Since paramedical courses are career-oriented medical training programs with a shorter term than MBBS, they are only related to the medical field. Paramedical courses are available to students in various medical specialties, including respiratory care, anesthesia, and operation theater.
Numerous medical schools and universities across the nation offer these paramedical courses as postgraduate, undergraduate, diploma, and certificate programs. These courses last three years. BSC Medical Lab Technology, BSC in Operation Theatre Technology, Master of Medical Lab Technology, and so on are examples of UG and PG paramedical curricula.
Also referred to as allied health forces, paramedics play a crucial role in the healthcare sector. They support the physicians, look after the patients’ health, handle all technical tasks, and handle crises.
The paramedical courses are perceived as career-focused courses that prioritize student placement. Since COVID-19 entered people’s lives, there has been a great need for healthcare workers. Students who complete the paramedical program will not only be able to find employment but will also be able to assist with emergencies and needs across the country.
What is a Paramedical Course?
The primary focus of paramedics is on aiding and caring for patients. These extremely competent medical personnel stabilize patients for hospital transfer, address medical emergencies, and respond to crises.
In a similar vein, medical laboratory technicians conduct tests in the lab, examine samples, and give doctors and medical teams vital diagnostic data.
Rehabilitation and therapy interventions are also priorities for paramedics. Occupational therapists, speech therapists, and physiotherapists are a few of the healthcare providers who offer rehabilitative therapy to people with developmental or physical disabilities.
They create individualized treatment programs, mentor patients through therapies and exercises, and keep track of their advancements. These paramedical specialists collaborate closely with patients to improve their functional capacities, mobility, and general quality of life.
A paramedic’s job description includes technical and administrative responsibilities in addition to patient care.
Medical transcriptionists, medical information technologists, and medical coders are essential to the management and organization of patient records, the coding of diagnoses and procedures, and the assurance of correct documentation.
These experts uphold patient privacy, facilitate efficient provider communication, and support the seamless operation of healthcare institutions.
Why Pursue a Course in Paramedical?
The paramedical program has developed into an essential component of the healthcare industry. Paramedics are needed in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings at all levels. To serve and assist others, those in the job-oriented medical field need compassion. In addition to this altruistic goal, the Paramedical program provides outstanding employment opportunities for these driven students, as demonstrated by the following course statistics:
- According to projections, India’s healthcare sector is expected to reach $372 billion by 2022, rising at an exceptionally rapid rate thanks to ongoing contributions from the public and private sectors.
- Approximately 80% of the healthcare market is made up of the hospital sector, which is expected to grow to $132 billion by 2023. Its growth rate has a 16–17% CAGR.
- With 4.7 million workers as of 2021, the Indian healthcare industry has emerged as one of the largest employers in the country.
- The government has announced plans to improve the nation’s healthcare system by offering a 500 billion rupee credit incentive.
- One of the biggest industries in India in terms of employment and income is healthcare. As a result, it plays a significant role in the employment market and professional advancement.
Outstanding Career Opportunities in the Paramedical Field
The field of paramedical education is constantly changing, and students who choose to pursue this path can expect to have many different job options.
The following is a list of some of the top jobs that people should consider:
Technologist in Medical Laboratory:
Medical laboratory technologists are in charge of carrying out tests in the lab and evaluating samples to help with disease diagnosis and therapy efficacy tracking. This industry has grown significantly as a result of improvements in medical technology, and it now offers great employment opportunities in healthcare facilities, diagnostic labs, research facilities, and pharmaceutical firms.
Physiotherapist:
When it comes to assisting patients in their recovery from illnesses, impairments, or physical injuries, physiotherapists are invaluable. They create individualized treatment programs, lead therapeutic exercises, and employ a range of methods to increase mobility, lessen pain, and improve general health. Opportunities for physiotherapists are available at hospitals, rehab facilities, sports clinics, and private offices, as the need for them grows.
Occupational Therapist:
Occupational therapists assist people who struggle with physical, emotional, or developmental issues in regaining their independence and becoming more capable of carrying out everyday tasks. Together, they help patients learn new skills, adjust to new surroundings, and make use of assistive technology. The increased acceptance of occupational therapy in recent years has increased employment prospects in community health organizations, schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities.
Radiologic technologist/radiographer:
Radiographers use diagnostic imaging devices, like MRI, CT, and X-ray machines, to provide images that help with medical condition diagnosis and treatment. Hospitals, diagnostic centers, and medical imaging facilities need qualified radiographers to meet the growing demand for diagnostic imaging.
A technician in emergency medicine (EMT):
EMTs are qualified to offer emergency medical attention outside of hospitals. They answer to cries for help in an emergency, stabilize patients, and take them to hospitals. There is a growing need for EMTs, especially in urban areas, and there are openings in emergency rooms, ambulance services, and disaster relief organizations.
Medical Transcriptionist:
Medical transcriptionists write reports from voice recordings of medical specialists. They are essential to the upkeep of correct medical records. Due to the expansion of healthcare institutions and the requirement for well-organized medical records, medical transcribing has favorable employment opportunities, including remote work options.
Dialysis Assistant:
Dialysis machines are used to treat patients with ailments connected to the kidneys. Dialysis professionals are responsible for their operation and maintenance. There is a need for qualified dialysis technicians in hospitals, clinics, and dialysis facilities due to the rising incidence of renal illnesses and the requirement for dialysis services.
The scope of a paramedical career and expected salaries
There is an increasing need for qualified workers, and employment in paramedicine provides a promising scope. The need for paramedical workers is rising across the board as the healthcare business continues to grow at a rapid pace. The Indian government’s emphasis on enhancing healthcare services and infrastructure also improves job chances in this area.
Growing Need: In healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, research institutes, rehabilitation centers, and government healthcare facilities, paramedical experts are highly sought after.
Opportunities for Specialization: Specialization in fields including radiography, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and medical laboratory technology is possible in paramedical careers. Specialization might result in better pay opportunities and career advancement.
Technological Progress: Technological developments in medicine have created new opportunities for paramedical personnel, giving them access to state-of-the-art tools and methods.
Investigation and Creation: By working together with medical professionals on research and development projects, paramedical professionals can enhance medical practices and knowledge.
Prospects for Entrepreneurship: To meet specialized healthcare demands, paramedical professionals may want to consider developing their own clinics, diagnostic facilities, or rehabilitation facilities.
How to Acquire a Job Following a Paramedical Degree
After graduating, everyone aspires to obtain employment and achieve financial independence. However, if you’re unsure of what to do after finishing your paramedical degree, keep in mind to take these actions:
- Attend workshops and training sessions, or take part in job fairs hosted by your college or other businesses.
- Having a passion for helping people and improving the health and well-being of the country is a must for employment in this sector.
- Don’t pass up any internship opportunities since they will help you develop your experience and resume.
- Check the relevant government job portals frequently, and also keep an eye on private job sites.
- Skills like mental toughness, situational awareness, communication skills, a caring nature, etc. are necessary to secure a career in this sector.
- Gaining a job requires having a compelling and eye-catching resume that highlights your expertise and skills.
Final Thoughts
Numerous career prospects await paramedical graduates and postgraduates in a variety of fields, including radiography, dentistry hygiene, lab technology, nursing, and pharmacy. They must have a strong commitment to the duties that come with working in these disciplines.
The Indian healthcare industry has a significant need for paramedics. Additionally, by assisting their nation’s citizens, the chosen candidates will have the chance to demonstrate their compassion and altruism. Since COVID-19 has brought to light the value of having qualified healthcare personnel, there is a large need for paramedics in India.
Graduates and postgraduates in paramedic studies have the chance to pursue a safe and fulfilling career because this program is career-oriented. They can work as anesthesiologists, lab technicians, nurses, radiologists, X-ray technicians, etc.