Paramedical

About Paramedical

The colossal healthcare industry isn't just about the doctors who are usually the ones hogging all the limelight. A doctor needs the paramedical team as much as the paramedics need a doctor. Both can't do without each other and the collaboration of both is necessary in providing holistic treatment.

The traditional definition of a paramedic is that of a medical professional who can administer emergency medical services to a patient in need of it before being taken to a hospital - in layman terms - also known as pre-hospital treatment.

In the current day and age, the definition has been broadened to accommodate different disciplines of medicine. The other aspect of the paramedic involves the departments that includes lab technicians and assistants, radiologists, X-Ray and ECG technicians, optometrists, nurses and other similar professionals required in a hospital, nursing home or medical facility.

The emergence of new technology in the healthcare sector has increased the demand for experts who can familiarize themselves with the equipments needed to assess a patient. It should be noted that Doctors, Surgeons, and Pharmacists don't come under the paramedical umbrella, however, a handful of them who choose to work in laboratories for research and diagnostic purposes do come under the wing depending on their area of specialization.

On that note, the paramedical field has been and will always be thriving and if you're planning on carving a path for yourself as a paramedic or in any one of the disciplines in the aforementioned areas, these courses could peak your interest:

Diploma in Medical Lab Technology (D.M.L.T.) (2-3 years)
Diploma in CT Scan Technician (2 years)
Diploma in Dialysis Technology (2 years)
Diploma in Operation Theater Technician (2 years)
Diploma in Emergency Medical Technology and Trauma Care (2 years)
Diploma in X-Ray Technology (2 years)
Diploma in X-Ray Technician (2 years)
Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology (2 years)
Diploma in Medical Imaging Technology (2 years)
Diploma in Optometry (1 year)
Diploma in X-Ray and ECG Technician (2 years)
Diploma in Dental Mechanics (2 years)
Diploma in Anesthesiology/ Anesthesia Technology (2 years)
Diploma in Medical Record Technology (2 years)
Diploma in Cardiology Technician (2 years)
Diploma in Dental Hygienist (2 years)
Diploma in Dental Technician (2 years)
Diploma in Respiratory Therapy Technician (2 years)
Diploma in Radiology and Imaging Technology (2 years)
Diploma in Radiography Diagnostic (3 years)
Diploma in Perfusion Technician (2 years)
Diploma in Ophthalmic Technical Assistant (2 years)
Diploma in Medical Radiography (2 years)
Diploma in Medical Radiology (2 years)
Diploma in Multipurpose Health Worker (2 years)
Diploma in Ophthalmic Assistant (2 years)
Diploma in Ophthalmic OT Techniques (2 years)
Diploma in Diabetics, Health and Nutrition (3 years)
Diploma in Laboratory Assistance (1 year)
Diploma in Patient Care Assistant (4 years)
Diploma in Dermatology, Venerology and Leprosy (3 years)
Diploma in Radiography (2 years)
Diploma in Audiometry Technician (2 years)
Diploma in Physiotherapy (3 years)
Diploma Audiology and Speech Therapy (1 year)
Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (G.N.M.) (3.5 years)
Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (Nursing) (A.N.M) (2 years)
Diploma in Home Nursing (1 year)
Diploma in Nursing Administration (3 years)
Diploma in Critical Care Nursing (1 year)
Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing (1 year)
Diploma in Operation Room Nursing (1 year)
Diploma in Optometry (3 years)
Diploma in Orthopedics (1 year)

Eligibility and Cutoff

Some of the diploma courses (3 year Diplomas) can be taken up right after Class 10 with a minimum aggregate score of 45%.
For the rest, the candidate must have cleared Class 12 (Science Stream) with subjects Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and an aggregate score of 50%. The cut-off is 45% for SC/ST/OBCs.
Admissions are done via merit based on Class 12 scores while some of the top institutes conduct entrance exams along with a personal interview round.

Cut off Marks for Diploma

Average Fees

15,000-5 lakhs per year. The average fees differ from course to course.

Average Fees for Diploma

Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Technology (B.M.L.T) (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Anesthesia and Operation Techniques (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Cardiac Technology (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Critical Care Technology (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Dialysis Technology (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Medical Laboratory Technology (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Medical Imaging Technology (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Accident and Emergency Care Technology (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Emergency and Trauma Care Technology (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (Hons.) Ophthalmic Techniques (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (Hons.) Medical Technology (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (Hons.) in Optometry and Ophthalmic Techniques (3/4 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (Hons.) in Prosthetics and Orthotics (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Neurophysiology Technology (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Operation Theatre and Anesthesia Technology (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Ophthalmic Techniques (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Radiology and Imaging Technology (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Renal Dialysis Technology (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Perfusion Technology (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Physician Assistant (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Nuclear Medicine Technology (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Cardiovascular Technology (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Radiography and Imaging Technology (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Radiotherapy (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Cardiac Perfusion (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Health Information Administration (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Nursing (4 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (Hons.) in Nursing (2 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (Post Certificate) in Nursing (2 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.Med.Tech.) in Medical Technology (Operation Theatre) (3 years)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Radiology and Imaging Technology (3 years)
Bachelor in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (3 years)
Bachelor of Optometry and Ophthalmic Technology (4 years)
Bachelor of Occupation Therapy (4 years)
Bachelor of Radiation Technology (3 years)
Bachelor of Paramedical Technology (3 years)
Bachelor of Medical Radiotherapy (3 years)
Bachelor of Radio Diagnosis and Imagine Technology (3 years)
Post Basic Bachelor of Science (P.B.B.Sc.) in Nursing (2 years)

Eligibility and cut-off marks

Should have cleared Class 12 (Science Stream) from a recognized institution with an aggregate score of at least 50% and mandatory subject combination - Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) or Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB) or Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology (PCMB).
The cut-off for SC/ST/OBCs is 45%.
While a few institutes admit students on the basis of merit (12^th Class score), most of the reputed colleges would need you to undergo an entrance exam followed by a personal interview.
National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) is the most commonly accepted national entrance test. There are state-level entrance exams too conducted by recognized state boards such as Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) and Odhisa Joint Entrance Exam Medical (OJEE Medical). All India Institute of Medical Sciences is one of the topmost institutes that have their own entrance test, which is also accepted in various colleges.

Cut off Marks for Graduation

Average Fees

8,000-2 lakhs per annum. The average fees differ from course to course.

Average Fees for Graduation

Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Medical Lab Technology (2 years)
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Medical Imaging Technology (2 years)
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Medical Radiation Physics (2 years)
Master of Science (M.Sc.Med.Tech.) in Medical Technology (Pathology) (2 years)
Master of Science (M.Sc.Med.Tech.) in Medical Technology (Microbiology) (2 years)
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Nursing (2 years)
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in OBST and Gynecology Nursing (2 years)
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Mental Health Nursing (2 years)
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Occupational Therapy (2 years)
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing (2 years)
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Medical Surgical Nursing (2 years)
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Community Health Nursing (2 years)
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Maternity Nursing (2 years)
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Child Health Nursing (2 years)
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Pediatric Nursing (2 years)
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Psychiatric Nursing (2 years)
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Operation Theatre and Anesthesia Technology (2 years)
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Optometry (2 years)
Master of Science in Medical Technology (M.Sc.Med.Tech.) in Pathology (2 years)
Master of Dental Surgery (M.D.S.) Pathology (3 years)
Master of Dental Surgery (M.D.S.) in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (3 years)
Master of Dental Surgery (M.D.S.) in Oral Pathology and Microbiology (3 years)
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in Pathology (2 years)
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in Community Medicine (3 years)
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in Blood Transfusion and Immunohaematology (3 years)
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in Anesthesiology (2 years)
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in Accident and Emergency Medicine (2 years)
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy (2 years)
Master in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (2 years)
Master in Occupational Therapy (2 years)
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) (2 years)
Post Graduation Diploma in Medical Imaging Technology (2 years)
Post Graduation Diploma in Radiography and Imaging Technology (2 years)
Post Graduation Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (2 years)
Post Graduation Diploma in Transfusion Medicine Technology (2 years)
Post Graduation Diploma in Emergency Nursing (1 year)
Post Graduation Diploma in Dialysis Technology (2 years)
Post Graduation Diploma in Anesthesia/Anesthesiology (2 years)
Post Graduation Diploma in Biomedical Engineering Technology (2 years)
Post Graduation Diploma in Cellular and Molecular Diagnostics (1 year)
Post Graduation Diploma in Clinical Pathology (2 years)
Post Graduation Diploma in Radiation Therapy Technology (2 years)
Post Graduation Diploma in Radiotherapy Technology (2 years)
Post Graduation Diploma in Human Genetics and Pathological Techniques (1 year 3 months)
Post Graduation Diploma in Cardiac Pulmonary Perfusion Technology (2 years)
Post Graduation Diploma in Neurotechnology (2 years)
Post Graduation Diploma in Critical Care Nursing (1 year)

Eligibility and Cutoff

Should have a graduation degree from a recognized institution in any of the relevant streams pertaining to the PG programmer being pursued.
Should have scored at least 55% in graduation.
Popular institutes would ask you to undergo an entrance exam. NEET PG and AIIMS PG are the most known entrance tests in India.

Cut off Marks for Post-Graduation

Average Fees

20,000 to 4 lakhs per annum. The fee will differ from course to course.

Average Fees for Post-Graduation

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing (3 years)
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Oral Medicine and Radiology (3 years)
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pathology (3 years)
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Speech and Language Pathology (3 years)
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychiatric Nursing (3 years)
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in Hospital Administration (3 years)

Eligibility and Cutoff

Should have a PG or Masters from a recognized institution in the relevant stream pertaining to the PhD being pursued.
For nursing, a candidate must be a registered with any of the relevant state nursing councils.

Cut off Marks for PhD

Average Fees

3,000-3 lakhs per annum.

Average Fees for PhD

Certificate in X-Ray Technology (3 years)
Certificate in Community Health Worker (1 year)
Certificate in Nutrition and Child Care (6 months)
Certificate in Occupational Therapy (1 year)
Certificate in Medical Laboratory Technology (6 months)
Certificate in Cath Lab Technician (1 year)
Certificate in Medical Record Technology (3 years)
Certificate in Clinical Research (6 months)
Certificate in Ward Attendant (1 year)
Certificate in Radiography Technology (6 months)
Certificate in Operation Theatre Technician (1 year)
Certificate in Radiography and Imaging Technique (9 months)
Certificate in Optometry and Ophthalmic Assistance (9 months)
Certificate in Multipurpose Health Worker (6 months)
Certificate in Operation Theatre Assistant (9 months)
Certificate in E.C.G. Technician (1 year)
Certificate in Neuro Technology (6 months)
Certificate in Dental Mechanic (9 months)
Certificate in Laser Dentistry (6 months)
Certificate in Dark Room Assistant (1 year)
Certificate in Blood Bank Technician (1 year)
Certificate in Anaesthesia Technician (1 year)
Certificate in Medical Laboratory Technology (C.M.L.T.) (1 year)
Certificate in Auxiliary Nurse and Mid-wife (6 months)
Certificate in Cardiac Technology (6 months)
Certificate in Hospital Aid (6 months)
Certificate in Clinical Diagnostic Techniques (1 year)
Certificate in Clinical Dental Technique (9 months)
Certificate in Laboratory Techniques (6 months)

Eligibility and Cutoff

Some of the certificate courses can be done right after Class 10 while a few would require you to clear Class 12 with PCM.

Cut off Marks for Certification

Average Fees

10,000-1 lakh.

Average Fees for Certification

Demand in the last few years

Look around you. The number of hospitals, nursing homes and diagnostic centers are multiplying by the day and this boom phase has to be complemented with an equivalent amount of hiring. It's an obvious fact that the demand for skilled technicians, nurses and pertinent support staff has skyrocketed in recent years.

Keeping the hospitals aside, there are nearly 100,000 diagnostic labs scattered all over the country that constitutes an industry worth $5 Billion with a growth rate of 16% with each passing year. With over 60,000 government hospitals and countless other private establishments contributing to the Rs. 4 Trillion market in India, the healthcare and medical sector is the biggest revenue generator as well as top ranking employment provider.

As the bigwig of medical studies such as MBBS is not everyone's cup of tea, students are looking at different branches of the sector to make a career out of it. Nursing has always been a sought-after field and the demand will not be hampered anytime soon.

Laboratory technicians, physiotherapists, and emergency medical person are only a handful of the paramedical profiles that are quite followed in recent times and it is only bound to get better with the healthcare industry looking to prosper in the years to come.

Future Scope

The figures above itself should give you a rough idea of how profitable the paramedical sector is.
A lab technician can pocket anywhere around 1-3 lakhs per annum as a fresher which can go up to 8-10 lakhs as experience is gathered over the years. Nurses start with an annual package of 3-5 lakhs and that figure rise as high as 12-14 lakhs depending on the department and experience.
The number of diagnostic and pathology centers opening in India has contributed to more job opportunities and as we've said before, it will only get better as the medical field just can't perish unless artificial intelligence takes over and humans aren't required anymore.
It's a safe career choice as you not only earn a decent sum of money being a medical personnel but also command a certain amount of respect in the society.
The last few years have seen India rise to be a major player in terms of medical tourism wherein, many foreign nationals are coming down to the country for the treatment of various different ailments, disorders and diseases. Such a scenario has only helped in more job creation for the young workforce who are freshly out of college looking out for their first job.
So if you want to be a part of the ever-burgeoning medical industry and are not that into the grind of becoming a physician or doctor, doing any of the paramedical courses could be the best decision your potentially bright future.