IKONS
At the Rio Paralympic Games, four Indians secured medals: two golds (including a world record), a silver, and a bronze. Devendra Jhajharia won a gold medal in javelin throw, and Mariyappan Thangavelu in high jump. Deepa Malik earned the silver in shot put, while Varun Singh Bhati took bronze in high jump.
One key factor in Devendra Jhajharia’s success was the support of his physiotherapist, G. B. Shetty, at the SAI Centre in Gandhinagar, where he trained.
These athletes, who brought pride to India, were supported by physiotherapists and occupational therapists who helped maintain their peak fitness. The opportunity for paramedics to contribute to the success of athletes presents a promising career path, in addition to other healthcare roles.
What is the Job all about?
Paramedics are trained professionals who assist in various medical areas. In Goa, for instance, the “108” Medical Ambulance Service has a paramedic on duty to provide immediate medical aid, such as oxygen or medical resuscitation, before the patient reaches the hospital.
Specializations in Paramedical Services:
Physiotherapy: This rehabilitative service is essential after accidents or for those with permanent disabilities. It helps alleviate movement dysfunction through exercise therapy and other therapeutic agents, often as post-operative treatment for fractures, dislocations, amputations, nerve injuries, burns, and more.
Medical Technology: This diagnostic service supports doctors in pathology and microbiology. Medical laboratory technicians conduct tests on urine, stool, and blood, examine body fluids, tissue samples, and detect fungi and bacteria.
Speech Therapy and Audiology: This field addresses communication difficulties. Speech therapists treat voice, speech, and language defects, such as stammering. Audiologists help those, particularly the elderly, with hearing loss.
Radiology/Radiotherapy: An essential tool in diagnosing and treating diseases like cancer, tumors, and ulcers. However, due to the risks of radiation exposure, women are generally advised to avoid this field.
Occupational Therapy: This discipline helps individuals with physical impairments or mental disorders regain normalcy in their lives.
Optometry/Ophthalmic Technology: Optometrists treat visual defects with optical instruments, conduct eye tests, and prescribe corrective lenses. They also fit contact lenses, which are increasingly popular.
Prosthetics and Orthotics: Prosthetics involves rehabilitating those who have lost limbs, often due to injuries or medical conditions. Orthotics involves creating devices to support diseased body parts.
Dental Lab Technician: Technicians repair and create dental appliances like dentures, crowns, bridges, and braces. They require precision and accuracy in their work.
Can you go for it?
Many aspire to contribute to the medical field, but not all can become doctors due to stringent admission tests. Paramedical careers offer an alternative, requiring commitment, compassion, and the ability to understand and assist with patients’ ailments under medical supervision.
Is there a future in this field?
India’s large population creates a vast demand for medical services, leading to a shortage of doctors. As a result, trained paramedics play a crucial role in healthcare. There are also opportunities in sports, fitness centers, and even abroad, where significant salaries are offered.
Where to Begin
In Goa
Goa Medical College offers the following paramedical courses:
• Bachelor of Physiotherapy
• Bachelor of Operation Theatre Technology
• BSc in Medical Lab Technology
• BSc in Radiography
• BSc in Renal Dialysis Technology
• BSc in X-Ray Technology
• BSc in Anaesthesia Technology
Vrundavan Hospital & Research Centre in Porvorim offers diploma courses, with exams conducted by the Delhi Board. The programs are one year long, followed by a three-month internship:
• Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT)
• Diploma in X-Ray Technology
• Diploma in Medical ECG & ICU Technology
• Diploma in Hospital Management Technology
• Diploma in Operation Theatre Technology
• Diploma in CT Scan Technology
• Diploma in Ultrasound and Echocardiography Technology
Outside Goa
1. Physiotherapy
• Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Pimpri, Pune (Maharashtra)
• School of Physiotherapy, KEM Hospital, Mumbai (Maharashtra)
• Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Sion, Mumbai (Maharashtra)
2. Prosthetics and Orthotics
• National Institute for Rehabilitation Training and Research, Cuttack
• Colleges in Mangalore, Belgaum, and Bengaluru offer similar programs.
3. Speech Therapy and Audiology
• All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysore
• Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped, Bandra, Mumbai
4. Radiology
• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Medical College Hospital, Bengaluru
• King George Hospital College of Nursing, Visakhapatnam
5. Optometry/Ophthalmic Technology
• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
• SNDT Women College, Mumbai
• CMC Eye Hospital, Vellore
• Jaslok Hospital & KEM Hospital, Mumbai, offer diploma programs.
6. Prosthetics and Orthotics
• All India Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mumbai
• National Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapped, Bon-Hooghly, Kolkata
7. Dental Lab Technician
• National Industrial Training Centre, New Delhi
• Cochin Technical College
8. Occupational Therapy
• Manipal University, Manipal
• All India Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mumbai
• College of Advanced Studies, Chiplun, Maharashtra
• G.S. Seth Medical College, Mumbai
Employment avenues
Job opportunities are available in hospitals, nursing homes, health departments, and sports clubs. Teaching assignments are also an option.
Monetary Potential
Salaries vary across specializations and are influenced by supply and demand. Entry-level salaries range from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month, with higher-end jobs offering up to ₹35,000. Salaries increase with experience.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: August 2024