If Not NEET What Next?

Millions of students have appeared for NEET exam to pursue MBBS. These millions students have one common dream – to become a doctor. But it is impossible for all the appearing students to get selected and earn a seat in a medical college. The numbers of seats are limited and number of students is huge. Hundreds of students are competing for one seat which makes the competition even fiercer.

So what if you are among that percentage of students who didn’t get selected? Is there any other way to enter the health sector? Are there any career options apart from MBBS or BDS that you can choose and excel your career in? The answer is Yes. There are numerous options which lead to a prosperous career in the core health sector. India has huge number of programs in health sciences and a professional course in the same can open multiple doors of opportunities.

What is NEET?

Abbreviated for National Eligibility and Entrance Test this exam is conducted across the nation for UG level MBBS seats. NEET exam allows students to take admission in medical colleges run by state government, central government, as well as private institutions. Previously, this exam was known as AIPMT but now is considered as NEET.

Each year lakhs of students appear for the exam. In 2019 around 15.19 lakh students appeared for the exam which is a growth of 14.4% from last year thus enhancing the competition. The students were competing for 90,000 MBBS and BDS seats across India. Seat reservation for NEET is as follows:

A total of 7.95 lakh students cleared NEET this year with Delhi having the highest success percentage followed by Haryana and Chandigarh. Students who gave their best but still are deprived of an MBBS seat feel at lost. But, you should know that there are lots of options in the same field. In this article, we are going to discuss various career opportunities for students having PCB background in 12th.

You only lose the battle when you give up.

Lots of students don’t have enough exposure about the different courses available in our country. These courses lie in health care industry and have great scope in terms of growth in career.

1) Pharmacy (B.Pharm)

The B.Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy) course offers a lucrative career in the pharmacy industry. The Indian pharmacy industry has more than 25k manufacturing units. This is an undergraduate degree where students study drugs and medicine, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical industry, etc. It is a 4-year course after which students can go for higher degree i.e. Master in Pharmacy or M.Pharm. With so many pharmaceutical industries booming in the business, students have a good scope for job as well.

2) Microbiology

Microbiology is a vast field that deals with the study of microscopic organisms like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Micro-organisms play a vital role in the smooth functioning of our mother nature and also our own body. The study of microbes helps to learn about them and bring in discoveries that can help mankind.

B.Sc Microbiology is a 3-year full time course and minimum eligibility is 10+2 with all science subjects. Microbiologists are in great demand in medical research, quality control, and biotech industry. As a microbiology student you can secure a job with private pharmaceutical company or bioscience companies. Also food industries are on constant search for good microbiology students. Students willing to take higher course can opt for M.Sc and then PhD in Microbiology.

3) Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics combines three fields into one. Here students are trained to use software to analyze data from biomedical and pharmaceutical studies. Students willing to pursue bioinformatics have to enroll themselves into B.Sc Bioinformatics course. The minimum eligibility criteria is 10+2 with all science subjects to enroll in B.Sc course.

Many pharmaceutical companies are on constant lookout for bioinformatics graduates. You can also associate with biotech companies, healthcare organizations, and research labs. If you have a knack for coding then you can develop programs working as a bio coder.

4) Physiotherapist

Physiotherapy is a branch related to physical injuries of a patient. A physiotherapist helps patients regain strength in the affected area of their body. With today’s urban lifestyle demand for physiotherapist is high and even more in sports physiotherapist.

Students will to go for this profession must have PCB in their 10+2. The course curriculum is four years long and students earn an undergraduate degree. A career as Physiotherapist could lead to a challenging job in Health care system. They can specialize in various fields such as paediatrics, geriatrics, neurology, cardio respiratory, and orthopedics.

5) Radiography

Radiography falls under paramedical profession where students are trained to perform diagnostics tests using radiation. B.Sc in Radiography course is where the students should apply in order to pursue career in this field. Trained professionals will be ready to perform tests like ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.

Radiographers are placed in the diagnostic imaging department, accident and emergency department, intensive care unit, and operation theatre. The work is crucial and requires patience. Radiography has a good scope for students to grow and prosper in their career.

6) Optometrists

Optometry is a medical profession related to eyes and applicable visual systems. Optometrists are trained to examine, test, and prescribe medicines, eye drops, and fit lenses to improve the patients’ vision. In India, to become an Optometrist the students must have PCB in their 10+2 and enroll in a four-year Doctor of Optometry program. After earning the four-year degree you have to undergo one year residency program to get hands on training in a specialization area. The specialization includes pediatric optometry, geriatric optometry, ocular diseases, family practice, etc.

7) Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a rapidly growing field offering immense scope for a student to grow in his career. Biotechnology combines biology and technology to develop ways for a better life. This field harnesses cellular and biomolecular processes to develop technologies. With advancement in technology now it has become possible to take the research to another level.

A minimum eligibility criterion for B.Sc Biotechnology is 10+2 or equivalent exam with PCB or PCM in board. Students pursuing biotechnology can go in various fields like food technology, nutrition, medicines, healthcare, forensic sciences, etc. This field also offers careers in government as well as private industries. There are numerous opportunities for a candidate to grow in his career.

8) Bachelors in Operation Theatre

The need for experts in Operation Theater is constantly increasing. Students with proper training and knowledge of the field can quickly find a job and assist the doctors during an operation. The Bachelor of Science degree in Operation Theatre Technology is a three years course designed to train the students and make them ready for the on field work. Minimum eligibility is 10+2 with science subjects. The program prepares students for managing and caring for all the surgical instruments and managing the patients as well. Top hospitals always need experts to assist in operation theatre for smooth functioning of the hospital. Students with degree in operation theatre technology have a great scope in their career.

9) Clinical Research

Clinical research is a science research field in which scientists perform clinical investigations to diagnose a disease and find a treatment for it. The field is booming and has a great scope for students interested in research. Subjects in this course include biochemistry, pharmacology, zoology, genetics, etc. B.Sc in Clinical Research and Healthcare Management requires 10+2 with science subjects. It is a three-year long course where first year is devoted to basic knowledge of management studies and second and third year is devoted to specialization.

10) Anesthesiology

Anesthesiology is one of the crucial and prosperous careers in the health care industry. This branch of medicine focuses on pain relief during and after surgery. B.Sc in Anesthesia Technology is a 3-year full time course. Minimum eligibility criteria is 10+2 with PCB and minimum 45% marks in board. The knowledge gained during this course helps students to choose a right anesthetic for patient. Students can enroll through an entrance or a screening test.

Concluding Thoughts

While earning MBBS degree is dream of most of the students practically it isn’t possible for everyone to get it. India has limited seats and huge number of students. But students with passion to help the society can pursue a degree in medical sciences and take a step towards their passion. There are various courses available and we have mentioned some of them. If you are confused and are finding it difficult to choose a particular course then you can contact a professional career counselor.

We at RMCC provide professional career counselling. If you are confused about your career come to us and we promise to help you navigate the path towards a fulfilling career.