A career in the medical field brings along success, satisfaction, respect, and an immense amount of responsibility at the same time. It is unquestionably the most evolving and coveted profession but very few end up choosing it because of the dedication and determination it demands.
Most of the students who choose the medical stream after the 10th aspire to become a doctor and hence, start preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). NEET is one of the toughest exams in India because of the cut-throat competition it provides. Almost, 16 lakh students appear for the exam every year out of which less than one per cent get selected for their desired medical colleges. Some drop a year to prepare again while a vast majority choose an alternate profession. In this article, the authors have covered some of the highly professional, reputed, and well-paid career options you can choose from after the 12th without giving NEET.
1. Bachelor in Psychology
In today's era, due to the increased prevalence of mental health issues and awareness about mental health care services, the need for psychologists and therapists has skyrocketed. Also, it gives one utmost satisfaction to hear someone and heal them by just understanding, empathizing, and counselling them in the right way. BA Psychology is an undergraduate program including subjects like developmental psychology, children's mental health, social psychology, and more. The main role of psychologists is to assess, diagnose, and treat psychological problems and behavioural dysfunctions.
Duration: 3 years
Eligibility: Class 10 + 2 from a well-known board with a score of at least 50% of the combined or equivalent marks. Admission can be through an entrance test or merit-based according to the college.
Career opportunities and Average Income: As mentioned earlier, it is one of the most upcoming career options and offers an ample amount of jobs in both government and private sectors as enlisted below:
Government Jobs for BA Psychology Graduates
The recruitment process includes an entrance exam followed by an interview. Some of the job roles in the Government sector and their salaries are enlisted:
Job Roles
|
Annual Average Income
|
School Counsellor
|
INR 2.6 lakh per annum
|
Clinical Psychologist
|
INR 3 lakh per annum
|
Assistant Professor
|
INR 4.1 lakh per annum
|
Operations Manager
|
INR 6 lakh per annum
|
Private Jobs for BA Psychology Graduates
With an increasing incidence of mental health issues, every private organisation recruits Psychology experts for the optimum outcome for their staff. Some of the job roles and their salaries are enlisted:
Job Roles
|
Annual Average Income
|
HR Coordinator
|
INR 4 lakh per annum
|
Business Analyst
|
INR 5.8 lakh per annum
|
Assistant Manager
|
INR 10 lakh per annum
|
Communications Specialist
|
INR 7.5 lakh per annum
|
Source: HERE
2. Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharma.)
B. Pharmacy is a professional undergraduate programme that trains an individual in testing and researching drugs for a particular disease and giving awareness about the dosage of medications to the patient.
Duration: 4 years
Eligibility: The student must have passed class 12th with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics/Biology with a minimum of 50% marks.
Career opportunities: This field is one of the evergreen fields in the medical sector, with an increasing demand for professionals every year. After completing the course, the individual can work as:
-
Chemical/Drug Technician
-
Bio-Technology Industries
-
Drug Therapist
-
Drug Inspector
-
Hospital Drug Coordinator
-
Health Inspector
-
Pharmacist
-
Pathological Lab Assistant
-
Research & Development
-
Making Prescriptions for Patients
-
Scientist
-
Research Officer
Freshers/Average Annual Income: The starting salary for a fresher in this field can be Rs. 16,000 to Rs. 18,000 per month in India. After gaining an experience in this field, you can earn approx Rs. 9 to 12 Lakh per annum.
Source: Ambition Box
3. Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (B.Sc. Biotech)
It is a professional undergraduate degree course in which an individual learns how to use technology to harness the usefulness of living organisms.
Duration: 3 years
Eligibility: Candidates must pass their 12th or equivalent exam with at least 55-60% marks. Some colleges take admission based on admission tests
Career options and Average Annual Salary: There are a variety of job prospects available in both the Government & Private sectors. Some of the top job roles and their respective average annual income are enlisted below:
Job Roles
|
Annual Average Income
|
Biochemist
|
INR 5.25 lakh per annum
|
Microbiologist
|
INR 4.9 lakh per annum
|
Product Development
|
INR 3.6 lakh per annum
|
Research Scientist
|
INR 4 lakhs
|
Molecular Biology
|
INR 5 lakh per annum
|
Lecturer/ Professor
|
INR 6 lakh per annum
|
Source: HERE
4. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.Sc. Nursing)
Apart from degrees like MBBS and BDS, BSc Nursing is one such professional degree that gives an individual a chance to serve humanity through medical treatment and impart qualities of affection, care, and patience towards the needy.
Duration: 4 years
Eligibility: Candidates must have passed class 12 with a minimum of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. English is also a mandatory subject in class 12. A person should be medically fit.
Career Opportunities: Nurses do not go unemployed for long periods of time. They easily find jobs in hospitals, nursing homes, orphanages, old age homes, industries, sanatoriums, and the military forces, both private and government-run.
Here are some popular job profiles for B.Sc. Nursing graduates:
-
Staff Nurse
-
Nursing Service Administrators
-
Director of Nursing
-
Department Supervisor
-
Nursing Supervisor or Ward Sister
-
Nursing Superintendent
-
Community Health Nurse (CHN)
-
Home Care Nurses
-
Military Nurse
-
Deputy Nursing Superintendent
-
Teacher of Nursing
-
Assistant Nursing Superintendent
-
Industrial Nurse
Average or fresher salary:
A fresher B. Sc nursing graduate can expect to earn between Rs. 7,000 and Rs. 15000 per month. Salary rises after 2-3 years, which ranges from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000. Whereas, nurses with more than 5 years of experience can earn a salary between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 70,000 per month. In short, a B. Sc nursing professional can earn anywhere between Rs 2.2 lakhs to Rs 7.8 lakh per annum.
Source: AmbitionBox
5. Bachelor of Science in Genetics (BSc Genetics)
It is a professional undergraduate degree course which enables an individual to get experience variation and heredity in living bodies. It basically covers in-depth information on genetic transportation from one generation to another generation.
Duration: 3 years
Eligibility: 50-60% score in higher secondary education or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects.
Career opportunities:
As a constantly evolving and significant field of study, there are a plethora of opportunities that one can explore after completing the course of BSc Genetics. Some popular Job Profiles are enlisted below:
Average annual salary:
Job Roles
|
Annual Average Income
|
Forensic Scientist
|
INR 6.5 lakh per annum
|
Genetic Counsellor
|
INR 3.6 lakh per annum
|
Geneticist
|
INR 3.75 lakh per annum
|
Assistant Professor
|
INR 4.48 lakh per annum
|
Bio Technician
|
INR 4.11 lakh per annum
|
Source: HERE
6. Bachelor of Science in Microbiology (BSc Microbiology)
With the advent of COVID-19, the field of Microbiology has flourished like never before. BSc Microbiology is a professional undergraduate degree that deals with the study of the structure, behaviour, and growth pattern of microbes and their effect on the environment.
Duration: 3 years
Eligibility: 10+2 examination with at least 50% marks in aggregate with Physics & Chemistry as compulsory subjects and either Mathematics or Biology conducted by a recognized Board / University / Council or its equivalent
Career opportunities: Currently, the scientific, analytical and problem-solving skills developed by microbiology graduates are in high demand by various organisations.
There are various options available after studying for a Microbiology degree. Some famous Job Profiles and their respective salaries are enlisted below:
Job Roles
|
Annual Average Income
|
Microbiologist
|
INR 3.05 lakh per annum
|
High School Teacher
|
INR 2.26 lakh per annum
|
Research Analyst
|
INR 5.16 lakh per annum
|
Research Scientist
|
INR 6.27 lakh per annum
|
Senior Research Scientist, Biotechnology
|
INR 7.67 lakh per annum
|
Assistant Professor
|
INR 4.81 lakh per annum
|
Source: HERE
7. Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
With increasing awareness about the positive effects of having a balanced diet on our lifestyle, almost every individual in today's time want to plan their diet in a so-called "perfect" way and a large fraction of them prefer to consult a Nutritionist and Dietician.
BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics is a professional undergraduate course that teaches its students how to prepare a proper diet for people, food management, components of a balanced diet, eating habits, and Lifestyle management, among others.
Duration: 3 years
Eligibility: Minimum 50% marks in 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects.
Career Opportunities and Average Annual Income: There are a variety of job prospects available in both the Government & Private sectors. Some of the top job roles and their respective average annual income are enlisted below:
Job Roles
|
Annual Average Income
|
Dietitian (registered)
|
INR 2.83 lakh per annum
|
Marketing Manager
|
INR 5.84 lakh per annum
|
Clinical Dietician
|
INR 2.13 lakh per annum
|
Nutritionist
|
INR 4.52 lakh per annum
|
Research and Development Manager
|
INR 8.33 lakh per annum
|
Source: HERE
8. Bachelor of Science in Cardiovascular Technology:
BSc Cardiovascular Technology is a degree program that deals with diagnosing and monitoring diseases related to the heart and the circulatory system. During the course, students will get familiar with various complex procedures such as performing stent implants and setting up cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators in the treatment of heart diseases.
Duration: 3 years
Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent with a minimum of 50% marks in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Career opportunities: It is a purely clinical course and gives one plethora of opportunities to choose from like Cardiovascular technologists, Cardiologists, Medical sonographers, Dialysis technicians, ICU assistants, Nephrologist Technicians, etc.
Average annual income: Again, a clinical job, is a very financially rewarding career. Various job roles in this field and their salaries are given below:
Job Roles
|
Annual Average Income
|
Cardiovascular Technologist
|
INR 7 lakh per annum
|
Cardiac Sonographers
|
INR 6 lakh per annum
|
Vascular Technologist
|
INR 8 lakh per annum
|
EKG Technician
|
INR 5 lakh per annum
|
Source: HERE
9. Bachelor of Science in Optometry:
BSc Optometry is a full-time undergraduate program that trains individuals in various modalities related to the human eye including refraction and dispensing, assisting in the detection and management of eye conditions, and the rehabilitation of conditions of the visual system.
Duration: 3 years (four years in some universities which include one year of internship)
Eligibility: 10+2 completed from a recognized board of education
Career opportunities: A BSc Optometry graduate can choose to work in the following sectors:
Average Annual Income:
Job Roles
|
Annual Average Income
|
Optometrist
|
INR 3.5 lakh per annum
|
Optometry Researcher
|
INR 5 lakh per annum
|
Ophthalmologist
|
INR 6 lakh per annum
|
Optician
|
INR 4 lakh per annum
|
Source: HERE
10. Bachelor in Occupational Therapy:
It is a professional undergraduate course that focuses on the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of people suffering from certain physical and mental health conditions. The course also focuses on the usage of alternative medicine methods and usage of speech-language therapy, audiology, physical therapy, etc.
Duration: 4 years
Eligibility: Candidates should pass the Class 12 Board exam in the Science stream with a minimum of 50 per cent aggregate.
Career Opportunities: It is a much-evolving field with new opportunities coming every day. One can choose from the following job profiles:
-
Teacher
-
Consultant
-
OT technician
-
OT nurse
-
Rehabilitation therapy assistant
-
Speech and language therapist
-
Private practitioner
-
Occupational therapist
-
Service delivery manager
-
Lab technician
-
Medical record technician
-
National sales manager
-
OT in-charge
-
Critical care nursing in charge
Annual Average Income: The Average Annual Income of an Occupational Therapist in India ranges from? 0.4 Lakhs to? 8.1 Lakhs with an average annual salary of? 3.6 Lakhs.
Source: Ambition Box
From the aforementioned information, it becomes clear that there are several viable alternate career options that one can pursue without having to qualify for NEET. These career options, although not conventionally medical, are unique and contribute to the medical field in a substantial manner. With the correct preparation and mindset, one can easily enter these professions and make a mark for himself.
MedBots.in Wishes you all the best!