5 Steps to Pursue an Allied Healthcare Course in India

Want to build a career in healthcare without becoming a doctor? Courses in allied healthcare can lead to careers in medical laboratory technology, radiology, physiotherapy, optometry, occupational therapy, respiratory care and other specialties. Here are five steps that students should take after Class 12.

Step 1: Select the right allied healthcare course

First, you need to know what type of healthcare career you’re interested in. Allied healthcare encompasses patient care, diagnosis, rehabilitation, medical technology and healthcare support.

Students have the opportunity to study a variety of courses including B.Medical Laboratory Technology, Radiology and Imaging Technology, Physiotherapy, Optometry, Occupational Therapy, Anaesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology, Respiratory Technology and others.

The Government of India has been striving to achieve a uniform education in allied and healthcare professions through the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), and new and restructured degree courses are being launched in a unified format.

Step 2. Review Your Eligibility

After selecting a course, please verify the eligibility before applying. There may be variations between courses and universities. In most allied healthcare undergraduate courses, students who have Physics, Chemistry and Biology in class 12 are eligible. Mathematics or other subject combinations may be accepted for some programmes for certain courses. Remember that not all allied healthcare courses are eligible for the same. Please always refer to the latest admission notification of the University.

Step 3: Select the entrance exam you wish to take.

The next step is to learn how your desired college admits students. There are some institutions that have a merit-based admission and some that have their own entrance exams or take the marks of common entrance exams.

Students who want to take the test at the national level can also consider the Global Allied Healthcare Entrance Test (GAHET). GAHET is designed for students who want to pursue their diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate paramedical courses from a top, reliable university in India or abroad.

For students who are planning to pursue higher studies abroad, acceptance of entrance scores always depends on the University. Candidates are advised to check whether the University they are yearning for is accepting GAHET score. Talking to GAHET counselors for career guidance can help make informed decisions.

Step 4. Get ready for the Entrance Exam

You should prepare according to the syllabus of the examination you’re taking. For GAHET, the minimum marks required for Physics, Chemistry, English and Biology/Botany/Zoology or Mathematics are required for the undergraduate eligibility. The pattern of the current examination is of 100 objective type questions in 60 minutes with no negative marking.

Focus on the concepts of Class 11 and 12 science and then gradually proceed to timed practice and mock tests. Continue to work on weaker points rather than just doing more questions.

Step 5. Make a comparison of colleges before admission

An entrance score is just the first step. Before taking up a seat, check the university, course curriculum, hospital exposure, clinical training, internship opportunities, faculty and recognition of the programme.

This is especially significant in allied health where hands-on experience is a significant component of the training for allied health professionals. NCAHP’s competency-based system emphasises practical clinical training and sufficient internships.

What Must One Note?

An allied healthcare pathway can lead students into many specialist pathways of modern healthcare. The right course, eligibility check, entrance examination and college choice can make the journey much clearer.

If you are just starting your search, decide on the healthcare field first, then determine eligibility next, and then pick the entrance exam that offers the most appropriate entry opportunities. However, if you find yourself feeling stuck, call on the toll free number (08035018453) for free of cost career guidance.