Are you looking to start your nursing career? If yes, then you are at the right place. This article is a comprehensive guide to help aspiring individuals understand the steps and requirements of starting a nursing career in India.
Nursing is a noble and rewarding profession vital to the healthcare system. With the increasing demand for healthcare professionals in India, a career in nursing offers tremendous opportunities for those seeking to make a difference in people’s lives.
If you’re considering starting a career in nursing, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the role and responsibilities of a nurse. Nurses are responsible for providing direct patient care, helping physicians, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and providing emotional support to patients and their families. They also play a crucial role in promoting health education and disease prevention.
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The demand for nursing and individuals taking up nursing is growing drastically in India. Nursing is the biggest occupational group in the healthcare industry, with nearly 59% of medical professionals working as nurses in India.
As per Indian Nursing Council data, there are approximately 3 million registered nurses in India, and the demand for nursing professionals is expected to increase by 19% by 2025. On the other hand, the demand for nursing education has significantly increased in India as medical facilities have improved. In both government and commercial healthcare institutions, there is always a growing demand for qualified nurses.
So starting a career in nursing is one of the best career options one can think of. It is a noble profession with dignity, a lucrative pay scale, an extraordinary career path and tremendous opportunities.
Researching and selecting a program that aligns with your career goals and educational qualifications is essential. All courses and degrees provide adequate knowledge of various medical aspects needed in the nursing journey. Throughout the learning journey, they are trained in different practical procedures, methods, and all-around training.
To start a nursing career, one has three options to select from. In India, there are four nursing courses available:
However, some collage offers an internship to their graduate and postgraduate student. Typically, the last or final year of the course includes practical training at various colleges and government hospitals as part of their training. Notably, the postgraduate training usually consists of two years training programme. Here, postgraduate students get more exposure to the actual field.
If you have selected ANM to start your nursing career, let’s learn about it. The ANM Diploma course is a two-year diploma course. It provides knowledge and practical experience in the healthcare business, and students learn about patient care, how to assist the doctor and help hospital management. Here is a detailed guide about eligibility criteria and the admission process for ANM.
Firstly, you must have completed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board or university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. A candidate who has cleared his HSC examination with science is given priority. However, other stream students can apply as well. The minimum age limit is usually 17, and the maximum is around 35. for
Some institutions may have a lower or higher age limit, so you must check with the institution you’re interested in. It is essential to do a 6-month internship in the last six months.
ANM course fees vary from private college to government college. However, the duration is the same in both institutes, which is two years. In government, college course fees are about 10,000 to 70,0000 INR PA, while private college courses are 45,000 to 55ooo INR PA. Some institutes prefer a security deposit, entrance, and course fees.
Another option is to start your nursing career with a diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM). It is one of the famous diploma courses last for 3.5 years and includes a 6-month internship.
GNM course fees vary from private college to government college. However, the duration is the same in both institutes, which is 3.5 years. In government college course fees is about 20,000 to 0,0000 INR PA. On the other hand, in private colleges, course fees are 2,00,000 to 4,00,000 INR PA. Some institutes prefer a security deposit, entrance, and course fees.
To start a nursing career in a graduate nursing course, you can select a B.SC nursing, a four-year degree course. Other than BSc nursing, BSc nursing Hons and post-basic BSc nursing are available, but their duration and eligibility criteria may differ.
To get admission to top medical institutes for BSC, nursing students must clear entrance examinations. However, some colleges or institutes provide admission based on 12th science results.
Generally, the minimum educational requirement to start a nursing career in a graduate program is completing a 10+2 science stream examination with PCB and English or GNM nursing degree. On the other hand, some institutions may require minimum aggregate marks of 45%.
Many nursing programs require candidates to appear for entrance examinations. For example, NEET, AIIMS Paramedical, KIITEE, IPU CET and CUET. Generally, this entrance exam score decides a candidate’s potential and knowledge, which can help the institution select the candidate for admission.
Getting a deep knowledge of related subjects is advisable to score good marks. All entrance exams offer different benefits and seats. Likewise, the AIMS entrance test allows you to secure your seat in the AIMS institute available all over India.
However, if you want to work as an Indian army nurse, you must clear the NEET exam with flying colours. Here I am sharing a list of the entrance exam for top institutions of BSc nursing in India.
You can also read this book for entrance exam preparation.
Typically, B.SC nursing fees vary from private to government colleges. However, the time duration is the same in both institutes, which is four years. In government college course fees is about 20,000 to 2,50,000 INR PA. On the other hand, in private colleges, course fees are 50,000 to 7,00,000 INR PA. Some institutes prefer a security deposit, entrance, and course fees.
MSc Nursing is a professional 2-year postgraduate program after BSc nursing that can be done in various specialisations such as pediatric nursing, psychiatric nursing, mental health nursing, medical-surgical nursing, etc.
The eligibility criteria for MSC Nursing are passing BSC nursing from a recognised institution with at least a 55% aggregate score. However, some institutes require candidates with at least one year of work experience. One should register as a registered nurse, midwife, or similar from any state nurse registration council.
The admission process for M.SC nursing includes an entrance examination and counselling. A candidate’s score in the entrance exam will decide the option for a candidate. MSc Nursing Admission 2023 is granted through various entrance examinations such as AIIMS PG Exam, MET, DSAT, etc.
These entrance examinations are conducted by the institute or university, followed by other rounds such as Group discussion and Personal interview rounds,s if any. Lastly, Candidates are shortlisted for the Counseling round based on the overall marks scored. However, some colleges or institutions offer direct admission that is through merit, followed by a counselling process and personal interviews.
Generally, M.SC nursing fees vary from private college to government college. However, the duration is the same in both institutes, which is two years. In government college course fees is about 1500 to 20,000 INR PA. On the other hand, in private colleges, course fees are 80,000 to 1,30,000 INR PA. Some institutes prefer a security deposit, entrance, and course fees.
The salary of a nurse highly depends on the course or training you have to opt for or select, experience, skills, the institution where you worked etc. Here is general data for a nurse’s salary. As per the Payscale report, a Registered Nurse earns an average annual salary of around ₹3 Lakhs annually in India.
If you select a reputed nursing institution, you will receive quality education and training that can help you in your nursing career more than anything else.
When choosing an institution, consider factors such as accreditation, faculty expertise, infrastructure, clinical exposure, and placement records. Government-recognised institutions, as well as those affiliated with reputable universities, are generally preferred.
If a person wants to make a magnificent career in the healthcare industry, then a B.Sc. in Nursing course is better than General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM). Regarding career growth, higher studies, and salary, the value of a B.Sc in Nursing is more than General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course.
ANM graduates can work as healthcare providers in clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes, while GNM graduates can work as registered nurses in hospitals, healthcare facilities, and community health centres. Some job roles for ANM and GNM graduates include ANM Job Roles: Auxiliary Nurse Midwife.
No, NEET is not mandatory for admission to nursing courses in India.
To start a nursing career in India requires careful planning, dedication, and a commitment to lifelong learning. By understanding the role of a nurse, choosing the right program and institution, meeting eligibility criteria, and completing the necessary certification and registration processes, aspiring nurses can embark on a fulfilling and impactful journey in the healthcare field.
Remember, nursing is not just a profession but a call to serve humanity with compassion, competence, and care.
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