The healthcare industry is crucial in influencing a country's economy, making it one of the most vital sectors. Besides physicians, there is a significant demand for paramedical professionals, who serve as the essential support system in the medical field. 

These individuals, often called 'allied health forces,' provide a valuable aid to doctors, manage emergencies, and undertake various technical responsibilities. 

Therefore, if you are seeking alternative biology-related courses after completing the 12th grade, apart from pursuing an MBBS degree, this article discussing paramedical courses can be a valuable resource for you!

What is a Parademic?

Paramedical professionals, encompassing healthcare experts such as nurses, pharmacologists, therapists, and physicians, constitute the allied health workforce that collaborates closely with doctors, handling tasks ranging from drawing blood samples to suturing wounds and conducting laboratory tests. 

With a comprehensive curriculum and diverse career prospects, you can specialize in any of these fields. 

Generally, paramedical courses in India do not mandate NEET, although some universities may require their specific entrance examinations. The subsequent sections provide a breakdown of paramedical courses, categorized into diploma, bachelor's, and master's level programs.

Also, See How to Become a Para Commando Officer?

Roles and Responsibilities of a Paramedic

• Emergency Response: Paramedics are often the first medical professionals to arrive at the scene of an emergency. They assess the situation quickly, prioritize patients based on the severity of their condition, and provide immediate medical care and treatment. This can include administering CPR, controlling bleeding, stabilizing fractures, and managing other life-threatening situations.
• Patient Assessment: Paramedics conduct thorough physical assessments of patients, taking vital signs (such as blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rate) and obtaining medical histories. This information helps them determine the appropriate action and relay critical information to the hospital or receiving medical facility.
• Medical Treatment: Paramedics are trained to provide a range of medical treatments and interventions. This may involve administering medications, starting intravenous (IV) lines, performing advanced airway management, and delivering electrical therapy, such as defibrillation.
• Transportation: Paramedics are responsible for safely transporting patients to hospitals or other medical facilities. They ensure that patients are secured and monitored during transport and may continue to administer medical care en route.
• Communication: Effective communication is essential in the role of a paramedic. They must communicate with patients to calm them and gather information, as well as with their team members and healthcare providers at the receiving facility to provide a smooth transition of care.
• Documentation: Paramedics maintain detailed records of patient assessments, treatments provided, and the patient's response to treatment. Accurate documentation is crucial for continuity of care and legal purposes.
• Equipment Maintenance: Paramedics ensure that medical equipment, such as defibrillators, oxygen tanks, and medication supplies, works correctly. Regular maintenance and checks are essential to guarantee equipment reliability during emergencies.
• Continuing Education: Paramedics must continue training and education to stay updated on the latest medical techniques, equipment, and protocols. This helps them provide the highest standard of care to patients.

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Process to Become a Paramedic

Step 1: Choose Your Paramedic Course

First, decide what kind of paramedic you want to be. You can take courses like bachelor's degrees, diploma programs, or short certificate courses. You can specialize in X-ray technology, nursing, or dental hygiene.

Step 2: Check the Requirements

To get into these courses, you need to meet specific criteria. For bachelor's programs, you usually need to have finished high school with good grades in science subjects. Diploma courses might accept students who completed the 10th grade. Postgraduate programs require a relevant bachelor's degree from a recognized university.

1. Undergraduate Courses: To pursue an undergraduate paramedical program, you typically need to have completed your higher secondary education, which is the 12th grade, with BiPC (Biology, Physics, and Chemistry) subjects. The specific minimum marks required may vary from one university to another.
2. Master's Degrees: If you're interested in a master's degree in paramedical fields, you generally need to have completed your bachelor's degree in any discipline within the Science stream.
3. Ph.D. Programs: For Ph.D.-level paramedical courses, having a master's degree is usually a prerequisite. Additionally, universities may ask for relevant work and research experience.

Step 3: Get Admission

Getting into these courses can happen in a few ways. Some colleges let you in based on your previous grades (merit). Others may require you to pass an entrance exam. These exams can be set by the college itself or be on a state or national level.

Step 4: Do an Internship

In some courses, you'll have to do an internship. This is like practical training, where you work and learn in a natural healthcare setting. Even if your course doesn't need it, doing an internship is a good idea. It helps you learn essential skills and get ready for your job.

Step 5: Start Working

After you've finished your course and any internships, you're ready to start your career as a paramedic. You can work in different places like hospitals and labs or even start your practice. Your salary might start around 2.2 LPA to 12 LPA, but it can increase as you gain more experience.

Career as A Paramedic

They can assume positions as emergency medical technicians (EMTs), ambulance drivers, or critical care paramedics. With increasing experience, paramedics can also pursue avenues for career advancement, such as becoming paramedic instructors, supervisors, or managers. However, it's essential to acknowledge that this profession comes with challenges, as it entails physically and emotionally demanding work, often involving handling traumatic situations and high-pressure scenarios. 

Additionally, paramedics typically work irregular hours, including night shifts and weekends. Regarding remuneration, paramedic salaries in India are influenced by location, experience, and employer factors. Entry-level salaries generally fall within 2.5 lakh to 5 lakh INR per annum but can see significant growth with additional expertise and specialization.

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FAQs

Do paramedical courses require NEET?

No, paramedical courses typically do not require NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) for admission. However, specific colleges or universities may have their own entrance exams or admission criteria.

Is there any entrance exam for paramedical courses?

Yes, some paramedical courses may have entrance exams for admission. These exams can vary by institution and may include JIPMER, NEET-UG (for some courses), and MHT CET, among others.

How many years is a Paramedical course?

The duration of paramedical courses can vary depending on the specific program and level of study. Certificate courses typically last 1-2 years, while degree programs can range from 1 to 4 years.

Is paramedical a good career?

Paramedical careers can be a good choice for individuals interested in healthcare and medical services. There are ample job opportunities for paramedical graduates, and the demand for trained professionals is increasing, making it a promising career option.