Introduction
Diagnostics as a career involves utilising various techniques and technologies to diagnose medical conditions in patients. It has become a crucial aspect of healthcare in the era of modern medicine, enabling early disease detection and effective disease management. India’s healthcare industry is undergoing a rapid shift as a result of technological improvements, an increase in the demand for high-quality healthcare, and greater patient awareness. From clinical laboratory technologists to radiologists, pathologists to genetic counsellors, the career opportunities in diagnostics are vast and varied.
This article explores all about a career in the field of diagnostics in India. Read on!
Educational Qualifications Required
In India, there are primarily three types of programs in diagnostics which are described below:
Degree Courses: Undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate-level degree programs are available in the field of diagnostics. The duration of these programs usually varies from 2 to 5 years.
Diploma Courses: Diploma courses in diagnostics are available at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels which may vary from a few months to 2 years.
Certificate Programs: Certificate programs in diagnostics are offered at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Their duration might range from 2 weeks to 1 year.
Undergraduate Degree Courses
|
Course Name
|
Duration
|
Fees
|
|
MBBS
|
5.5 years (including one year internship)
|
INR 10,000-6,00,000
|
|
Bachelors in Medical Laboratory Technology
|
3.5 years (including six months internship)
|
INR 10,000- 2,00,000
|
|
B.Sc. in Biomedical Science
|
3 years
|
INR 30,000- 90,000
|
|
B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS)
|
3 years
|
INR 40,000- 4,00,000
|
|
B.Sc. in Radiology and Imaging Technology
|
3 years
|
INR 20,000- 2,00,000
|
|
B.Sc. in Radiology and Imaging Technology
|
3 years
|
INR 30,000 - 2,00,000
|
|
B.Sc. in Clinical Research
|
3 years
|
INR 50,000 - 2,50,000
|
Source: Collegedunia, Collegedekho
Eligibility for Undergraduate Courses:
-
Students are required to obtain at least 50% marks in 10+2 or any equivalent examination in the science stream (with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as main subjects) from a recognized board.
-
Students have to clear NEET UG or equivalent entrance exams conducted by the respective universities (wherever applicable).
UG Diploma Course
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Course Name
|
Duration
|
Eligibility
|
Average Fees
|
|
Diploma in Medical Lab Technology
|
2 years
|
10+2 in PCM/PCMB with minimum 45% marks from recognized Board / University
|
INR 21,000- 3,00,000
|
|
Diploma in clinical diagnostics technique
|
5 months- 1 year
|
10+2 in PCB/PCMB with minimum 50% marks from recognized Board / University
|
INR 15,000 - 25,000
|
Source: Skishaglobe, Collegedunia
PG Diploma Course
|
Course Name
|
Duration
|
Average fees
|
|
PG Diploma in Cellular & Molecular Diagnostics
|
1 year
|
INR 50,000- 2,80,000
|
|
PG Diploma in Molecular Diagnostics
|
1 year
|
INR 50,000- 1,00,000
|
|
PG Diploma in Medical Radio Diagnosis
|
2 years
|
INR 2,00,000 – 6,00,000
|
|
Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Clinical Pathology and Diagnostic Technology
|
1 year
|
INR 1,00,000 - 3,00,000
|
|
Advanced Diploma In Medical Lab Technology (ADMLT)
|
1 year
|
INR 12,000
|
|
Diploma in Medical Radio Diagnosis
|
2 years
|
INR 20,000- 8,00,000
|
Source: Collegedunia, Universitydunia
Eligibility for Postgraduate Diploma Course:
While some PG diploma courses require the basic eligibility as having completed an undergraduate course from a recognized university, others compulsorily require completing an MBBS degree or an equivalent qualification recognized by the MCI (Medical Council of India) or any of the State Medical Council. Further, some institutes may also conduct an entrance examination for admission to the PG Diploma course or mention any other criteria(s), making it subject to final admission.
Certificate Courses
|
Certificate name
|
Provider
|
Duration
|
Fees
|
Requirements
|
|
Certificate course in Retina Diagnostics
|
The Sankara Nethralaya Academy
|
2 weeks
|
INR 10,000
|
Optometrists/ Ophthalmologists/ Refractionists
|
|
Certificate Course in Medical Laboratory Technology
|
All India Institute of Public and Physical Health Sciences, Bidar Institute of Medical Science, GMR Varalakshmi Community College,
Jaya College of Art and Science
|
6 months
|
INR 5,000- 1,00,000
|
Either 10+2 from the reputed college or from the well- recognized board or 65% marks in the higher secondary board.
|
|
Certificate In Medical Lab Technology
|
National Council of Training Academy
|
1 year
|
INR 8,000
|
All levels
|
Source: Official website of respective providers
Postgraduate Degree and Doctoral Courses
|
Course Name
|
Duration
|
Average Fees
|
Requirements
|
|
Master of Surgery [MS] (Radio Diagnosis)
|
2 years
|
INR 10,000- 15,00,000
|
MBBS with 50% marks
|
|
MD Radiodiagnosis
|
3 years
|
INR 27,000 - 60,00,000
|
MBBS with 50% marks and relevant PG Degree from MCI recognized Institute
|
|
Masters in Optometry
|
2 years
|
INR 1,00,000- 2,00,000
|
Bachelor's degree in Optometry or a related field from a recognized university or institution with a minimum of 50% marks or an equivalent grade
|
|
Ph.D. Medical Laboratory Technology
|
3 years
|
INR 2,00,000- 3,00,000
|
A Master's degree in Medical Laboratory Technology or a related field with a minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent grade from a recognized university or institution
|
Source: Careers360, Official websites of certain universities offering the course(s)
Note: In addition to the requirements mentioned above, the students may be required to clear NEET PG or equivalent examination and/or entrance exam conducted by the respective universities (wherever required).
Top Colleges Offering Courses in Diagnostics In India
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All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
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Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER)
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Christian Medical College (CMC)
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King’s George Medical University
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Sri Ramchandra Institute of Higher Education and Research
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National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS)
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Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS)
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Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai
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Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal
Scope of Career in Diagnostics
The field of diagnostic management is essential in various areas of the healthcare industry. Not only is it required in hospitals and clinics, but also in healthcare NGOs, hospital consultancy companies, and the IT industry that develops software and imaging equipment. Pathology is one type of diagnosis wherein pathologists can work as consultant physicians, diagnosticians, teachers, or investigators. Another area of diagnosis is radiology wherein radiology technicians can work as ultrasound technicians, X-ray technicians, MRI technicians, CT technicians, or medical professionals. Therefore, ??A career in diagnostics involves the use of medical technologies to identify and treat diseases, offering diverse opportunities and growth prospects in the healthcare industry.
Job Profiles In Diagnostics
|
Job Profiles
|
Job Description
|
|
Medical data manager
|
The work of a medical data manager is to collect and analyze vast amounts of information quickly.
|
|
Genetic consultant
|
A genetic consultant conducts primary and scheduled genetic analysis in a diagnostic centre, processes data from diagnostic devices, and provides an opinion along with further treatment recommendations.
|
|
Bioinformatician
|
A bioinformatician builds a computer simulation of the biochemical processes of the disease to understand its root cause in cases of unusual development of a disease.
|
|
Medical Marketing Expert
|
The work of a medical marketing expert is to research markets in pharmacology, medical services, and medical equipment and develop marketing policies for companies and research centres.
|
|
R&D Manager in Healthcare
|
A specialist providing communication between research, diagnostic, treatment, and prevention institutions and managing cooperation programs and joint projects.
|
|
Molecular nutrition expert
|
A specialist developing tailored diets based on molecular food analysis, taking into account the results of the genetic analysis of the patient and the specifics of their physiological processes.
|
|
Gene therapy expert
|
Gene therapy means the alteration of the human genetic apparatus to fight diseases. A gene therapy expert is a specialist in genome programming to predetermined parameters.
|
|
Phlebotomist
|
Phlebotomists are people trained to draw blood from a patient (mostly from veins) for clinical or medical testing, transfusions, donations, or research.
|
Skills Required
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Technical knowledge
-
Communication
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Analytical skills
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Patience
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Attention to detail
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Problem-solving skills
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Teamwork
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Research skills
Expected Salary And Remuneration
|
Job Profiles
|
Average Salary
|
|
Medical data manager
|
INR 3,00,000- 9,00,000
|
|
Genetic consultant
|
INR 5,50,000
|
|
Bioinformatician
|
INR 4,00,000- 10,00,000
|
|
Medical marketing expert:
|
INR 6, 50,000
|
|
R&D Manager in Healthcare
|
INR 11,50,000
|
|
Phlebotomist
|
INR 2,20,000
|
Source: Payscale, Ambitionbox
Top Entities Hiring For This Job
Conclusion
Behind every accurate diagnosis and successful treatment lies the expertise of a skilled diagnostician. As the healthcare industry continues to expand in India, the demand for skilled diagnosticians is only set to rise. For those having the passion, dedication, and expertise, a career in diagnostics can be a highly fulfilling and rewarding one enabling them to make a meaningful contribution to the health and well-being of the community.
Medbots.in wishes you all the best!
