
College Fees: ₹2-6 lakhs
5. Dialysis Technology
Dialysis technology involves providing life-saving treatments to patients with kidney disorders by removing toxins from their bloodstream using dialysis machines. A degree or diploma in Dialysis technology opens up opportunities for employment at hospitals and dialysis centres.
Qualification Requirements: Candidates must have completed their Class 12 board examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects.
Skill Sets: Attention to Detail, Technical Skills
Job Roles: Dialysis Technician
Salaries: The starting salary of a dialysis technician in India is around ₹2.5-4 lakhs per annum. With experience and seniority, the salary can increase beyond ₹8 lakhs per annum.
College Fees: A diploma in Dialysis Technology ranges from ₹1-5 lakhs, while a bachelor's degree in Dialysis Technology costs between ₹2-6 lakhs.
Upskilling Opportunities for Paramedics
There are various certification programmes and courses available that cater to the specific needs of paramedics and enhance their technical skills, knowledge, and expertise.
Some popular certification programmes include Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Basic Life Support (BLS), Cardiovascular Technologist Certification, and Certified Respiratory Therapy.
The Future of Paramedicals
With the increasing demand for healthcare services, the future of paramedical courses seems bright in India. The rise of medical tourism has further increased the demand for skilled professionals in this field.
As new technologies and treatment procedures continue to emerge, there will be a growing need for professionals who can keep up with these changes. This is an excellent time to build a career in paramedical courses after 12th grade, as it offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development.
WIZR is here to support you every step of the way as you navigate this exciting field. From personalised career guidance to financing options for upskilling programmes, we're committed to helping young professionals like you achieve their goals.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between paramedical and MBBS?
Paramedicine deals with providing emergency medical care and support services, while MBBS focuses on diagnosis and cure-related services. In other words, MBBS focuses more on treatment, while paramedics focus more on pre-treatment care.
2. Do pharmacists fall under the category of paramedical professionals?
Pharmacists are not considered part of traditional paramedicine, but they do work closely with physicians and other medical professionals in dispensing medications and educating patients about their use.
3. Can I pursue a career in paramedicine without having studied science in the 12th grade?
Most paramedicine courses require a background in science, especially biology and chemistry, so it's important to check the specific requirements of your desired programme.
4. Which are the highest-paying paramedical jobs?
Some of the highest-paying paramedical jobs include those of anesthesiologists, surgical technologists, and physician assistants.
