Paediatrics

Pediatric courses can be taken up by students after they have completed their higher secondary level education. Pediatrics is a part of medical studies that look after health issues and their preventive measures for newborns, infants, and children, up to age 20. This course is available for students at different levels like certificates, diplomas, post-graduation diplomas, and even doctorates. 

There are many colleges and educational institutions in India that offer pediatric courses to their students at various levels. Recently, several popular online educational platforms have started offering certificates in Pediatric courses. Students can choose to complete this programme either in online or offline mode. Most of the graduate and postgraduate classes for pediatrics courses are conducted in offline mode. 

The average fee for a pediatric course lies between 10,000 to 2,00,000 INR depending on the level of degree that one opts for. Royale Institute, Udemy, Coursera, IAPEN, etc. offer certificates in pediatric courses in online mode. Colleges like AIIMS Delhi, Kasturba Medical College Karnataka, and St.John’s Medical College provide diplomas, postgraduate diplomas, and doctorate certificates/ degrees to applicants for pediatric courses. Some of the highest-earning designations after completion of pediatric courses include Child Nutritionist, Pediatrician, and Pediatric Oncologist.

Here are some quick highlights on the Pediatrics Courses: 

There are several reasons that can be stated as to why pediatrics courses are good options for students.

• The scope of this field is increasing every day.

• Professionals graduating from this course are eligible to open their own practice after obtaining government approval.

• Graduates can seek employment in both the government and private sectors of the country.

• All the designations related to pediatric courses are highly compensated.

• There are ample research facilities available and many courses offer fellowship programs in doctorate-level pediatric programmes.

• Students can work towards the good cause of decreasing child mortality.

Pediatric courses are offered at different academic degree levels. Elaboration at each level is provided below for your convenience:

Certificate in Pediatric Courses: Most of the certifications provided in Pediatric courses, are conducted in online mode. Offline options are also available. The duration of these courses is from 3 months to 1 year maximum. This is a very short-term course option available for the students to take. Certification in Pediatric courses is mostly treated as an upgradation course. Professionals in the pediatrics field can take up certification programs to upskill their knowledge and qualification. 

Some of the popular certificates in pediatric courses are Pediatric Rheumatology: Childhood Onset Lupus, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Certificate in Child Psychology, Preventative Healthcare for the Newborn Baby, and Newborn Baby Care. The average course fee ranges between 10,000 to 50,000 INR. National Institute of Continuing Professional Development, Gujrat, National Institute of Health Science and Research - NIHSR, New Delhi, National Institute of Health Science and Research - NIHSR, New Delhi, etc. are some of the best choices for applicants to finish their certification program in Pediatric Courses.

Diploma in Pediatric Courses: Diploma in the pediatric course is conducted by most of the colleges in offline mode. Many diploma courses last for 2 years maximum. Students can apply for this course after completing their higher secondary education level. Most of the students coming from a science background, apply for pediatrics diploma courses after their 10+2 education. Applicants must maintain at least 60% aggregate marks in their higher secondary results. Some of the most popular diploma specializations for Pediatric courses are Diplomas in Child Healthcare, Diplomas in Pediatrics and Child Healthcare, etc.GSVM Medical College, Dr. BR Ambedkar Medical College, Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Coimbatore Medical College, etc. are among the top colleges in the country offering pediatric courses.

MBBS in Pediatrics Courses:  For obtaining a bachelor or MBBS degree in Pediatric courses, students have to maintain 50% marks in their higher secondary education. After passing the 10+2 level, aspirants have to sit for NEET-UG courses. After passing the entrance test, students are eligible to take admission to the MBBS course. 

Postgraduate Diploma in Pediatric Courses: The minimum eligibility criteria to join a post-graduate diploma degree program in pediatric courses, is an undergraduate degree or a diploma degree in a relevant subject. This degree program usually involves 1 to 2 years of coursework. The pupil can choose their choice of specialization. Students can also pursue this course after completing their relevant MBBS degree. The average course fee in India falls within the range of 25,000 to 50,000 INR. 

Some of the popular specializations are ADHD, Autism, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Antibiotic Resistance, Adolescent Medicine, Exercise and Sports Medicine, Asthma, and Congenital Heart Diseases. The best colleges offering a postgraduate diploma in pediatric courses are Dr. DY Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Center, CMC Vellore, Institute of Medical Science Banaras Hindu University, Armed Forces Medical College, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and Osmania Medical College.

Master's Degree in Pediatric Courses: This degree course is designed for students who want to widen their knowledge in the pediatric field. The studies in Pediatric courses involve elaborate coverage of all the core subjects of this field. However, it is mandatory for all the applicants to produce a minimum of 1-year of work experience in the Pediatric field during the time of admission. Other eligibility criteria include completion of an MBBS degree or graduate degree in relevant medical studies. 

Most colleges offer master's degree programs to their students for a duration of 3 years. As a part of the admission process, applicants also have to pass an entrance examination like NEET-PG before becoming eligible for a master's degree in pediatrics courses. Some of the renowned colleges in the country for students to study for a Master's degree in Pediatrics courses are AIIMS, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Aligarh Muslim University, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research University, etc. The average course fee lies between 50,000 to 2,00,000 INR.

Doctorate Degree in Pediatrics Courses: Those who want to continue their education in the research field can choose to complete a Ph.D. or Doctorate degree in pediatric courses. Candidates can choose their field of the subject or any particular topic matter of pediatrics to conduct research. The maximum duration of a doctoral research degree is 3 years. The average course fee lies within the range of 3,00,000 to 15,00,000 INR. Some of the top colleges that offer fellowship programs for these researchers are AIIMS, KLE University, Dr. DY Patil University, and DMIMS.

There are no specified entrance tests that are organized for admission to pediatrics courses at the certificate and diploma levels. However, for postgraduate diploma courses, students have to attend the entrance test that is held individually by the colleges. For admission to a master's degree in pediatric courses, students have to sit for the NEET-PG examination. This entrance test is held every year at the national level. A total of 200 questions are asked of the appearing candidates. All these questions are multiple-choice based. The overall syllabus of MBBS is covered for the entrance test. The total mark for the exam is 800. Students get 3 hours and 30 minutes to finish this online test. NEET-PG is conducted from assigned examination centers. 

Students who wish to study MBBS in Pediatrics courses, have to pass the NEET-UG exam, which is conducted on a national level. A total of 200 questions are asked to the students, from which they need to answer 180 questions. The total duration of the exam is 200 minutes. 

The eligibility criteria for Pediatric Courses vary at different course levels. The course-wise eligibility is mentioned in the table below:

The admission process for pediatric courses is quite simple. There are no specific entrance exams for certification and diploma courses in pediatric courses. For admission to a postgraduate diploma and a doctorate in pediatrics course, applicants have to appear for a personal interview round that most of the colleges arrange at the time of admission. During this interview round, the knowledge of the students is examined. In case of admission to a master's degree and doctorate degree, students have to sit and clear the NEET-PG admission test. Before the final admission, colleges conduct their interview process and sometimes, also arrange for a group discussion round with the applicants.

There are several colleges in India offering admission to pediatric courses at various levels. The names of some of the best institutes in India are listed below for your reference:

Certificate in Pediatrics Courses

Diploma in Pediatrics Course

Postgraduate Diploma in Pediatrics Course

Master's Degree in Pediatrics Course

The pediatrics course fees depend on the level of degree the college is offering. Nowadays, several online educational platforms are also offering pediatric courses at very affordable prices for professionals who want to continue their education alongside their professional life. Based on the degree level, the course fee for pediatrics programmes is mentioned below:

The demand for pediatric courses is not only rising in India but also in foreign countries. Some of the top institutions that offer pediatric courses are:

Some of the core subjects that are common in all degree levels of this course are:

Genetics: This is a very important subject for students of pediatric courses. Under this topic, students are taught about how genetic factors affect children. There are many abnormalities and disorders that happen in kids due to the genetic structure of their parents. All these heredity factors are explained to the students of pediatrics courses.

Nutrition: For preventing any kind of disease in children, it is vital to maintain good health from the initial years. Graduates need to know the right nutrition for children. 

Orthopedics: This subject studies bone structures and their abnormalities among children. During their growth years, kids undergo a lot of structural changes in their bones. Many suffer musculoskeletal diseases that they are either born with or develop during their growing years. Many times, these abnormalities need a surgical diagnosis. All these aspects are taught under this subject. 

Skin Diseases: Skin diseases are very frequent among children. There are many serious skin conditions that need medical attention and may take a long time to heal. These viral and bacterial infections, rashes, etc. are diagnosed by pediatrics among children. For this reason, skin diseases subject is introduced under pediatrics courses where professionals learn the causes and preventive measures for skin diseases among children.

Neonatology: Under this subject, professionals study the rudimentary necessary care needed for newborn babies. The topic also covers various kinds of diseases that affect newborn babies. All the care and preventive measures vital for handling a premature baby are also taught under this subject.

Renal Disorders: As the name suggests, this subject elaborately discusses kidney diseases and their cure, among children. 

Social Pediatrics: Under this subject, all the diseases caused due to social factors are discussed elaborately. Here, the professionals learn the application of social medicines in order to deal with specific diseases.

Digestive System: Children face a lot of problems with their digestive functions during their childhood. All these diseases are diagnosed by professional pediatrics. For this reason, the Digestive System topic covers the diseases that can affect the entire gut system among children and their preventive measures, the right nutrition, and daily practices to maintain good gut health, etc. 

Adolescent Healthcare: Under this subject, the basics of healthcare among adolescents are taught comprehensively. Several diseases, their cause, and remedies are illustrated for the professionals. 

Some of the best books for pediatric courses are

There are certain skill sets that help professional graduates to become successful in their desired careers. For excelling in pediatric courses, here are some crucial skills:

• Should possess the passion to work closely with children.

• It is essential for pediatrics to have a high level of patience while handling kids.

• Professionals who have an eye for every minute detail, find it easier to cope with professional work. 

• It is a desirable skill to have a knack for conducting research work in the field and for contributing to the development of this field.

• Individuals should be able to make the right decisions quickly.

• It is essential for these professionals to tackle any emergency situation with a calm mind.

• Should have excellent communication skills.

• It is necessary for these graduates to have in-depth knowledge of the basic concepts of pediatric courses.

• Should be able to manage and handle necessary medical equipment.

There are many private and government/ public medical organizations that recruit professionals for Pediatrics Courses. Some of the top recruiting agencies are

• Alchemist Ltd and Mayom hospital

• Global Hospitals

• KokilaBen Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

• Medica Super Specialty Hospital

• Aster DM Healthcare

• Columbia Asia

• Fortis Hospital

• All India Institute of Medical Science, Delhi

• Indo-American Hospital

• Max Healthcare Institute Ltd.

• Apollo Super Speciality Hospital

• GMC

• Medanta Hospital

• Kolkata Medical College