Physiotherapist:
He/she uses physical exercise therapy, other therapeutic agents like heat, radiation, water, electricity, etc. and massage to cure weaknesses and rebuild damaged muscles, joints and bones.
Course: Bachelor course in Physiotherapy (BPT) – 4 years + 6 months internship.
Qualification required for Admission: Pass 10+2 in Science with Biology as a subject and at least 50% of marks in each subject. The minimum age required for candidates is usually 17 years. You must take the Common Entrance Test.
Job Prospects: They can find employment in Rehabilitation/in each department of Hospitals be it ICU or Geriatrics. There is also scope for private practice.
Occupational Therapist:
Rehabilitates physically handicapped and mentally retarded persons. It is a kind of treatment imparted through indulging in different activities like handicrafts, manual and industrial art, recreation and activities of daily living.
Course: B.Sc Occupational Therapy – 4 years
Qualification required for Admission: Passed 10 + 2 science with Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Admission through entrance test.
Job Prospects: They can find employment in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, diagnostic centers etc. They can also offer freelance service.
Speech Therapist:
He/she is concerned with the treatment of loss of hearing and problems of speaking. He/she imparts treatment speech impairments like stammering and other communication disabilities through Psychological help and supportive speech therapy.
Course: B.Sc Audiology and Speech Therapy – 3 years.
Qualification required for Admission: Pass in Pre-Univ with 50% marks, or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Biology with 50% marks or Graduation with Psychology/ Education desirable. An age requirement is 17-25 years.
Job Prospects: They can find employment in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, Medical departments of the state and central governments etc. They can also offer freelance service.
Prosthetic & Orthotic Engineering:
It involves manufacture of artificial structures which may replace the inoperative parts or missing parts of the body.
Course: Diploma in Prosthetic or Orthotic Engineering (DPOE). The course is of 4 and ½ years duration
Qualification required for Admission: Diploma in Prosthetic or Orthotic Engineering: 10 + 2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Job Prospects: They can find employment in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, diagnostic centers, polyclinics etc.
Pharmacist:
They are concerned with production of pharmaceutical products, development of the methods of production and quality control. They also deliver medicines as per the prescription given by a doctor and gives instructions regarding the mode of consumption of medicine.
Courses available to become a Pharmacist:
1. Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm) – 2 years
2. Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) – 4 years
3. Master of Pharmacy (M. Pharm) – 1 and ½ years or 2 years
4. Research Studies (Ph. D) – 2 to 3 years
Qualification required for Admission: D. Pharm, B. Pharm, M. Pharm and Ph. D – 10+2/ Class XII in science subjects – Physics, Chemistry, Biology/ Maths.
Job Prospects: Pharmacists can find employment with drug manufacturing companies, research organizations in private and Govt. sectors and in dispensaries and medical stores.
Other Medical Fields:
Nursing:
A nurse assists doctors and render services to the patients in getting the temperature and pulse recorded, administering medication both orally and through injections, changing dressings, giving personal care, preparing patients for surgery etc.
Courses available to become a Nurse:
- B.Sc Nursing – 4 years
- General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) – 3 and ½ years
- Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) – 1 and ½ years
- Health worker (female) – 18 month
Qualification required for Admission:
- B.Sc Nursing – 10+2 Pass with 45% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English.
- General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) – 10+2 pass with 40% aggregate in Biology, Physics, Chemistry.
- Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) – 10th pass.
- Health worker (female) – 10th pass.
Job Prospects: They can find employment in hospitals, nursing homes, sanatoria, schools, industry and private medical clinics. There are opportunities with Defence Forces where nursing graduates can aspire to become commissioned officers.
