Just like engineering is one of the popular choices for the students studying in the field of PCM, MBBS is considered one of the most obvious choices for all the students belonging to the medical field in class-12.
At times, the students who have qualified their intermediate with biology, feel that there are not many options for them and hence, due to this, many students opt for MBBS not because they are passionate about being a doctor but because they assume that there are not many options for them. It is to be duly noted by the students, that if they have decided on being a doctor and pursuing MBBS, they should not be settling for anything else.
Unlike popular belief, studying Biology in class 12 opens up several opportunities apart from the traditional and conventional profession of being a doctor. Here are some of the top fields in which the students of biology can pursue their graduation which is certainly not MBBS:
1. Alternative Medicine:
If not MBBS, then what? One might have heard about a lot of various types of medicinal studies like homeopathy, Unani, Ayurveda, and more recently gaining popularity, fields like Naturopathy. The courses for theses are called as:
- BAMS (Bachelor Of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery)
- BUMS (Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery)
- BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathy and Surgery)
- BNYS (Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yoga Sciences)
In India, the course duration of BAMS is of 4.5 years whereas for BUMS, BHMS, BNYS is of 5.5 years each, and NEET qualification is required. All these fields are the fastest-growing alternative medicines. While alternative medicine was previously considered a more private practice option, the government is now taking a more active role in these fields. In order for research and development to improve, new institutions are opening and old ones are being asked to establish and strengthen these educational arenas.
2. Pharmaceuticals:
The already emerging pharmaceutical industry has now seen a considerable acceleration since the onset of the pandemic in the world and especially in a growing economy like that of India.
Students interested in this field can pursue Bachelor of Pharmacy and other related courses like B.Pharm. (Hons.), B.Pharm. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacognosy, Pharmacology, and Ayurvedic. All these courses are of 4 years duration. Students can also pursue integrated courses like B.Pharma and MBA for a dual degree. The duration of this integrated course is 5 years.
3. Biotechnology:
Another fast-growing research field of medical studies is the multidisciplinary field of Biotechnology. This field includes several disciplines like Genetic Engineering, Environment Technology, Molecular & Cellular Engineering, Industrial Microbiology, Bioinformatics, etc.
Generally of the 4 years course, the field is comparatively new in India and has been gaining popularity since the past decade. The 4-year undergraduate course is usually named B. Tech provides ample research opportunities for its students not just in India but also abroad.
4. Veterinary and Animal Sciences:
Veterinarians specialize in everything from medicine, surgery, and lab work for animals. A B.V.Sc degree offers countless options, from genetics and breeding to gynecology, pathology, animal nutrition, microbiology, physiology, medicine, wildlife studies, etc., and requires NEET qualification Animal lovers can choose this stream and make it a rewarding career if they feel inclined to animal welfare.
As new strains of viruses and diseases are discovered worldwide, this stream of biology has become more essential since it involves preventing the transfer of illness from one species to another. As a career, veterinary science holds a high reputation worldwide.
5. Bio-physics:
Utilizing mathematics and computer modeling, this stream applies the principles of physics to biology. From molecular level to cell population level, biophysics has a wide reach. Its aim is to provide an understanding of the ways in which living organisms behave. It includes research in areas such as neuroscience, pharmacology, physiology, structural biology, biochemistry, and medicine.
A B.Sc. in Biophysics has, aside from the education sector (such as professors and teachers) and research-based industries, a variety of options. As a scientist, one can specialize in nutritional biophysics, medical biophysics, chemical biophysics, or applied biophysics.
6. Forensic Sciences:
Government agencies typically hire forensic biologists. The primary job for it entails assisting criminal investigations, they examine crime scenes and evidence including blood and human remains. In this field, one needs to be both active in the field as well as in a lab.
The fields of study in forensic sciences include (forensic) entomology, chemistry, botany, pathology, and DNA analysis. It requires a keen eye and attention to detail in order to detect evidence and irregularities.
7 Paramedical Sciences:
A paramedical course is a medical training course that is focused on a particular job role. These courses are quite specialized and prepare students for real-life medical situations. As the medical field is in need of skilled paramedics, the importance of paramedical courses has been realized.
As opposed to a conventional MBBS degree, paramedicine is one of the most affordable and fastest options for building a career in the medical field. It is a career-oriented course that offers plenty of employment opportunities. An undergraduate course in paramedical sciences would be of the duration of 3 to 4 years.
The field of study in the paramedical sciences at a UG level includes Bachelors of Radiation Technology, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Dialysis Therapy, Medical Lab Technology, Optometry, X-Ray Technology, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Operation Theatre Technology, Medical Record Technology, Medical Imaging Technology, Anesthesia Technology, etc
8. Hospital and Healthcare Management:
Currently, one of the most in-demand courses is a master’s degree in hospital management or a master’s degree in healthcare management. The course is usually 4 years long. Graduates from such courses may not contribute directly to patient care but are actively involved in overseeing the healthcare process in large medical organizations. Communication between the various departments in hospitals is usually better coordinated and more efficient with their involvement.
Conclusion
The above are some of the many options available for medical students besides NEET for them to explore. Apart from these, the students can also enroll in academic courses like B.Sc. Zoology, Botany, Microbiology, Life-Sciences. Environmental Sciences, etc at various universities. It is always advised to the students to choose the field as per their interest and ambitions instead of following the crowd.
However, if the students possess a strong will to be a doctor and study MBBS but have been unable to secure a seat at the government medical colleges, MBBS in Russia provides you with the chance to follow your dream and not to adjust for anything less.
