Top 10 Medical Courses After 12th Without NEET: Eligibility Criteria, Fee, Duration, Career Options

  •  Content Creator : Prabh
  • 02-12-2023

The journey after completing +2 class with medical or non-medical stream is a pivotal moment in every student's life, and there are numerous courses that students can choose from. But still, some of the most popular courses require them to appear for the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET). And, preparing as well as cracking the NEET exam is somehow a scary part for some of (if not all) the aspirants. Therefore, to cut down such stress on the students, we are listing the top 10 medical courses after 12th without NEET exam. These programs not only provide theoretical knowledge but also emphasize practical skills through internships and hands-on experiences, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for the dynamic and challenging field of healthcare.

So, let's explore what these courses include, and know their eligibility criteria, fee, duration, and the promising career options each of these courses offers.

  1. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Nursing

B.Sc. Nursing is a comprehensive program encompassing subjects like anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and pharmacology. It emphasizes clinical training in diverse healthcare settings, preparing students for roles as compassionate and skilled healthcare providers.

Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

Duration: 4 years

Fee: The fee of a nursing course is offered by both the government and private colleges and institutions. Therefore, the fee may range anywhere between a minimum of Rs. 40,000/- to Rs. 2.25 lac per annum.

Career Options: 

Graduates from the B.Sc. in Nursing program are well-equipped to pursue diverse roles within the healthcare sector. Advanced practice roles allow for greater autonomy in patient management. Not only serving as a nurse is the only career path for nursing graduates, but Nurse Educators also play a crucial role in training the next generation of nursing professionals, and Nurse Managers oversee nursing departments, ensuring efficient and quality patient care. All in all, they can work as:

  • Registered Nurse 
  • Staff Nurse
  • Director of Nursing
  • Department Supervisor
  • Nursing Superintendent
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Nursing Supervisor or Ward Sister
  • Military Nurse
  • Community Health Nurse (CHN)
  • Deputy Nursing Superintendent
  • Teacher of Nursing
  • Home Care Nurses
  • Assistant Nursing Superintendent
  • Industrial Nurse
  1. Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm)

B. Pharm delves into pharmaceutical sciences, drug formulation, and pharmacology. Students study the development, manufacturing, and distribution of pharmaceuticals. The curriculum includes practical training in compounding medications and understanding drug interactions.

Eligibility: 10+2 with PCM/B

Duration: 4 years

Fee: The exact fee may vary from one college to another. But, to give the students a general idea of how much this course can cost is around Rs. 15, 000/- to Rs. 1,00,000/- annually.

Career Options: 

The Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) opens up a range of career paths in the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare settings. Pharmacists are integral in community pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics, where they dispense medications, provide patient counseling, and ensure drug safety. Some graduates may choose the path of:

  • Pharmacist
  • Research Officer
  • Analytical Chemist
  • Drug Inspector
  • Pharmacist
  • Clinical Pharmacy
  • Hospital Drug Coordinator
  • Drug Technician
  • Regulatory Affairs Manager
  • Medical Underwriter
  • Health Inspector
  • Clinical Research Associate
  • Drug therapist
  • Food and Drug Inspector
  • MBA in Pharmaceutical Management
  • Chemical Technician
  • Medical devices and quality control manufacturing
  1. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biotechnology

Biotechnology merges biology and technology, exploring genetic engineering, bioinformatics, and molecular biology. Students gain hands-on experience in laboratories, learning techniques such as DNA manipulation and protein analysis, with applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry.

Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB

Duration: 3 years

Fee: As it is one of the highly-regarded medical courses after 12th without NEET, and hence, the scope of a Biotechnology career is also promising, the annual fee may range between Rs. 50,000/- to Rs. 2,00,000/-. 

Career Options: 

Graduates in Biotechnology are equipped for careers at the intersection of biology and technology. Biotechnologists engage in research and development, applying genetic engineering techniques to modify organisms for medical, agricultural, or industrial purposes. Similarly, Research Scientists in Biotechnology focus on cutting-edge projects, contributing to advancements in fields such as gene therapy, stem cell research, and personalized medicine. The other career options after this degree include:

  • Biotechnologist
  • Clinical Research Associate
  • Lab Technician
  • Microbiologist
  • Research Scientist
  • Biostatistician
  • Medical Transcriptionist
  • Epidemiologist
  • Medical Representative
  • Biochemist
  • Biotechnology Instructor
  • Medical Writer
  • Food Safety Officer
  • Quality Controller
  1. Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)

BPT educates students on the principles of physical therapy, covering anatomy, kinesiology, and rehabilitation. The program includes clinical internships where students apply therapeutic exercises and techniques to treat a range of physical conditions.

Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB

Duration: 4.5 years

Fee: The total course fee varies across colleges. However, the average fee of each year is  Rs. 1,00,000/- to INR 5,00,000/- 

Career Options:

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) program prepares graduates for dynamic roles in physical therapy. Physiotherapists work with patients to assess and treat a variety of musculoskeletal, neurological, and respiratory conditions. Specialization opportunities are also there in this field. A few of them are:

  • Physiotherapist
  • Researcher 
  • Sports Physiotherapist
  • Lecturer
  • Home Care Physiotherapist
  • Medical Coding Analyst
  • Pediatric Physiotherapist
  1. Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT)

BOT focuses on helping individuals with physical or cognitive challenges engage in meaningful activities. Students learn therapeutic interventions, assistive technologies, and strategies to enhance daily living skills, working towards improving overall quality of life.

Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB

Duration: 4.5 years

Fee: Each college or institute has its own fee structure for the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT). but, on average, the tuition of one of the best medical courses after 12th without NEET starts from Rs. 50,000.00 per annum.

Career Options: 

Graduates from the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) program find rewarding careers in helping individuals with physical or cognitive challenges lead fulfilling lives. The aspirants can pursue the following careers in pharmaceuticals:

  • Occupational Therapist
  • Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Mental Health Therapist
  • Medical Record Technician
  • Geriatric Occupational Therapist
  1. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Microbiology

Microbiology explores the world of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Students delve into microbial genetics, immunology, and microbial ecology. Practical training involves culturing and identifying microorganisms, preparing students for roles in research and diagnostics.

Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB

Duration: 3 years

Fee: Offered by some of the top universities or institutes, the average academic fee for a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Microbiology lies anywhere between Rs. 20,540/- to Rs. 32,420/- per annum.

Career Options:

  • Microbiologist
  • Clinical Microbiologist
  • Research Scientist (Microbiology)
  • Quality Control Analyst
  • Environmental Microbiologist
  • Pharmaceutical Microbiologist
  • Food and Beverage Microbiologist
  • Public Health Microbiologist
  • Epidemiologist
  • Biotechnologist
  1. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Radiography

Radiography involves the use of various imaging technologies for diagnosing and treating diseases. Students learn about X-ray, CT, and MRI techniques, radiation safety, and patient care. Clinical rotations provide hands-on experience in medical imaging.

Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB

Duration: 3 years

Fee: Some of the institutes offering this 3-year undergraduate degree may charge the students semester-wise i.e. Rs. 30850 for the 1st semester and Rs.  28050/- or more or less in the 2nd.it is advisable to check with the specific institution or college to know the exact fee structure.

Career Options: 

Radiography graduates play crucial roles in diagnostic imaging within hospitals and clinics. Opportunities extend to roles such as:

  • Radiographer
  • MRI Technologist
  • CT Technologist
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
  • Radiation Therapist
  • Nuclear Medicine Technologist
  • Fluoroscopy Technologist
  • Mammography Technologist
  • Radiology Manager
  • Researcher in Radiography
  1. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Optometry

Optometry focuses on eye care, covering topics like vision science, ocular diseases, and contact lenses. Students develop clinical skills through internships, conducting eye examinations, prescribing corrective lenses, and managing vision-related issues.

Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB

Duration: 3 years or 4 years in a few universities or colleges

Fee: The 3-year degree (or the institutes offering a 3-year+1-year compulsory internship) can charge from Rs. 30,000/- to Rs. 50,000/- per semester.

Career Options:

Optometry graduates can become Optometrists specializing in clinical care, Contact Lens Specialists, and Vision Therapists, contributing significantly to visual health. Opportunities exist in managerial roles after doing one of the best medical courses after 12th without NEET in optical stores and academia as:

  • Optometrist
  • Clinical Optometrist
  • Pediatric Optometrist
  • Contact Lens Specialist
  • Low Vision Specialist
  • Optometry Researcher
  • Ophthalmic Consultant
  • Vision Therapist
  • Optical Store Manager
  • Academician in Optometry Colleges
  1. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biochemistry

Biochemistry studies the chemical processes within living organisms. Students explore biomolecular structures, enzymology, and metabolic pathways. The program integrates laboratory work, enabling students to conduct experiments and contribute to advancements in medical research.

Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB

Duration: 3 years

Fee: The average fee for a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biochemistry in India may start from Rs. 58150/- for the 1st year, Rs. 59850/- and Rs. 61600/- for the 2nd and 3rd year respectively.

Career Options: 

Opportunities for Biochemistry graduates span various fields, including pharmaceuticals, genetics, and forensic science, contributing to advancements in medical research. They can embark on careers as:

  • Biochemist
  • Clinical Biochemist
  • Research Scientist (Biochemistry)
  • Molecular Biologist
  • Geneticist
  • Pharmaceutical Researcher
  • Quality Control Analyst (Pharmaceuticals)
  • Biotechnology Consultant
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Biomedical Scientist
  1. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT)

MLT involves the study of diagnostic laboratory techniques. Students learn to analyze samples, such as blood and tissues, using sophisticated equipment. The curriculum includes pathology, clinical biochemistry, and microbiology, preparing graduates for roles in diagnostic laboratories.

Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB

Duration: 3 years

Fee: The average annual fee of this regular 3-year undergraduate degree can be between Rs. 24,000/- to Rs. 32,000/- (as per data analyzed from various institutes).

Career Options: 

The expertise of graduates of this degree ensures accurate analysis of medical samples, contributing to diagnostic healthcare and research advancements. Medical Laboratory Technologists find roles as listed below: 

  • Medical Laboratory Technologist
  • Clinical Laboratory Scientist
  • Pathologist Assistant
  • Blood Bank Technologist
  • Histology Technician/Histotechnologist
  • Cytotechnologist
  • Microbiology Technologist
  • Immunology Technologist
  • Laboratory Manager
  • Research Assistant in Clinical Laboratories

As students embark on the journey after completing their +2 education, the vast array of non-NEET medical courses opens doors to dynamic and fulfilling careers in healthcare. Whether it is the comprehensive B.Sc. Nursing programs shaping compassionate healthcare providers or the innovative realms of Biotechnology and Biochemistry contribute to scientific breakthroughs, each course offers a unique pathway.

The promising career options presented in this diverse set of courses paint a vivid picture of the impact graduates can make in hospitals, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and more. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, these non-NEET courses stand as gateways to fulfilling and impactful professions.

Additionally, although students are not required to appear for the NEET exam, most of the universities or colleges, or even institutes will require them to appear for the entrance exam curated for each course. So, students are advised to check the detailed eligibility criteria to get admission into any of the top 10 medical courses after 12th without NEET.