

The medical field is a diverse field where students can choose from various options. Treating people and saving lives is a noble job and thus, studying medicine is an honour for any student.
Medical courses are great and should be pursued by students interested in working with the body, treatment, or biology. It mainly deals with in-depth study of various biological topics and can help students become professionals that help others.
Medical courses deal with the study of medicine and health and provide various specialisations like medical, pharmacy, allied health, nursing, paramedical sciences, health, etc. There are 38 medical courses that a student can pursue after class 12th.
A medical course student can expect job opportunities for doctors, veterinarians, homoeopathic doctors, ayurvedic doctors, therapists, physiotherapists, etc. It entirely depends on the course they are pursuing.
A student can pursue multiple diplomas, certificates and undergraduate medical courses after class 12th. The only difference to keep in mind is that diploma and certificate courses are comparatively shorter in duration and less detailed than undergraduate courses. These courses are great for students who wish to get jobs right after graduation.
Following is a list of various medical courses that one can opt for right after class 12th, along with a brief explanation:
Diploma courses are shorter in duration than undergraduate courses lasting 2-3 years. They are great for students to wish to get a job as quickly as possible. Students can get admitted to diploma courses by either giving entrance exams or based on their marks.
Given below is the list of diploma courses after 12th:
Type of Course |
Duration |
Diploma in Medical Nursing Assistant |
1 year |
General Duty Assistant (DGDA) |
1-year |
Diploma in Ophthalmic Assistant (DOA) |
1-year |
Diploma in Emergency Medical technician (DEMT) |
18 months |
Diploma in Medical X-ray Technology (DMRT) |
2 years |
Diploma in Optometry Technician (DOPT) |
2 years |
Diploma in Sanitary Inspector (DSI) |
2 years |
Diploma in Radio Imaging Technology (DRIT) |
2 years |
Diploma in Blood bank technician (DBBT) |
2 years |
Diploma in Dental Technician and Hygiene |
2 years |
Diploma in Physiotherapy |
2 years |
Diploma in Dialysis Technician |
2 years |
Diploma in Optometry |
2 years |
Diploma in Cardiac Care Technology |
2 years |
Diploma in ECG Technician |
2 years |
Diploma in CT Technician |
2 years |
Diploma in Naturopathy and Yogic Science (DNYS) |
2 years |
Diploma in Occupational Therapy (DOT) |
2 years |
Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics |
2 years |
Diploma in Dental technician and hygiene |
2 years |
Diploma in Nursing |
3 years |
Undergraduate courses are the best option for any student who wishes to pursue medical courses. It usually ranges from 3 to 5.5 years and includes mandatory internships for a fixed period, i.e. six months to 1 year.
A student can get admitted to an undergraduate course by entrance exams and based on marks. Each college follows its procedure for admission that is distinct from others.
After graduation, a student has two options: work or pursue a master's degree.
Following is a list of some of the top undergraduate programs:
Undergraduate program |
Duration |
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) |
5.5 years |
Bachelor of Dental Sciences |
5 years |
Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine & Surgery |
5.5 years |
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery |
5.5 years |
Bachelor in Unani Medicine |
5.5 years |
Bachelor of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry |
5 years |
Bachelor of Pharmacy |
4.5 years |
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy |
4.5 years |
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Technology |
3-4 years |
Bachelor of Physiotherapy |
4.5 years |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
4 years |
Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences |
5.5 years |
After completing their undergraduate courses like MBBS, various students like to move on to pursue their masters. This is also known as a postgraduate course.
Students can get admitted to PG courses either via entrance exams or based on merit. Some colleges also offer postgraduate diploma programs, which last for 2-3 years.
There are three main types of doctoral courses, i.e. Doctor Of Medicine (MD), Master Of Surgery (MS) and PG Diploma.
Given below is a list of some of them:
MD |
MS |
Diploma |
Anaesthesiology |
General Surgery |
Ophthalmic Medicine and Surgery |
Anatomy |
ENT |
Physical Medicine |
Biochemistry |
Orthopaedics |
Radiation Medicine |
Community Medicine |
Ophthalmology |
Dermatology and Venerology |
Dermatology |
Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
Dermatology |
Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology |
Anatomy |
Forensic Medicine |
Forensic Medicine |
Anaesthesia |
Medical Radio-Therapy |
General Medicine |
Neurosurgery |
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation |
Medicine |
Traumatology and Surgery |
Psychological Medicine |
Microbiology |
- |
Sports Medicine |
Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
- |
Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases |
Paediatrics |
- |
Tropical Medicine and Hygiene |
Pharmacology |
- |
Gynaecology and Obstetrics |
Physiology |
- |
Haematology and Blood Transfusion |
Psychiatry |
- |
Medical Radio-Diagnosis |
Radiodiagnosis |
- |
Anaesthesiology |
Radiotherapy |
- |
Bacteriology |
Studying medical abroad is a dream for many students. A student can get admission to abroad universities only if their score is a minimum of 50% in class 12th in subjects of Physics, Chemistry and Biology. They also need to give various entrance exams and English proficiency exams like TOEFL, IELTS, PTE and OET.
But to study abroad, one needs to keep their budget in mind as abroad universities can be costly and provide the best faculty and other facilities.
Following are some exams that one can give to pursue medical courses in abroad colleges:
Given below are some of the best publicly-funded abroad universities that a student can opt for to study medical abroad:
University |
Eligibility |
Fees |
University of Toronto |
IELTS: 6.5 |
45000 USD |
The University of British Columbia |
TOEFL: 90, IELTS: 6.5 |
47000 USD |
University of Alberta |
TOEFL: 90, IELTS: 6.5 |
28000 USD |
Humber College |
TOEFL: 100, IELTS: 7 |
23000 USD |
Hebei United University |
IELTS: 5 |
1700 USD |
Lugansk State Medical University |
IELTS: 5.5 |
3900 USD |
Palawan State University |
IELTS: 4.5 |
5400 USD |
China Pharmaceutical University |
TOEFL: 90, IELTS: 6.5 |
5500 USD |
Nizhny Novgorod State Medical University |
TOEFL: 60, IELTS: 6 |
5500 USD |
Brazosport College |
TOEFL: 71 |
5500 USD |
Most of the freshers gain at least one year of experience from the mandatory internships thus can get jobs in various hospitals and institutes with a starting salary of 6500 USD.
Following is a list of some of the essential professions along with their wages:
Job Profile |
Starting Salary |
Doctor |
200,000 USD per annum |
Lecturer |
24000 – 72000 USD per annum |
Scientist |
65000 USD per annum |
Medical Officer |
60000 – 80000 USD per annum |
Sales Representative |
62000 USD per annum |
Pharmacist |
45000 – 68000 USD per annum |
The scope of medical courses is vast and is increasing every day due to discoveries. One can expect to excel in this field and get a good salary after gaining experience.
Overall, medical courses are necessary and can be opted by students who enjoy studying biology.
AECC is one of the world's leading educational consultancies with versatile expert professionals who are ready to help you with any queries you may have. Contact us so we can be of assistance to you in your journey of fulfilling your dream.
Your Passport to International Education! Sign Up for a Free Consultation session