Opportunities for medical aspirants in India
By SP Saju Bhaskar
The Covid-19 pandemic acted as a seismic force in healthcare, shifting long-standing perceptions and expanding the scope of career opportunities in the sector. India, with its traditionally doctor-centric healthcare narrative, is now witnessing a broadening of possibilities for students who do not clear NEET.
From health informatics and public health to AI-driven diagnostics and community-based roles, new doors are opening for aspirants from varied academic and skill backgrounds.
In the post-pandemic world, healthcare has evolved from a clinical environment to a more interconnected, interdisciplinary system. With artificial intelligence, telemedicine, mental health awareness, and government-led grassroots initiatives gaining traction, the industry no longer restricts entry to just medical graduates.
Allied healthcare professionals form the essential support structure for clinical and diagnostic services. These roles are hands-on, patient-facing, and deeply impactful, especially in diagnostic labs, operation theaters, rehabilitation centers, and critical care units.
Popular roles and education
Students can opt for diploma or bachelor's degree programs in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT), Radiology, Operation Theatre Technology, Dialysis Technology, or Physiotherapy. Most of these programmes are available through paramedical colleges or health universities, requiring 10+2 with science (PCB) as eligibility.
Career scope and growth
Post-pandemic, there's been a 25% rise in the demand for radiology and lab professionals across Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities in India, according to Naukri.com data (2023). With the expansion of private diagnostics chains like Dr Lal PathLabs and Metropolis, job security is strong.
Average salary ranges are:
–Entry-level (0–2 years): Rs 2.4 – Rs 3.5 LPA
–Mid-level (3–6 years): Rs 4 – Rs 6 LPA
–Senior roles/technicians in multispecialty hospitals: Rs 7 – Rs 9 LPA
Why it's a good fit?
These roles require fewer years of study than MBBS, are relatively cost-effective, and offer direct involvement in patient outcomes, making them ideal for non-NEET students seeking practical, clinical careers.
The pandemic spotlighted the importance of public health infrastructure, leading to a surge in demand for professionals who can design, implement, and manage health programs at scale.
Courses and entry paths
Programs like B.Sc. in Public Health, Bachelor of Hospital Administration (BHA), and Master of Public Health (MPH) are growing in popularity. These courses are available at institutions such as TISS (Tata Institute of Social Sciences), PHFI (Public Health Foundation of India), and Manipal Academy.
Key roles and responsibilities
Graduates can work as public health officers, health program managers, epidemiology assistants, hospital administrators, or NGO project coordinators. Organisations like WHO, UNICEF, and Gates Foundation offer internships and employment in such roles.
Market trends and salary insights
According to India Skills Report 2024, healthcare management roles have seen a 30% spike in hiring post-2021. Public health professionals play a pivotal role in disease surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and urban health missions.
Average salary ranges are:
–Entry-level NGO/government roles: Rs 3 – Rs 4.5 LPA
–Hospital admin/health policy roles: Rs 5 – Rs 8 LPA
–International NGOs: Rs 10 LPA and above
Why this matters post-pandemic
Students not inclined toward direct patient care but interested in systems, strategy, and policy can find deeply rewarding careers in this space, contributing to systemic change in India's healthcare delivery.
Mental health and behavioral sciences
Mental health has transitioned from a taboo to a talking point. India currently has a severe shortage of trained mental health professionals, with only 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, far below WHO recommendations.
Educational pathways
Students can pursue BA/B.Sc. in Psychology followed by a Master's in Clinical Psychology, Counseling, or Social Work. Many universities also offer diplomas in counseling, art therapy, or rehabilitation psychology.
Career options and demand
Careers in this field include school counselors, rehabilitation therapists, clinical psychologists, and mental wellness coaches. With the emergence of tele-counseling platforms online mental health services are booming.
Government and private sector response
The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, and initiatives like Tele MANAS have opened up public sector hiring for counselors and psychologists in community centers and schools.
Average salary ranges are:
–Entry-level counselors: Rs 2.5 – Rs 4 LPA
–Private clinical practice or established therapy centers: Rs 5 – Rs 10 LPA
–Senior psychologists and organisational therapists: Rs 10 – Rs 15 LPA
The future outlook
As societal awareness grows, the mental health sector is projected to grow at a CAGR of 20% through 2027. This field is ideal for empathetic individuals who wish to make a difference without pursuing MBBS.
Healthcare and technology are converging faster than ever, and this hybridisation has opened up a suite of non-clinical roles that are high-paying, future-proof, and highly innovative.
In-demand roles
Healthcare data analysts, EMR (Electronic Medical Records) specialists, AI model trainers, telemedicine platform managers, and cybersecurity specialists in hospital systems are all in growing demand.
Educational background
A B.Sc. in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, or Health Informatics, followed by short-term certifications in data science or health analytics, can lead to opportunities in this field. Institutes like IIIT-Hyderabad, Amity, and private platforms like Coursera and Great Learning offer relevant programs.
AI's disruption in healthcare
According to a NASSCOM 2023 report, AI-based diagnostic tools will cut 30–40% of diagnostic time in radiology and pathology. As a result, non-medical tech graduates are being hired to build, train, and deploy these systems.
Average salary ranges are:
–Junior data analysts: Rs 4 – Rs 6 LPA
–Mid-level AI professionals in health startups: Rs 7 – Rs 12 LPA
–Senior roles in medtech firms: Rs 15 LPA+
What makes this exciting?
These roles combine problem-solving, coding, and healthcare impact, making them ideal for tech-minded students who missed out on NEET but want to shape the future of medicine.
For those interested in non-traditional or community-facing roles, the healthcare industry offers options beyond labs and hospitals. Here's an overview:
Community health roles
Government programs like ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) and Anganwadi employ lakhs of women across India, focusing on maternal care, child nutrition, and vaccination. These roles are crucial in bridging the urban-rural health divide.
Qualifications and impact
Most roles require Class 10 or 12 education and on-the-job training. While the salaries are modest — Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000 per month with additional performance-based incentives — the social impact is significant.
Medical content and digital health communication
With the rise of health platforms and YouTube health educators, the demand for medical writers, content strategists, and public health influencers is rising. Writers with backgrounds in biology or health sciences can work with digital platforms, pharmaceutical companies, or wellness brands.
Average salary ranges are:
–Freelance writers: Rs 25,000 – Rs 50,000/month (project-based)
–Full-time content strategists: Rs 4 – Rs 8 LPA
–Health YouTubers/creators: Varies with reach; potential to earn Rs 1L+ monthly
India saw a boom in healthtech startups post-2020. Platforms like PharmEasy, 1mg, and Practo disrupted diagnostics, medicine delivery, and doctor consultations. Students with business acumen can explore ventures in nutrition, wellness, mobile diagnostics, or elderly care.
Startup India and Atal Innovation Mission provide seed funding, mentorship, and incubators to healthcare startups, especially those solving grassroots health issues.
The healthcare ecosystem in India is undergoing a transformation that is making it more inclusive, interdisciplinary, and innovation-driven. While NEET continues to be a path for those aiming to become doctors, it is no longer the only road to a successful healthcare career. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a passionate communicator, a future public health policymaker, or someone driven by community service, there is a place for you in this new healthcare paradigm.
As artificial intelligence, preventive care, and digital transformation continue to redefine medicine, students from diverse academic streams can contribute meaningfully to the sector. These emerging roles not only address the talent gap in India's healthcare system but also empower the next generation of professionals to build a more resilient and equitable health future.
The Author is the founder and president, Texila American University, Guyana – South America
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