Nursing Courses After +2 in India : A Noble Path to Healthcare
Nursing is one of the most respected and rewarding careers in the medical field. It plays a crucial role in healthcare, providing compassionate care to patients, assisting doctors, and ensuring the smooth functioning of hospitals and clinics. If you have completed your 12th with science (or even arts in some cases) and have a passion for serving humanity, a career in nursing can be an excellent choice.
This article explores the different nursing courses after +2, including B.Sc. Nursing, GNM, ANM, and Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing, along with admission procedures, top colleges, career opportunities, and scholarships.
Why Choose Nursing as a Career?
Nursing is not just a job ; it is a calling. Here’s why you should consider nursing as a career:
- High Demand : Nurses are always in demand in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centers.
- Job Security : Nursing offers excellent job stability in India and abroad.
- Opportunity to Serve : It is one of the most fulfilling careers where you get to help and heal people.
- Diverse Career Options : Specializations include critical care, pediatrics, oncology, surgical nursing, and more.
- Global Opportunities : Indian nurses are highly valued worldwide, especially in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Nursing Courses After +2 in India
B.Sc. Nursing (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
- Duration : 4 years
- Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) and English, Minimum 50% marks (varies by college)
- Age : 17-35 years
Admission Process
- NEET-UG (some institutes)
- State-level nursing entrance exams
- AIIMS Nursing Entrance Exam
- JIPMER Nursing Entrance Exam
Top B.Sc. Nursing Colleges in India
AIIMS,
New Delhi
Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC),
Pune
Manipal College of Nursing,
Manipal
Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
Rajkumari Amrit Kaur College of Nursing, Delhi
Career Opportunities:
- Staff Nurse, ICU Nurse, Surgical Nurse
- Nurse Educator, Research Nurse
- Opportunities in government and private hospitals
GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery)
- Duration : 3 years + 6 months internship
- Eligibility : 10+2 with PCB or any stream (varies by state), Minimum 40-50% marks
- Age : 17-35 years
Admission Process
- State-level nursing entrance exams
- Merit-based admission in some colleges
Top GNM Colleges in India
Government College of Nursing,
Bangalore
CMC,
Ludhiana
Government Nursing College,
Kolkata
Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Kolkata
Career Opportunities:
- Registered Nurse (RN) in hospitals, clinics, and maternity wards
- Nursing roles in NGOs, old-age homes, and community health centers
- Opportunity to pursue higher studies like Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing
ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery)
- Duration : 2 years
- Eligibility : 10+2 in any stream (science preferred), Minimum 40-50% marks
- Age : 17-30 years
Admission Process
- Merit-based or entrance exams conducted by state governments
Top ANM Colleges in India
Government Nursing College,
Chennai
St. John's Medical College,
Bangalore
Holy Family College of Nursing,
Delhi
Career Opportunities:
- Work in primary healthcare centers, rural health clinics, maternity homes
- Focus on maternal and child healthcare, immunization programs
Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing
- Duration : 2 years
- Eligibility : Completed GNM, Registered as a Nurse with State Nursing Council
Admission Process
- State-level entrance exams or direct admissions
Top Colleges for Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing:
AIIMS, New, Delhi
CMC,
Vellore
Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal
PGIMER,
Chandigarh
Career Opportunities:
- Senior Nursing roles in hospitals and healthcare centers
- Teaching and research in nursing colleges
- Opportunities in nursing administration
Higher Education & Specializations in Nursing
After completing a nursing degree, one can pursue further studies in:
- M.Sc. Nursing – Specialize in fields like psychiatric nursing, pediatric nursing, etc.
- M.Phil. or Ph.D. in Nursing – For teaching and research careers
- Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs – Advanced clinical practice
Scholarships for Nursing Students in India
Many scholarships support nursing students, including:
- National Scholarship Portal (NSP) – Government-funded scholarships
- Tata Trusts Scholarship for Nursing
- AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls
- State Government Nursing Scholarships
Some hospitals and private organizations also offer financial aid to meritorious students.
Job Opportunities & Salary After Nursing
- Job Roles for Nurses
- Staff Nurse – Hospitals, clinics, and government health centers
- Community Health Nurse – Working in rural healthcare programs
- Nursing Officer – Government hospitals and armed forces
- Nursing Educator – Teaching in medical and nursing colleges
- Industrial Nurse – Providing healthcare in corporate and industrial setups
Salary in Nursing
- Fresher Nurse (GNM/B.Sc. Nursing) – ₹2.5 - ₹4 LPA
- Experienced Nurses (5+ years) – ₹5 - ₹8 LPA
- Nurse Practitioners (M.Sc. Nursing) – ₹8 - ₹15 LPA
Internationally, nurses earn higher salaries, with countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia offering lucrative job opportunities.
Conclusion: A Career of Compassion & Growth
Nursing is more than just a profession; it is a mission to serve humanity. With increasing demand for healthcare professionals in India and abroad, nursing offers stability, respect, and personal fulfillment. Whether you choose B.Sc. Nursing, GNM, or Post Basic Nursing, your journey will be one of compassion, care, and continuous learning.
If you are passionate about making a difference in people’s lives, nursing is the perfect career for you!
