How to become a paramedic in India? Complete a paramedical course and relevant training from a recognized Indian institute. There are various degree, diploma courses offered in India.
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One can take paramedical courses after 10th and as well as after 12th to become a paramedic. Paramedics are attached to a city’s or county’s fire department. Still, there are private paramedic organizations that consist of trained medical professionals who diagnose any disease in the human body with the help of blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, Citi Scans, Ultrasound, etc. This article will answer how to become a paramedic in India along with eligibility, qualifications and salary.
How to Become a Paramedic in India?
To become a paramedic, one must complete an extensive physical training program designed to weed out those who cannot cut. It is necessary for a paramedic to be physically and mentally fit to perform their duties in the face of danger.
Below are the five steps to become a paramedic in India.
- Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Step 2: Select Paramedic Course
- Step 3: Get Admission
- Step 4: Qualify Self as a Paramedic
- Step 5: Career after Paramedic
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before applying for paramedic courses, one should ensure their interest towards the disciple. They must satisfy the basic eligibility and acquire required skills to become a paramedic because the paramedic course needs compassion, interpersonal skills, listening skills, strength, problem-solving skills, and good communication skills.
Step 2: Select Paramedic Course
After a 10+2 or relevant degree, students can apply for any paramedic courses listed in the article below. Eligibility for paramedic courses varies. For admission, students must be academically eligible to pursue paramedic related courses.
Step 3: Get Admission
Paramedic course admission varies with Colleges/ Universities. Most of the paramedic course admission is merit-based. To get into top medical institutes like AIIMS, students must clear the AIIMS Entrance exam. AIIMS Paramedical entrance exam is conducted by the All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate paramedical courses in AIIMS colleges.
Step 4: Qualify Self as a Paramedic
Qualifying as a paramedic involves volunteering work and paramedic training. Also scoring good marks in their paramedic course opens various opportunities. Besides, the practical experience helps grab those opportunities.
Step 5: Career After Paramedic
After the paramedic degree, apply for hospitals. Students can choose between private and government hospitals.
Other than these, they can also choose among the following career opportunities -
- Community health centres
- Home-based healthcare units
- Rehabilitation centres
- Medical laboratories
- Rural healthcare centres
What Does a Paramedic Do?
The paramedic must understand their roles and responsibilities and the skills expected of them. A paramedic is considered a healthcare professional responsible for providing advanced emergency medical treatments.
Some of the roles and responsibilities of a paramedic are listed below.
- The paramedic has to be physically and mentally sound to help others get out of the fatal situation.
- A paramedic should always be calm in chaotic conditions and should be aware of the surroundings every time.
- Physical strength and stamina.
- Should be skilled in trauma assessment and performing life-saving actions on patients, including first aid, airway management, IV administration, and endotracheal intubation.
- A paramedic is trained to give medicines, injections to patients and deliver babies.
- Paramedics must check equipment and keep accurate records.
Eligibility for Paramedical Courses
Any student who has passed 10+2 in Science with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or equivalent exam from other recognized boards is eligible to pursue the paramedical diploma and degree courses.
There is no set rule for the minimum pass percentage since individual colleges and universities have their criterion for admissions to such courses. But in some institutions, the expected minimum eligibility for paramedic courses can be a 10th pass or a 12th grader passing in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology with an aggregate of 50% in each subject.
Eligibility Criteria for Postgraduate Paramedical Degree
To be eligible for the postgraduate courses, the candidate must have passed the graduation degree or diploma in the concerned field from a recognized university. The minimum aggregate marks for general category students are 55%, whereas, for those belonging to the reserved category, the minimum aggregate marks are 50%.
Paramedical Courses
Degree, diploma, and certificate courses are offered by the paramedical sector for class 12th students. These courses provide great career opportunities for students who want to make a career in the paramedical sector. Also, there is a popular question among students like, "how many years to become a paramedic?". Any career in the medical field requires the postgraduate degree to get to know about advanced techniques. Similarly, for a paramedic, it is recommended that three years of undergraduate and two years of post-graduation is an advantage.
The details of paramedical courses after 10th and paramedical courses after 12th and the paramedical courses list are tabulated below.
Undergraduate Degree in Paramedical
Paramedical undergraduate degree courses range from 3 to 5 years of course duration in various specializations. The course fee may go up to INR 5 Lakhs. Specializations, Syllabus and Job Prospects at Undergraduate Level are detailed for popular bachelors degree in Paramedical.
The Undergraduate degree in Paramedic courses with details on duration, fee structure, and so on are tabulated below.
| Course Name | Duration (Years) | Approx. Fees (INR) (Per Annum) |
| Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) | 5 | 3-4 Lakhs |
| B.Sc Perfusion Technology | 3 | 1.25-1.75 Lakhs |
| B.Sc in Dialysis Therapy | 3 | 1-2 Lakhs |
| Bachelor in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (BASLP) | 4 | 85,000-1 Lakhs |
| B.Sc in Critical Care technology | 3 | 1.25-3.25 Lakhs |
| B.Sc in Radiography | 3 | 2-4 Lakhs |
| Bachelor of Radiation Technology | 3 | 1-3 Lakhs |
| Bachelor of Physiotherapy | 4 | 1-3 Lakhs |
| B.Sc Nursing | 4 | 1-2 Lakhs |
| B.Sc in Anaesthesia Technology | 3 | 80,000-2 Lakhs |
| B.Sc Medical Lab Technology | 3 | 3-4 Lakhs |
| Bachelor of Ophthalmic Technology | 3 | 3-6 Lakhs |
| B.Sc in Medical Imaging Technology | 3 | 4-5 Lakhs |
| B.Sc in Operation Theatre Technology | 3 | 3.5-5.5 Lakhs |
| Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yoga Science | 3 | 1-2 Lakhs |
| B.Sc in Renal Dialysis Technology | 3 | 1.25-2.5 Lakhs |
| Bachelor of Occupational Therapy | 4 | 3-4 Lakhs |
| B.Sc in X-Ray Technology | 3 | 3-4 Lakhs |
| B.Sc in Medical Record Technology | 3 | 3-4 Lakhs |
| B.Sc in Optometry | 3 | 2-4 Lakhs |
| B.Sc in Respiratory Therapy | 3 | 2-4 Lakhs |
| B.Sc in Radiotherapy | 3 | 1.5-3 Lakhs |
| B.Sc in Nuclear Medicine Technology | 3 | 4-5 Lakhs |
Specializations, Syllabus and Job Prospects at Undergraduate Level
Paramedical Science is a vast field and offers many undergraduate courses, allowing candidates to choose the area of their choice.
Some of the important paramedical are courses included in the following -
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)
Physiotherapy is a healthcare field concerned with the remediation of impairments, disabilities and the promotion of mobility, functional ability, quality of life and movement potential through examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and physical intervention. BPT is a four-year degree program.
Syllabus for BPT: BPT students essentially study topics like Anatomy, General Psychology, Biomechanics & Kinesiology, Orthopaedics, General Surgery, and Physiotherapy in Neurological Conditions etc. in their core syllabus.
Job Prospects for BPT: Physiotherapists can get employment anywhere in the hospitals, be it ICU or Geriatrics. There is also scope for private physiotherapy practice.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.Sc.)
Nursing is a four-year degree programme. It involves collaborative care for individuals of all ages, families, and communities. It includes the prevention of illness, promotion of health and the maintenance of ill and disabled people.
Syllabus for B.Sc: The core syllabus of B.Sc. Nursing covers various topics like Anatomy and Physiology, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Child Health Nursing, Midwifery and Obstetrical Nursing, etc.
Job Prospects for B.Sc: There are a plethora of job opportunities for students in this field like hospitals, sanatoria, schools, nursing homes, industry, and private medical clinics. There are also opportunities in the Armed Forces, where nursing graduates can become commissioned medical officers.
Bachelor of Science in Medical Lab Technology (B.Sc.)
Concepts like performing chemical, microscopic, immunologic and bacteriological diagnostic analysis on body fluids are associated with the Medical Lab Technology bachelor's degree and are for three years.
Syllabus for B.Sc Lab Tech: The core subjects studied under this degree are Haematology, Clinical Pathology, Immunology, Molecular Pathology, Blood Banking Technology, Biochemistry, Serology, and Microbiology.
Job Prospects B.Sc Lab Tech The Medical Lab Technology field offers remunerative job opportunities like Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Ultrasound Technician, Radiologist Assistant, Radiologic Technologist, and X-Ray Technician.
Diploma Courses in Paramedical
Diploma Paramedical courses range from 2 to 3 years of course duration in various specializations. The maximum course fee is up to INR 2 Lakhs.
The diploma courses under Paramedics are tabulated below.
| Course Name | Duration (In years) | Approx. Fees (Per Annum) |
| Diploma in X-Ray Technology | 2 | INR 50,000 |
| Diploma in Physiotherapy | 2 | INR 1 Lakhs |
| Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology | 3 | INR 75,000 |
| Diploma in Operation Theatre Technology | 2 | INR 65,000 |
| Diploma in Dialysis Technology | 2 | INR 85,000 |
| Diploma in Nursing Care Assistant | 2 | INR 1 Lakhs |
| Diploma in Medical Imaging Technology | 2 | INR 50,000 |
| ANM | 2 | INR 2 Lakhs |
| Diploma in Rural Health Care | 2 | INR 50,000 |
| GNM | 3 | INR 1-2 Lakhs |
| Diploma in Anaesthesia | 2 | INR 1-1.5 Lakhs |
| Diploma in X-Ray Technology | 2 | INR 1-2 Lakhs |
| Diploma in OT Technician | 2 | INR 50,000 |
Certificate Courses in Paramedical
Paramedical Certifications are more like diploma courses with a minimum of one-year course duration.
The certificate courses in the field of paramedics are listed below.
- Certificate - Dialysis Technician
- Certificate - X-Ray Technician
- Certificate - Lab Assistant/Technician
- Certificate - Operation Theatre Assistant
- Certificate - ECG and C.T. Scan Technician
- Certificate - Home-Based Health Care
- Certificate - HIV and Family Education
- Certificate - Nutrition and Childcare
- Certificate - Dental Assistant
- Certificate - Nursing Care Assistant
- Certificate - Rural Health Care
Postgraduate Courses in Paramedical
With many fresh graduates looking forward to having a successful career in Paramedical Science, universities and colleges are doing a fabulous job reaching out to them with quality postgraduate courses. These aspirants have a few options to explore, which include postgraduate diploma and master's degree courses.
The duration of a master's degree course is usually 2-3 years. Whereas, for a Post Graduate Diploma course, the duration is 1-2 years. The internship duration will vary from college to college and course to course. The fee structure for the degree courses is between INR 1 Lakh and INR 2 Lakh per year, which is INR 50,000 to INR 1.50 Lakh per year for the Diploma courses.
The following are the paramedical courses available for the postgraduate levels -
Master of Health Administration (MHA)
MHA is a two-year-long degree course that helps the students gain the essential knowledge required for senior managerial and planning work in the health services and systems sectors.
Syllabus for MHA MHA students study subjects like Management Accounting, Principles of hospital management, Legal aspects of health, Strategic management, Nutrition & Dietetics, Epidemiology, Health Education, Communication, Basic information technology, Principles of management, Organizational behaviour, Quantitative management, and Hospital support services and so on in their core syllabus.
Job Prospects for MHA Dental office, Home health care service, Health system, Community care facility for the elderly, Healthcare consulting firm, Federal government health care facility, health clinic, Ambulatory health care service, etc.
A two-year degree course, MPH is one of the most sought after; fields in paramedical science. It prepares the aspirant to work in a range of public health initiatives, health education, etc. and contribute to a healthy society.
Syllabus for MPH Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Population Sciences, Women and Child Health and Gender Issues, Health System & Policies in Public Health, Ethics in Public Health, Health Economics & Health Care Financing, Environmental Health and Sustainable Development, Organization Behaviour and Design, Human Resource Development in Public Health, Quality Assurance and Total Quality Management.
Job Prospects for MPH Environmental Scientists, Healthcare Administrator, Biostatistician, Epidemiologist, Community Health Workers, Health Educators, Mental Health Counsellors, Health Nutritionist, etc.
Paramedical Entrance Exam
There are many Paramedical entrance exams through which students can get admission into top paramedical colleges in India.
Some of them are mentioned below -
NEET
NEET exam is conducted by CBSE every year in May, and the registration process starts in January. The eligibility criteria for this exam that a candidate must be 12th passed with PCB having a minimum aggregate of 50% marks. The candidate who is pursuing 12th can also participate in this exam..
NEET PG
NEET PG exam is conducted by the national board of examination every year in May, and the registration process starts in August onwards. The candidate is interested in MS/MD or different PG courses ought to participate in this exam.
AIIMS
AIIMS itself conducts AIIMS exams to give admission to its courses. This exam happens in May, and the application starts in February. Students who are interested and want to take admission in AIIMS can register online for this exam.
MHT CET
The Government of Maharashtra conducts the MHT CET exam. MHT CET is a state-level entrance exam that is conducted every year. A candidate must be 12th passed with a minimum of 50% having PCB in class 12th. Students interested in BAMS, MBBS, BPT, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, B.Sc Nursing Courses, etc., can register and participate in the exam.
BHU PMT
This exam is conducted by BHU PMT, i.e., Banaras Hindu University, located in Varanasi, every year. A candidate must be 12th passed in PCB with a minimum of 50% marks for General category and 40% marks for reserved category is mandatory to participate in this exam.
DSAT
DSAT exam is conducted by Dayanand Sagar University Bangalore itself to get admission in Paramedical courses. This exam happens every year in April and May. A candidate who is interested in U.G. and P.G. courses can register and apply online.
EPSI National Admission Test
This exam is conducted by EPSI itself, i.e., Education Promotion Society of India, every year in the first week of April. This exam is popularly known as ENAT. In this exam, students can immediately check their scores after finishing their exams.
Skills Required for a Paramedic
Paramedics support doctors in providing better treatment by performing various medical checkups and therapies. They are the best people to offer the easiest and most effective ways of healthcare to people. These professionals have become an integral part of the Paramedical sector.
Paramedics are one of the first points of contact in an emergency, alongside police officers and firefighters. Paramedics are responsible for assessing and providing any treatment that a patient may require before receiving full medical care at a hospital. Not everyone is suited to work as a paramedic, and students considering careers in this field should possess a particular set of skills and qualities.
An aspirant should possess the following skills to become a paramedic -
- Should have excellent problem-solving skills
- Requires exceptional interpersonal skills
- Good health and physical strength is crucial for professional paramedics
- Must always strive to learn from their mistakes.
Paramedic Jobs in India
In today's world, it is well known that there is a requirement for paramedics. There is broad scope in this field as many jobs are to perform after completing the paramedical courses. Candidates will be performing jobs as Lab Technicians, Radiology Technicians, Nursing assistants, Pharmacists, and Physiotherapists.
In India, the Paramedical sector will increase by around 16.6% in the coming years, stated in the report. Besides this, the government will open around 1.50 large integer health centres across the country to distribute free medicines and supply medical checkups to the folks. Therefore, students who are planning to become a paramedic can start their career in this field.
Top Paramedic Recruiters
A paramedical graduate who wants to build their career in this field can get job opportunities in top organizations.
Below mentioned are some of the top recruiters.
- Dr.Lal Path Labs
- Apollo Hospital
- Batra Hospital
- Jaypee Hospital
- Sri Ganga Ram Hospital
- Medanta Hospital and many more are there.
Paramedical Salary in India
The paramedical salary for various designations differs based on their experience. The salary data for various paramedic designations mentioned here are taken from PayScale.
Below are the salaries offered to various paramedic designations.
| Designation | Experience | PayGrade |
| Entry-level Emergency Medical Technician | Less than 1 Year | INR 1,50,000 (12 salaries) |
| Emergency Medical Technician | 1 to 4 years | INR 1,29,244 (40 salaries) |
| A mid-career Emergency Medical Technician | 5 to 9 years | INR 1,49,583 (12 salaries) |
Top Paramedical Colleges in India
In a nutshell, a paramedic field requires total devotion, smartness, unselfish behaviour, empathy, and kindness. The paramedic has to be on their toes to serve the needy whenever needed. A paramedic is never off duty ever. If a person feels motivated to do something for society, being a paramedic is the best thing.
Below are some of the top paramedical colleges in India.
| Name of the College | Affiliation | Accreditation |
| Azad Institute of Pharma and Research | Uttar Pradesh Technical University | AICTE |
| Aarupadai Veedu Medical College | Pondicherry University | Other |
| Acharya's NR School of Nursing | Karnataka Nursing Council | INC |
| Al-Ameen College of Pharmacy | Rajeev Gandhi University of Health Sciences | AICTE |
| Anuradha College of Pharmacy | Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University | AICTE |
| Central India Institute of Pharmacy | Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education | AICTE |
| College of Nursing, Harish Hospital | Other | Indian Nursing Council |
| Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences | Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences | MCI |
| Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences | Other | Other |
| The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University | The Tamilnadu Dr.M.G.R. Medical University | MCI |
| Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Pooja College of Pharmacy | U.P. Technical University | AICTE |
| Padmashree Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research | University of Pune | AICTE |
| Dr. Subhash College of Physical Education (Self Finance B.P.Ed. College) | Saurashtra University | NCTE |
| DY Patil Medical College, Mumbai | University of Mumbai | MCI |
| Goel Institute of Pharmacy & Sciences | Uttar Pradesh Technical University | AICTE |
| Government Medical College, Aurangabad | Maharashtra University of Health Sciences | MCI |
| Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences | Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences | MCI |
| IIMT College of Medical Sciences | Uttar Pradesh Technical University | Other |
| Institute of Medical Science & Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar University | Maharishi Markandeshwar University | UGC |
| Institute of Medical Technology & Nursing Education, Swasthya Kalyan Group | Rajasthan University of Health Sciences | Rajasthan Nursing Council |
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