Allied Health vs Nursing: What to do after 12th?

In healthcare, there are multiple career options and each one is important in its own way for the betterment of the patient. In this article, we’ll talk about two important sectors of healthcare: Allied Health Professionals and Nursing. Every role in healthcare is pivotal, however, the scope of practice, career advancement, and education differ greatly.  Most medical aspirants often get stuck in the predicament of whether they want to pursue nursing or take up one of the diverse job roles available in allied health. Understanding what each has to offer can help students make informed decisions.  

Understanding the Professions 

• Allied Health: Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) cover a wide range of specialists who are essential to the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of patients. Their roles span across fields like physiotherapy, radiology, optometry, hospital administration, phlebotomy, medical lab technology, and more. AHPs work closely with doctors and nurses, often behind the scenes, ensuring that patients receive accurate diagnoses and the right treatments.
• Nursing: Nurses are at the heart of patient care. They provide bedside support, administer medications, monitor recovery, and act as a vital link between patients and doctors. Nurses work hand in hand with physicians, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients get the attention and care they need, every step of the way. 

Courses and Education Qualifications  

Allied Health: To become an AHP, you can pursue a B.Sc program in any of the specializations, such as:  

• Bachelor’s in Optometry 

• Bachelor’s in Medical Lab Technology  

• Bachelor’s in Radiology & Medical Imaging Technology 

• Bachelor’s in Hospital Administration 

• Bachelor’s in Operating Theatre Technology  

The programs range from three to four years and are typically more outcome-focused. Doing a specialized program helps prepare you for a specific career path and ensures that the curriculum you study is relevant to your job.  

Nursing: Students looking to get into nursing generally go for Bachelor (B.Sc.) in Nursing or diploma programs like Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) and General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM). The duration of these courses ranges from three to four years. Advanced specializations are also available through M.Sc Nursing.  

Scope and Demand in India 

Healthcare is the 2nd largest employer sector growing at an annual growth rate of 22%. There are 7.4 million healthcare professionals with more than 500,000 new job openings annually. This growth has led to a surge in demand for qualified healthcare professionals. 

Scope for AHPs:  

With a demand of 47 lakh AHPs in India, Allied Health has great scope for anyone looking to build a healthcare career. To add to this, the expansion of medical facilities and the advancement of medical technology is increasing the importance of allied health professionals.  

With increasing scope and career opportunities, AHPs can work across a variety of work settings, including:  

• Hospitals, rehabilitation centers and outpatient clinics  

• Academics and research  

• Sports medicine for physiotherapists and occupational therapists 

Scope for Nursing:  

Nursing, too, offers a varied career path that offers numerous opportunities for growth. After nursing, you can work in diverse settings like:  

• Hospitals and primary care  

• Education and training 

• Healthcare administration 

The nursing profession also offers a wide range of specializations, such as pediatric nursing, geriatric nursing, surgical nursing, and emergency care. 

What does the future look like?  

Technological advancements are disrupting and transforming the healthcare industry. However, human interaction remains equally important. Allied health professionals have made the connection between doctors and patients very seamless. The spread of home diagnostics has also increased the demand for skilled technologists while also giving rise to other professions. At the same time, nurses play a key role in healthcare and patient care, with new specialties gaining popularity like palliative and geriatric nursing.  

Making a Decision: Choosing a Career 

Whether it’s allied health or nursing - deciding which domain to build your career in can be confusing but it should be based on your interests and career aspirations. If you are someone who likes to work with patients, nursing can be a good career option for you. If you are someone who takes interest in diagnostics, and medical technology while also dealing with patients, a career in allied health may be a good fit. You must also take into account the future prospects and growth opportunities before making a decision.  

Ultimately, both professions offer rewarding careers. You must assess your strengths, long-term goals and research all options before choosing a path. In the end, both roles contribute significantly to the healthcare industry, having a lasting impact on many lives.  

Note: The views expressed in this article are of Virohan and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha