Paramedical Courses after Class 10 & 12
Here are the lists of top paramedical courses for students who completed Class 10 & 12.
The medical sector is not just about doctors. It constitutes numerous professionals that assist them, forming a large part of the industry in terms of their numbers. But in order to gain expertise enough to be labelled as 'medical science professionals', students need proper training and successful completion of the required course. There is no shortage of institutes and educational platforms offering paramedical courses in India. And slowly but gradually, they have become widely popular due to increasing demand for paramedics in rural as well as urban areas. Top Paramedical Courses
Students from all over the country now have the option of choosing from various courses in the paramedical field such as Physiotherapy, X-ray Technology, Optometry, Nursing, and Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery, among several others. Moreover, these courses are offered at undergrad, postgrad as well as diploma level, with the minimum eligibility criteria for students opting for paramedical diploma courses being as low as completion of Xth or XIIth standard. In this blog, we will look at some of the most popular diploma courses that equip medical aspirants with the required skill set to become a competent health care worker. 1. Diploma in Operation Theatre Technology
Operation Theatre Technology involves diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases by performing tests in clinical laboratories. An Operation Theatre Technologist will be equipped with knowledge and skills that are required to perform laboratory tests and handling of advanced lab equipment. The main aim of the program involves teaching and training students in operation theatre technology and management of operation theatre so that they can assist doctors during the surgery efficiently.
Career Prospects: Operation Theatre Technologist has a vast scope in India. Technologists can find job opportunities in various hospitals, laboratories, blood banks, trauma and emergency centres, clinics, etc. They can also find jobs with a specialization in Imaging Technology in numerous hospitals and healthcare centres.2. Diploma in Sanitary/Health Inspector
Diploma in Sanitary Inspector is a course that deals with health and sanitation problems including health, environmental conditions, family welfare, etc. The course is offered under different names by different institutions such as a diploma in health inspector/ sanitation. The students are trained to deliver and maintain top-notch hygiene conditions in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, etc. The students are also given knowledge about the need for healthcare professionals with regards to government policies and developing expertise in public health.
Career Prospects: After completing a diploma in sanitary/health Inspector, students can work as laboratory assistants, field assistants, health workers, medical assistants, etc. The students can seek job opportunities in hospitals as well as laboratories, with their main role being maintaining and keeping the hospital environment clean.3. Diploma in Nursing
Nurses play an important role in a country like India where health care systems are not always up to the mark. The main role of a nurse is to take care of the patients in the hospitals. Nurses also monitor and track the daily progress of the patients and give feedback to the doctors. They also assist operations by handling and arranging equipment during surgeries. With a diploma in nursing, a student is able to acquire all necessary skills that will help them carry out these responsibilities.
Career Prospects: Nursing has a huge scope in India, with job opportunities in both private and government hospitals. They can also work in various NGOs, old age homes, and orphanages. Nursing aspirants can also opt for higher studies after completing the diploma to enhance their skills, which will in turn increase their pay-scale.4. Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Laboratory Technologist is the one who works in private and hospital laboratories. The main role of the technologist is to diagnose the diseases of the patients. In the diploma course of medical laboratory technology, students are taught to handle clinical tests, laboratory equipment, blood tests along with matching blood samples for blood transfusion, etc. Technologists working in hospitals also share the day-to-day progress of patients with doctors.
Career Prospects: Career prospects in medical laboratory technology depend upon the academic and technical skills of the students. There is an increasing demand for lab technologists in government and private hospitals. They also have huge job opportunities in various laboratories, research institutes, nursing homes, blood banks, etc. After gaining experience in this field, candidates can also secure jobs as lab managers in any private or hospital laboratory.5. Diploma in Audiology and Speech Therapy
Audiology is the study of speech and hearing disorders. A speech therapist works with people who have difficulty in forming words, speaking, or who are recovering from trauma or injury and cannot speak. Audiologists also work with grown-ups and old people who have lost their ability to speak due to medical reasons like strokes, removal of larynx or accidents. They also teach sign language to people who are completely incapable of speaking.
Career Prospects: There is a vast scope for audiologists in India because the requirements for these specialists far exceeds the supply. Audiologists can work closely with physicians, hearing aid manufacturers, government agencies, etc. They can also set up their own teaching institute, health care or an NGO. They also have a wide scope in clinics, rural health centres, rehabilitation centres, etc.6. Diploma in Ophthalmic Assistant
An Ophthalmic Assistant is a person who works with the ophthalmologist (eye doctor). The main role of the assistant is to help the ophthalmologist care for patients by performing various eye-related tests. The information received from the patients is then shared with the ophthalmologist to treat and diagnose the patients. Hence with a diploma in ophthalmic assistant, candidates become capable enough to carry out all the responsibilities that they may need to help the ophthalmologist diagnose and treat patients.
Career Prospects: The Ophthalmic Assistant is hired by many ophthalmologists and medical centres. Ophthalmic assistants can also work in various private and government hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, etc. They can also contribute their work in military health services. After gaining experience and knowledge, they can also set up their own clinics or opt for higher studies.7. Diploma in X-ray Technology
X-ray technology is among the most useful and prominent paramedical courses in India. With such a large number of private labs, clinics, and hospitals carrying out x-rays, the need for X-ray technicians is as high as ever. Along with performing X-rays, this course will also train aspirants in various other laboratory and radiographic tests. Some of the components that are usually a part of syllabus under this course include Electrocardiography, Clinical Haematology, Chemistry and Urinalysis, and Diagnostic Radiography, among others.
Career Prospects: Some of the common job roles that students opt for after obtaining a diploma in X-ray technology include X-ray technician, Assistant X-ray technician, Radiography Technician, and Radiography Imaging Technician. Their workspaces may be any among government and private medical laboratories or hospitals, outpatient care centres, or X-ray laboratories.8. Diploma in Physiotherapy
The physiotherapy field deals with treating patients suffering from some kind of injury or physical disability. Through a diploma in physiotherapy, candidates become qualified to assist specialists to carry out electrotherapy, physical rehabilitation as well as various other medical procedures to help regain physical mobility in patients. Some of the components covered in physiotherapy diploma courses include physical rehabilitation medicine, pathology, pharmacology, gynaecology, electrotherapy, and orthopaedics.
Career Prospects: The job profiles after completion of this course include researcher, assistant physiotherapist, sports physio rehabilitator, and self-employed private psychotherapist. And the aspirants can secure jobs in many types of settings including educational institutions, rehabilitation centres, private and government health centres, orthopaedic departments, and defence medical organizations.
There are many other paramedical diploma courses available but we have listed some important courses in this list that have a wide scope in India. While many medical aspirants lean towards pursuing conventional undergraduate and postgraduate courses, nowadays popular medical courses other than MBBS such as nursing, physiotherapy, and pharmacy are gaining prominence in the country. We hope that our list will help you take one step ahead in what will surely be a very bright future.
All the best with your future aspirations and endeavours!