The medical industry relies on a vast number of highly skilled professionals, including paramedics, who play a critical role in providing quality healthcare services. With advancements in medical treatment and an increasing demand for diagnosis, automation, and new life support systems, paramedics are in high demand today.

Who is a paramedic?

A paramedic is a trained healthcare professional who has undergone a 2 or 3-year course and obtained authorization to work as a technician in a specific area of the medical industry. They are an essential part of the healthcare team, and their role involves providing emergency medical care and transport, administering medication, and assisting with diagnostic procedures.

Paramedics are highly valued both in India and abroad and becoming one can be a very rewarding career choice. With a growing need for quality healthcare services, the demand for paramedics is expected to continue to rise in the coming years. As a result, there are plenty of opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career as a paramedic.

Paramedical Courses

Diploma Courses

The Karnataka State Paramedical Board provides a comprehensive 3-year diploma program in paramedical sciences, covering a wide range of essential skills and knowledge. This program is designed to equip students with the necessary expertise to serve as skilled healthcare professionals in various fields.

Students will receive in-depth training and hands-on experience in critical areas such as:

• Medical Lab Technology
• Medical X-Ray Technology
• Medical Records Technology
• Operation Theatre Technology
• Dialysis Technology
• Health Inspector
• Ophthalmic Technology
• Dental Mechanic
• Dental Hygiene

Note: The diploma course is available for students who have completed 10th grade, as well as those who have completed PUC/12th grade. However, students who have completed PUC/12th grade and join the diploma course will have a shorter duration of only 2 years.

Karnataka State Paramedical Board Admission Process for Government and Private Medical Colleges

The Karnataka State Paramedical Board conducts admission process for filling Government College seats in four medical colleges and Government Quota Seats in private medical colleges across the state. The admission notification is issued in July/August every year.

Admission Process: Candidates are ranked based on their marks in Science in 10th/2nd PUC and are eligible for admission to both Government and Private Recognized Paramedical Colleges in Karnataka. Central Counselling is held at the Government Nursing College Campus in Victoria Hospital, Bangalore, where seats are allotted based on merit. Seats are reserved for candidates belonging to SC, ST, Cat 1, 2A, 2B, 3A & 3B categories.

Selection Process: The admission process is based on the candidate’s rank and availability of seats. All candidates who apply are given ranks based on their marks in Science in 10th/2nd PUC. Seats are allotted based on merit in Government and Private Recognized Paramedical Colleges across Karnataka.

Fee Structure: The fee structure for Government college seats is approximately Rs. 3000/- while a Government allotted seat in a private college will cost approximately Rs. 7000/-. However, the fee structure varies from college to college in private colleges. In case a candidate misses the Government Counselling, they can opt for a Management quota seat, which will cost 2-3 times the normal fees.

Certificate & Vocational Paramedical Courses

• Certificate Courses offered by St. John’s Medical College Hospital, Sarjapur Road, Bangalore:
  • Nursing Aide Training (1 year)
  • Medical Records Management (1 year)
  • Plaster Technician (1 year)
  • Pulmonary Function & Testing and Polysomnography (1 year)
  • EEG/ENMG Technician (1 year) Contact details: Phone: 080-22065000, 22065001

• Certificate Course in Ophthalmic Technician offered by Bangalore West Lions Eye Hospital, Off. J.C.Road, Bangalore:
  • Duration: 1 year
  • Eligibility: SSLC passouts
  • Stipend: Rs. 2000/- per month Contact details: Address: Off. J.C.Road, Bangalore – 560002

• Certificate Courses offered by Hosmat Hospital, Magrath Road, Bangalore:
  • Mould Casting Technology (6 months)
  • Plaster Technician (6 months)
  • OT Scrub Technician (6 months)
  • Nursing Assistant (6 months)
  • OT Attender (6 months)
  • Ward Attender (6 months)
  • Stipend available for candidates Contact details: Phone: 080-25575590, 91; Address: # 45/1, Magrath Road, Bangalore – 560025

Future For Paramedical Students

Paramedical students have a plethora of job opportunities even before completing their Diploma Course. Many candidates opt for the Diploma course again but in another specialization after gaining 2-3 years of experience. However, those who aspire to higher positions and better pay packages need to pursue graduation in their chosen or related paramedical field.

Diploma courses are available in a variety of paramedical specializations, including:

• Medical Lab Technology
• Medical X-Ray Technology
• Operation Theatre Technology
• Cardiac Care Technology
• Radiotherapy
• Renal Dialysis and others.

These courses are not only open to diploma holders but also to those who have completed their PUC (Pre-University Course).

Job Opportunities for Paramedics

• Placement opportunities are provided to all paramedical students in their final year of study.
• The starting salary for freshers may be low, but after gaining 6 months to 1 year of experience, a competent paramedic can demand a good salary.
• Paramedics can find work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, blood banks, manufacturing firms, dairy institutes, pharmaceutical labs, public health labs, diagnostic laboratories, rehabilitation centers, and special treatment centers.
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English can enable paramedics to work globally and earn a substantial salary.

There are more than 150 affiliated paramedical colleges. For a list of these colleges, please visit www.pmbkarnataka.org.