Paramedical Courses – Subjects, Eligibility, Exams, Colleges & Careers

In contrast to the typical MBBS degree, paramedical courses are profession-oriented medical training courses that enable students to develop a career in the medical industry in a short amount of time and at a low cost. Candidates can enter the medical industry through paramedical courses in areas such as medical emergency, aid, and diagnostics.

Numerous jobs become available following paramedical education. And there are numerous options for graduation, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate courses ranging in duration from six months to three years. After Class 10, students may enroll in a paramedical course. Numerous institutions and universities throughout the country provide paramedical education.

In India, Paramedical Courses are academic programmes that emphasise on job placement.  Numerous medical certificates and diploma degrees in the paramedic stream are available in India after completing Class 10 and Class 12 from a variety of top-ranking universities.

Paramedical Courses are career-focused medical education. Students may select a paramedical course that interests them from the list provided on this page. The following section contains information about several popular paramedical course programmes. The critical question on every student’s mind is “Which paramedical exam is the best for me after Class 12?” If this is also the case with you, then this post is exclusively for you.

In 2022, India is witnessing a surge in the need for medical healthcare employees. Numerous state governments in India recently placed an advertisement for the recruitment of paramedical staff. At the moment, people with paramedical degrees can readily obtain government jobs. Admission to Paramedical Courses in 2022 is open. After Class 12 or graduation, the best paramedical courses in India can be pursued.

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Eligibility for Paramedical Courses

There is an increasing demand for paramedics professionals both in India and abroad. Paramedical offers numerous courses for students after class 12th. Students who have passed Class 12 in Science with Biology are eligible to join paramedical courses.

Types of Paramedical Courses 

Paramedical courses are available in:

  • Bachelor’s Degree course
  • Diploma course
  • Certificate course
  • Postgraduate Course

Bachelor’s Degree in Paramedical Courses

Duration – Three to Four years

Diploma Paramedical Courses

  • Diploma in OT Technician
  • Diploma in Rural Health Care
  • GNM
  • ANM
  • Diploma in Dental Hygienist
  • Diploma in Occupational Therapy
  • Diploma in Dialysis Technology
  • Diploma in X-Ray Technology
  • Diploma in Nursing Care Assistant
  • Diploma in Physiotherapy

Duration – One to three years

Certificate Paramedical Courses

  • Certificate in X-Ray Technician
  • Certificate in ECG and CT Scan Technician
  • Certificate – Technician/ Lab Assistant
  • Certificate in Nursing Care Assistant
  • Certificate – Dental Assistant
  • Certificate in HIV and Family Education
  • Certificate in Rural Health Care
  • Certificate in Dialysis Technician
  • Certificate in Home Based Health Care

Duration – Six months to two years.

Postgraduate Courses in Paramedical Science

  • Master of Radiation Technology
  • Master of Medical Lab. Technology
  • Master of Optometry & Ophthalmic Technology
  • Master of Pathology Technology
  • PG Diploma in Maternal & Child Health
  • PG Diploma in Geriatric Medicine
  • PG Diploma in Hospital & Health Management
  • Master of Occupational therapy
  • Master of Physiotherapy
  • MSc Nursing
  • Master of Pharmacy
  • Master of Veterinary & Public Health
  • Master of Hospital Administration

Major Sectors that Cover the Paramedical Courses

These paramedical courses train a student in specialised fields such as X-Ray technology, dialysis etc. Below is the comprehensive list of areas that comes under the umbrella of Paramedical courses.

  • X-Ray technology

Courses in X-Ray technology are quite popular among students and are critical in medical treatment. Students learn about several forms of X-Rays, the Imaging Technology utilised, how to read an X-Ray, and when to use which sort of X-Ray in a certain situation.

An X-Ray technician can make up to Rs 5.5 lakh per annum in India. A person who holds a degree or diploma can earn up to Rs 30,000 per month. Earnings might be increased even further in the United States of America (USA) or other foreign countries.

  • Anaesthesia Technology

This course is designed to teach students how to deliver anaesthetic dosages of varying concentrations in a variety of medical situations. The Anaesthesia Technique is a critical first step in the majority of medical treatments. Additionally, it is critical because they monitor patients’ health and reaction to the anaesthesia.

Salary of Anaesthetics at entry-level positions might range from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. Anaesthetic specialists earn a substantial salary, which increases significantly if you are a cardiac anesthesiologist. Anaesthetics can easily earn salaries of up to Rs 12 lakh in India over time. Countries such as the USA pay three times as much as India to anaesthetics.

  • Physiotherapy

This branch of the medical field deals with the physical movement of human limbs. Various therapy techniques like electrotherapy, exercise, movement training, etc. are used to treat patients. Physiotherapy is also used after surgeries and implant operations to bring back the natural movement of injured body parts. There are great career opportunities for physiotherapists in the sports field which requires physiotherapists 24×7 on the field.

A physiotherapist’s monthly salary ranges from Rs 15,000 to Rs 70,000. A personal physiotherapist or a sports physiotherapist might make up to Rs 50,000 per month.

  • Dialysis Technology

Dialysis courses teach students about dialysis equipment, techniques, and procedures. As part of this course, students will learn how to understand and read reports to diagnose the problem. Dialysis removes waste liquid and impure blood from the body when it is unable to do so by itself.

A technician at the basic level can expect to earn around INR 18,000 per month. Following that, salaries might reach up to INR 50,000 per month, depending on the technician’s experience.

  • Nursing

The nursing staff has the second-most significant job after doctors. They take care of patients who have undergone surgery and those who have been admitted to the hospital. Assisting doctors in operating rooms is also a part of their job. Nurses at all levels keep records of patients, provide drugs, pre and post-operative care, bandages, first aid care, and emergency treatment among other duties, according to a recent survey.

For example, a nurse’s income can vary depending on the department they work for and whether they work for a private company or the government. Nursing employment, on the other hand, is among the highest-paying paramedic profession.

The starting wage ranges from Rs 1.8 LPA  and can go up to Rs 8.7 LPA.

  • Audiologist and Speech Therapist

The professional who assists in the treatment of people with speech and hearing impairments is an audiologist. Therapy and specific technology and equipment are used to treat patients who are born with speech disorders, such as stuttering. A wide range of diagnostic procedures, impairment levels and equipment knowledge is covered in these courses. Beginner audiologists can make up to Rs 4.8 lakh per annum.

  • Medical Laboratory Technologists

Laboratories play a critical role in the treatment of disease. Diseases are typically diagnosed by laboratory testing, which requires a qualified technician who is proficient in testing and analysing samples as well as reading results.

Additionally, you can open your own laboratory or begin your career as a technician. As a laboratory technician, there is significant professional advancement potential in a variety of specialised medical sectors, as well as fairly steady work. A lab technician’s income ranges from INR 1.17 LPA to INR 5.5 LPA.

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Top Colleges in India offering Paramedical Courses

The following colleges offer Paramedical courses:

For the complete list of the colleges that offer Paramedical courses in India, click here.

Skills necessary to succeed: What you should have and what you should acquire?

While technology has enhanced and streamlined emergency care, mentioned below are the essential skills needed for all paramedics:

  • Teamwork
  • Situational awareness
  •  Think creatively
  • Ability to navigate challenging situations
  • Mental toughness

Apart from this, a paramedic should have excellent communication skills, and a caring and outgoing personality.

How much does it cost?

The average fee of certificate courses is approximately Rs 50,000 for each semester. The fee structure for the diploma courses varies from Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000 for each semester. The course fee for a bachelor’s degree course can be approximately Rs 60,000 per annum with an additional expense of hostel fee which can be approximately Rs 2,000 per month on average. The average fee of postgraduate courses is about Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000.

What are the Top Colleges where one should be studying to make a career in the Paramedical field?

Several colleges in India offer paramedical courses. However, the top-notch ones are mentioned below:

Rank of College

Name of College, City

Programme Fees (range)

Ranked 1 for Medical by NIRF 2021

All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi

Rs 1,200 to Rs 2400

Ranked 3 for Medical by NIRF 2021 

Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore

Rs 1,12,000 to Rs 8,50,000

NA

Armed Forces Medical College, Pune

The fee for one year amounts to Rs 61,000

Nature of Paramedical Jobs, Career Scope and Salaries

Once a candidate finishes his / her course, they have a plethora of opportunities to choose from different job roles in this field:

Most popular/coveted jobs/roles in this career

Average Salary offered

Top Companies recruiting for these

Advanced Life Support Paramedic

Rs 1,76,000 to Rs 3,62,000

GVK Emergency Management And Research Institute, Apollo Hospitals

Medical Assistant

Rs 2,98,000 per annum

Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital (Mandke Foundation). Prince Aly Khan Hospital.

Critical Care Paramedic

Rs 3,35,000 

MaxCure Hospital, Fortis Hospital

The salary of people who have taken a paramedic course ranges from Rs 2, 20,000 to Rs 10,00,000. And just like every other profession, the salary increases with experience. Besides, the private sector is said to offer more in comparison to the public sector.

Top Paramedical Recruiters

Here, is the list of recruiters for paramedics.

  • Nanavati Hospital
  • Fortis Hospital
  • Manipal Hospital
  • Apollo Hospitals
  • MaxCure Hospital
  • Billroth Hospital
  • PGIMER, Puducherry
  • Artemis Hospital
  • Max Superspeciality Hospital
  • Columbia Asia Referral Hospital

Future Growth Prospects and how to get there faster

Employment opportunities for paramedical professionals are rising daily not only in India but also in other nations such as the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Their duty is to assist physicians in accurately diagnosing and treating diseases. 

It is critical to have skills and a good amount of experience in order to become a good paramedic, as experience is quite valuable in this sector.

What if this professional path isn’t a good fit? What other employment opportunities do individuals with these degrees have?

After completing the fundamental course in one of the paramedical streams, applicants can work in Nursing Homes, Hospitals, Clinics, and Health Departments, as well as colleges and universities and as lecturers. Additionally, they have the option of establishing their own laboratories or clinics. As a result, job options in paramedical fields are many.

Paramedical Courses in India: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Which paramedical course is the best?

A. A few courses that are in demand are Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Operation theatre Technology, BSc Nursing, BSc Medical Lab Technology, BSc in Renal Dialysis Technology, BSc in Radiography, BSc in X-Ray Technology and BSc in Anesthesia Technology.

Q. What does the paramedical course mean?

A. Paramedical courses are the courses that support medical work but do not require a fully qualified doctor such as first aid, physiotherapy, X-Ray processing. These can also be termed emergency or pre-hospital services. 

Q. What is the use of a paramedical degree?

A. Paramedics help diagnose the disease of a person with the help of blood tests,  MRI, X-Ray, Ultrasound, etc. Paramedics also assist the doctors in their effort to provide the best treatment available to the patients.

Q. Is NEET required for admission to paramedical courses?

A. No, there is no need to appear for NEET. Various institutes conduct their own entrance examination for admission to paramedical courses. Some institutes also accept candidates on the basis of the marks scored in Class 10 and Class 12.

Q. What are the paramedical courses that can be opted for after Class 12?

A. All certificate and diploma courses can be opted for after completing Class 12.

Q: What is the duration of the paramedical courses?

A: The duration of the paramedical courses ranges from six months to four years. The duration of the courses depends on the type of courses such as degree, diploma or certificate.

 

Q: What is the range of fees for the paramedical courses?

A:

The paramedical course fees range from Rs 1,200 to Rs 10,00,000 (approximately).

Q: Which are some of the top colleges in India that offer paramedical courses?

A: Some of the top colleges in India that offer paramedical courses include AIIMS Delhi, JIPMER Puducherry, Chandigarh University, Jamia Milia University, to name a few.

Q: Do the colleges offering paramedical courses provide placement support to students?

A: While the majority of the colleges provide placement support to students, it is not necessary that all colleges would conduct the placement process. This depends from college to college and recruiters’ interest in hiring students from those colleges.

 

Q: Which paramedical courses offer the highest salary?

A: The paramedical courses that offer high salaries are Radiologist, Occupational Therapist, Nurse and Physiotherapist.

Q: Can graduates of paramedical courses prefix Dr to their names?

A:

No, paramedical graduates are not eligible to prefix Dr before their names as they are not qualified doctors who treat patients.