What is MBBS
The basic or degree level qualification for a medical profession is MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine And Bachelor Of Surgery) which is of 5 1/2 years duration (including 1 year internship).

What is BDS
Modern Indian dentists earn the Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree (B.D.S.), which requires four years of study and one year of internship. This degree is overseen by the Dental Council of India. In most states, one has to appear for an entrance test conducted by the Directorate of Medical Education, whereas some autonomous universities conduct their own entrance tests. Post graduate courses (Master of Dental Surgery. MDS) are also available in different specialties. It requires 3 years of study after BDS.

Specialization Fields
The increasingly complicated lifestyles are giving birth to a variety of ailments, which have made it impossible for General Physicians with an MBBS degree to handle all ailments. It is here that specialization in a particular branch of medicine becomes a necessity.

The major Specializations include: General Medicine.
1. General Surgery.
2. Paediatrics.
3. Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
4. Dermatology.
5. Ophthalmology.
6. Orthopedics.
7. ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat).
8. Psychiatry.
9. Anesthesiology.

There are also Super Specializations which require a further 3-5 years of study in areas such as:
1. Plastic Surgery.
2. Neurosurgery.
3. Cardio-thoracic surgery .
4. Conito-urinary surgery.
5. Paediatric Surgery .
6. Gastroenterology .
7. Endocrinology.
8. Clinical Haematology

Paramedical Fields

Physiotherapist :
He uses Physical exercise therapy, other therapeutic agents like heat, radiation, water, electricity, water etc. and massage to cure weaknesses and rebuild damaged muscles, joints and bones.

Course : Bachelor course in Physiotherapy (BPT)- 3 years + 6 months internship.

Qualification required for admission : Bachelor course in Physiotherapy (BPT) - 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Job Prospects : They can find employment in Rehabilitation/Orthopedic departments of hospitals. There is also scope for private practice.

Occupational Therapist :
Rehabilitates physically handicapped and mentally retarded persons. It is a kind of treatment imparted through indulging in different activities like handicrafts, manual and industrial art, recreation and activities of daily living.

Course : B.Sc Occupational Therapy -3 years + 6 months internship

Qualification required for admission : B.Sc- is 10 + 2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Duration of the course is 3 years.

Job Prospects : They can find employment in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, diagnostic centers etc. They can also offer freelance service.

Speech Therapist :
He is concerned with the treatment of loss of hearing and problems of speaking. He imparts treatment speech impairments like stammering and other communication disabilities through Psychological help and supportive speech therapy.

Course : B.Sc Audiology and Speech Therapy- 3 years

Qualification required for admission : B.Sc - 10 + 2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Biology with 50% marks

Job Prospects : They can find employment in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, Medical departments of the state and central governments etc. They can also offer freelance service.

Prosthetic & Orthotic Engineering :
It involves manufacture of artificial structures which may replace the inoperative parts or missing parts of the body.

Course : Diploma in Prosthetic or Orthotic Engineering Qualification required for admission : Diploma in Prosthetic or Orthotic Engineering: 10 + 2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. The course is of 3 years duration. They can find employment in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, diagnostic centers, polyclinics etc

Homeopathy :
Homeopathy is a system of medicine recognised as an effective means of treating diseases.. Though this system was developed abroad, it has become an integral part of the Indian way of life. There are many institutes imparting Homeopathy courses in India.

Courses : B.H.M.S- Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine & Surgery- 5 1/2 years, D.H.M.S-Diploma in Homoeopathic Medicine & Surgery

Qualification required for admission :B.H.M.S - 10 + 2 in physics, chemistry, Biology and English with minimum 45 % marks

Job prospectus : They can get jobs as Homeopathy doctors in Homeo clinics or practice independently Other Medical Fields :

Nursing : A nurse assists doctors and render services to the patients in getting the temperature and pulse recorded, administering medication both orally and through injections, changing dressings, giving personal care, preparing patients for surgery etc.

Courses available to become a Nurse : B.Sc Nursing - 3-4 yrs, General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM)- 3 years 6 months, Auxiliary Nurse Midwife-18 months, Health worker (female)- 18 months

Qualification required for admission :
B.Sc Nursing - 10+2 with Biology, Physics, Chemistry
General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM)- 10+2 with Biology, Physics, Chemistry
Auxiliary Nurse Midwife - Class 10 pass
Health worker (female) - Class 10 pass

Job Prospects : They can find employment in hospitals, nursing homes, sanatoria, schools, industry and private medical clinics. There are opportunities with Defence Forces where nursing graduates can aspire to become commissioned officers.

Pharmacist :
They are concerned with production of pharmaceutical products, development of the methods of production and quality control. They also deliver medicines as per the prescription given by a doctor and gives instructions regarding the mode of consumption of medicine.

Courses available to become a Pharmacist : Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm)- 2 yrs, Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm)- 4 yrs, Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm)-1 1/2 or 2 yrs, Research Studies (Ph.D)-2 to 3 yrs.

Qualification required for admission : D.Pharm and B.Pharm - 10+2 in science subjects; M.Pharm - B.Pharm, Ph.D- M.Pharm

Job Prospects : Pharmacists can find employment with drug manufacturing companies, research organisations in private and Govt. sectors and in dispensaries and medical stores.