- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S.)
It is the degree that is required to become a doctor in allopathic medicine. The career in MBBS and higher studies is very rewarding for those interested in science and dealing with treating sick people. This profession requires a lot of hard work but gives the satisfaction of curing patients from sicknesses and making life easier and better for them.
Specializations :
After MBBS, post graduate level studies (MD or MS) can be conducted and there are many specializations including General Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, ENT, Psychiatry and Anesthesiology. There are also options for super specialization through Ph.D. in any area of medicine. You also have an option of pursuing Diploma or DNB at various hospitals.
Job Prospects:
There is a great demand of medical professionals and it is increasing due to the unfortunate upsurge in diseases and ailments day by day. Also many super specialty hospitals are mushrooming offering employment opportunities. Some of the places where there is job scope for medical professionals are as follows:
In Government/Private hospitals
In nursing homes/clinics/health departments
In medical services of army/navy/air force
In charitable institutions
In medical colleges and training institutes as teachers
In research institutes and medical colleges as researchers
Private practice/self employment
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (B.D.S.)
A health professional that specializes in caring for the teeth, gums and tissues in the mouth is called a Dentist. It is a rapidly changing field creating numerous opportunities and challenges. It also includes cosmetology where the dentists try to improve the appearance of the patient by using a wide variety of cosmetic dental procedures.
Specializations :
Some of the specialization areas of dentistry are Orthodontics (deals with straightening and aligning of teeth and jaws), Periodontics (specializes in the care for gums and the diseases that might afflict them), Endodontics (for root canal jobs, fillings and cosmetics surgery), Prosthodontics (Involves the artificial designing of teeth), Oral and Maxillofacial surgery (deals specifically with operations on mouth and jaw), Pediatric Dentistry (for treating children) and Oral Pathology (provides the diagnosis for the diseases that affect the mouth).
Job Prospects :
There are excellent opportunities available for dentists in dental departments in hospitals,
nursing homes, dental clinics and health departments as well as teaching departments in
dental colleges. Also the dentists can work in the Research and Advisory functions of a
pharmaceutical or other companies producing oral care products and medicines like tooth
pastes, mouth wash, gum care products etc. Many dentists prefer self-employment which
also a promising avenue.
- Bachelor of Homeopathic Medical Sciences (B.H.M.S.)
Homeopathy is a holistic system of medicine, in which the patient is treated as a whole taking into account the role of body, mind and spirit. Homoeopathy believes in the concept of vital force, which when becomes disturbed through disharmonious living and thinking, a manifestation of symptoms takes place which we call disease.
In homeopathy the doctor treats the patient by taking into thought his constitution, his mental makeup, desires and dislikes, eating habits, reaction to hot and cold climate, sleep, dreams, past and family history of chronic diseases. Homoeopathic medicines are usually free from any side effects.
The course is of five and a half year’s duration consisting of one year compulsory internship in Homoeopathy.
Specialization :
BHMS students can opt for most of the specializations available for MBBS, i.e., Gyanaecology, Pediatrics etc. Apart from these there specializations in the homeopathic field as well in subjects such as materia (deals with the drugs), organon (deals with principles of homeopathy), repertory (deals with the list of drugs) and medica.
Job Prospects :
Homepathic doctors can get jobs in Government/Private hospitals, in nursing homes/clinics/health departments, in medical services of army/navy/air force, in charitable institutions, in research institutes and medical colleges as researchers. Apart from that they can go for private practice/self employment as well.
- Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medical Sciences (B.A.M.S.)
Ayurveda is a 5000 year old science of health care and herbal treatment. Ayurveda, is highly effective in common and complicated diseases, assures long term relief and has no side effects. Ayurveda is now backed by modern scientific research and technologies and provides its gentle healing touch to millions around the world.
While western medicine has focused upon pathogens and how to control disease from the external, Ayurveda focuses on the individual and how to manage disease throughout balancing the life-force within the individual. Ayurved treatments are person specific and not disorder specific. As the limitations of antibiotics are becoming evident, such regimes for strengthening our own internal or immune system may be crucial for our health as a species through the coming century.
Specialization :
Candidates who have passed BAMS can apply for post graduate programmes. The Post graduate programmes are conducted by many recognised institutions and has a duration of 3 years leading to degrees of Doctor of Medicine in Ayurveda (M.D. (Ayu)) and Master of Surgery in Ayurveda (M.S. (Ayu)).
Post-graduate programs is structured into 16 branches leading to a Doctorate in Ayurveda. The 16 branches are Ayurvedic Sidhanta (Fundamental Principals of Ayurveda), Ayurved Samhita ( Treatise of Ayurveda), Rachna Sharira ( Anatomy), Kriya Sharira (Physiology), Dravya Guna Vigyan ( Materia Medica & Pharmacology), Ras- ShastraBhaishajya Kalpana ( Pharmaceuticals), Kumar Bharitya ( Paediatrics), Prasuti Tantra (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), Swasth Vrita (Social of Preventive Medicine), Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine, Rog Nidan ( Pathology,) Shalya Tantra ( Surgery), Shalkya Tantra ( Eye & ENT ), Mano Roga ( Psychiatry), Panchkarma (Detoxification of body).
Job Prospects :
The Ayurvedic practitioners can get employments as medical officers/doctors at Government and private Ayurvedic hospitals. Some also start their own practice or open retail shops of Ayurveda medicine. Many find employment as supervisors “Panch Karma” or Ayurvedic massage or health centres, as tutors in colleges or do research, conduct seminars, workshops and retreats.
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (B.P. Th.)
Physiotherapy, also called Physical Therapy is one of the fastest-growing
sectors of Physiotherapy sciences. It is a treatment method to eradicate
disease and disability using physical exercises. Physiotherapy helps in
optimal functioning of the body. It involves the assessment, maintenance,
restoration of the physical function and act of the body and is strongly
advised for people with degenerative disorders, the physically challenged,
sports persons and people suffering from arthritis and neurological disorders.
The method includes heat radiation, water therapy, massages, diathermy, traction and other procedures.
The job of a Physiotherapist is challenging but profitable at the same time. They are qualified to perform physical examination, conduct assessments to determine a diagnosis process, select appropriate physical therapy interventions to treat the dysfunction, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment. Physiotherapists use various therapeutic intervention techniques to treat a patient. Some of them are Manual Therapy, TENS-Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation applied to control pain, Ultrasound Technique, Electrical Muscle Stimulation, Manipulation, Acupuncture etc.
Job Prospects :
Employment opportunities for physiotherapists are fantastic as it is a career where the demand exceeds its supply. A physiotherapist could be employed in the rehabilitation departments, municipal corporations and private bodies.
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (B.O.Th.)
Occupational Therapy is a health profession concerned with enabling people of all ages who may have physical, mental and/or social challenges to participate in their activities of everyday life, thereby, promoting their health and well-being through occupation. Enhancing someone's ability to participate in everyday activities is a central part of occupational therapy. Occupation addresses the range of activities that people want or need to do in their everyday lives, such as looking after themselves (self-care), enjoying life (play and leisure), and contributing to the social and economic fabric of their communities (productivity).
Occupational therapists enable people to do things that will enhance their ability to participate, or by modifying the environment to better support participation. Clients are actively involved in the therapeutic process, and outcomes of occupational therapy are diverse, client-driven and measured in terms of participation or satisfaction derived from participation. Occupational therapy enables people to achieve health, well being and life satisfaction through participation in occupation.
Job Prospects :
Occupational therapists work in many settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centres, private practice, community health centres, early intervention centres, social services, schools, government agencies, industrial and commercial organizations, mental health services, homes, and supported housing.
- Bachelor of Audiology & Speech, Language Pathology (B.A.S.L.P.)
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology are concerned with evaluation, treatment and research in human communication and its disorders. Speech-language pathologists assess and treat persons of all ages with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. They may also work with people who have oral motor problems that cause eating and swallowing difficulties. They use special instruments, as well as written and oral tests, to determine the nature and extent of impairment, and to record and analyze speech irregularities. For individuals with little or no speech, speech-language pathologists select alternative communication systems, including automated devices and sign language, and teach their use.
Job Prospects :
Job opportunities are available for audiologists and speech language pathologists, both in India and overseas in the following set ups:
Academic Universities
- Medical Hospitals/Clinics (General hospitals, Ear Nose Throat, Pediatric or Neurology clinics)
- Special Schools for children with hearing impairment, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, learning disability or others
- Normal schools
- Hearing aid/cochlear implant industries
- Hearing conservation program in indus