Many
students who are interested and have the passion to pursue the medical field
have appeared the recent NEET for securing admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, BVSc,
and B.Sc Nursing courses etc in top government and private medical colleges.
The recently concluded NEET 2025 exam witnessed 23 lakhs aspirants registering
for the exam which affirms the role of this exam as a primary gateway to
medical education in India. The projected available admission seat for MBBS is
merely approximately 1.20 lakhs. As many students rush for this race, it is
apparent that every aspirant will not get equal chance to reach the desired
goal.
There is
perhaps an alternative viable career route for those students interested to
join the healthcare sectors without pursuing a full medical career. One such
alternative pathway is Allied Health Science. Allied health sciences form the
backbone of healthcare systems worldwide. They include several courses
recognized by the National Commission for Allied Healthcare Professionals
(NCAHP). Experts in this profession offer diagnostic, therapeutic, and
preventive services—all essential to the healthcare system. They work in tandem
with physicians and other medical specialists to deliver exceptional care to
patients. As a common regulatory body, the NCAHP Act 2021 provides regulation
and maintenance of standards of education and services by Allied and Healthcare
professionals, assessment of institutions, maintenance of a Central Register
and State Register, and creation of a system to improve access, research and
development and adoption of latest scientific advancement and connected
matters. At present, NCAHP Act covers 56 Allied and Healthcare Professions
categorized under 10 broad recognized categories.
Courses for
science students:
Students
having science background with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/ Mathematics may opt
for courses like- Bachelors in Physiotherapy (BPT), Bachelors in Medical Lab
Technology (BMLT), B.Sc Food, Nutrition and Dietetics, B.Sc Anasthesia and
Operation Theatre Technology, B.Sc Optometry, B.Sc in Dialysis Therapy
Technology, B.Sc Physician assistant, Bachelor in Audiology & Speech
Language Pathology, etc.
All degree
courses ranges from 3.5 years to 5 years with compulsory internship from
recognized hospitals.
Even
students with arts background are eligible to join the certificate and diploma
courses:
Students
with a Diploma in MLT can join the BMLT course through lateral entry after
completion of Diploma. All diploma courses range from 1 year to 2.5 years with
compulsory internship from recognized hospitals.
Course fee
in private institutes range between Rs. 35,000 to 45,000 each semester for
diploma, while bachelor’s degree can cost around Rs. 45000 to Rs. 75000 each
semester depending on the university with additional charges of accommodation
throughout the course.
Institutes
offering Allied Health Sciences/Paramedical courses in Nagaland
North East
Christian University offers admission to Certificate, Diploma and Degree
courses of Allied Health Sciences with a scope of Masters and PhD in the coming
years.
Other
institutes within Nagaland include Christian Institute of Health Science &
Research and Paramedical Training Institute, Kohima.
Job
opportunities:
Trained
Allied Health/paramedical graduates are always in high demand in the ever
changing health situation. There is an increasing demand in hospitals,
diagnostic centers, and other health care organizations.
Annually
multitude of job opportunities emerges in the field of medical field including
paramedical sectors within Government Hospitals, Government medical
colleges/institutions, Banking, Railway Recruitment Board, Government run
schemes and projects etc.
Apart from
the primary technical occupations, the graduates are also given the choice of
professions such as healthcare consultants, educators/instructors, medical
representatives, and healthcare administrators.
Conclusion:
As India
stride towards becoming a global leader in healthcare innovation, the
contribution of Allied Health professionals is at the forefront as it supports
the healthcare system by making it more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable.
A career in allied health sciences is promising, and there is a growing need
for qualified workers in this field. These programs offer a shorter route to
employment in the healthcare sector and usually have less demanding admission
requirements than medical degrees.
