By Haritha Haridas on 8 Jan 2024
5 mins read
A nursing course focuses on your training and learning to become a competent nurse. You can pursue a nursing course after your 12th with a minimum aggregate of 50% in science with biology.
The top nursing courses after 12th are B.Sc. Nursing, GNM, and ANM. Further specialisations include B.Sc. Post Basic and M.Sc. Nursing.
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A nursing course is an educational program designed to prepare individuals for a career in nursing. Nursing is a profession focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities to promote health and well-being, prevent illness, and provide treatment and support during times of illness. Nursing courses are offered at various educational levels, including diploma programs, associate degree programs, bachelor's degree programs, master's degree programs, and doctoral programs.
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Based on the nursing course duration and level, the nursing courses are of the following types:
| Type | Course | Duration |
| Certificate | Certificate | Up to 6 months |
| Diploma | ANM (Auxiliary Nurse & Midwife) | 2 years |
| GNM (General Nursing & Midwifery) | 3.5 years | |
| Undergraduate | B.Sc. Nursing | 4 years |
| B.Sc. Nursing Post-Basic | 1 year | |
| Postgraduate | M.Sc. Nursing | 2 years |
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Nursing course eligibility criteria are quite similar across different colleges in India. Here are some common requirements for students interested in pursuing a nursing course.
1. ANM Nursing Course
2. GNM Nursing Course
3. Undergraduate Nursing Courses (B.Sc. Nursing/B.Sc. Nursing Post Basic)
4. Postgraduate Nursing Courses (M.Sc. Nursing)
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| Parameters | GNM Nursing Course | ANM Nursing Course | B.Sc. Nursing Course |
| Overview | A diploma program that trains you to assist doctors and provide first aid in hospitals. | A basic diploma program that trains you to assist doctors. | An undergraduate full-time course that gives you an in-depth knowledge of nursing. It prepares and trains you for every medical task in a hospital. |
| Nursing Course Degree | Diploma | Diploma | Bachelor’s degree |
| Nursing Course Duration | 3.5 Years | 2 Years | 4 Years |
| Nursing Course Qualification | A 10+2 certificate in Biology, Chemistry and Physics | A 10+2 certificate in any stream | A 10+2 certificate in Biology, Chemistry and Physics |
| Nursing Course Entrance Exam | Conducted by colleges or states | Conducted by colleges or states | Conducted by colleges or states |
| Nursing Course Salary | INR 2 LPA - INR 3 LPA | INR 1.5 LPA - INR 2 LPA | INR 3.5 LPA - INR 7 LPA |
There are various other healthcare courses similar to nursing courses that you can pursue for a successful career in the healthcare industry. These courses include various paramedical courses such as Medical Lab Technology, Operation Theater Technology, and Hospital Administration. Among various institutes offering these courses, Virohan Institute, India’s leading paramedical institute offers these courses to students from all fields. Irrespective of whether you are from arts, commerce, or science, you can apply for admission to Virohan Institute to kickstart your healthcare journey today!
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The admission process for nursing courses depends on the college or university you are applying to. The basic steps, however, are:
In case of admission through entrance exam:
In case of admission through merit:
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| Type of Nursing Course | Fee (Per Annum) |
| ANM Nursing Course | INR 20,000 - INR 1,15,000 |
| GNM Nursing Course | INR 25,000 - INR 2,00,000 |
| B.Sc. Nursing Course | INR 5,000 - INR 1,20,000 |
| M.Sc. Nursing Course | INR 1,500 - INR 2,00,000 |
Nurses, frontline healthcare professionals, work closely with surgeons and doctors, not only in patient care but also in public health education to prevent injuries and illnesses.
In the post-COVID-19 era, there's a high demand for a skilled healthcare workforce, especially those who have completed a nursing course. Hospitals actively seek professionals with comprehensive knowledge acquired through a nursing course.
To set a strong career foundation, explore diverse nursing course subjects across various university syllabi. These courses provide an in-depth understanding of patient care, preparing graduates to tackle challenges alongside doctors and healthcare professionals.
Upon completing a nursing course, numerous job opportunities open up in various healthcare setups such as those given below, significantly enhancing career prospects.
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Nurses in India receive varying salaries based on their experience, job roles, and completion of their nursing courses. Freshers and experienced nurses may have different earnings. Here's a breakdown of the salary structures for nurses in India.
| Job Profile after Nursing Course | Average Salary |
| ANM Nursing | INR 1.5 LPA - INR 2 LPA |
| GNM Nursing | INR 2 LPA - INR 3 LPA |
| B.Sc. Nursing | INR 3.5 LPA - INR 7 LPA |
| M.Sc. Nursing | INR 4 LPA - INR 9 LPA |
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What is the best nursing course after 12th?
The top nursing courses after 12th are B.Sc. Nursing, GNM, and ANM nursing courses. Further specialisations include B.Sc. Post Basic and M.Sc. Nursing.
What is the nursing course eligibility?
The eligibility depends on the type of course. The general criteria, however, is a 10+2 certificate from a recognised board.
What is the expected salary after completing a nursing course?
The salary depends on the nursing course you have done. In general, you can expect a salary between 1.5-9 lakhs after completing a nursing course.
What is the qualification required for a diploma in nursing course?
The applicants should be between 17-35 years of age. For ANM, applicants must have completed 10th and 12th standards from a recognized board of education. For GNM, they should have scored a minimum of 40% in 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics (optional).
