To compare the two career paths for potential students, we first need to understand what each entails. An MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) abroad means you will study medicine in countries such as Russia, China, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and the Philippines, while nursing in India involves completing a B.Sc. Both MBBS abroad and nursing in India represent a commitment to helping and healing patients, yet their investment, time investment, and future scope differ significantly.
The Cost & Affordability
Nursing courses in India are significantly cheaper than studying MBBS abroad, costing only 50,000 to 5 lakhs for a B.Sc. A nursing degree at a government or private college for four years, respectively. GNM degrees are even less expensive, costing between 20,000 and 2 lakhs.
For many students from middle-class families, these differences in cost can be quite large and may be the primary reason they choose to go into nursing instead of medicine when assessing career potential and returns on their investment over a long period of time.
Duration and Academic Performance
An MBBS degree obtained outside of India requires between 5 to 6 years (including an internship) to complete. Studying for an MBBS involves learning multiple subjects, including physiology, anatomy, pathology, pharmacology and clinical areas of medicine. While the majority of medical schools abroad teach in the English language, learning the local language can be beneficial when completing clinical placements. In India, Nursing education can be completed through two different levels of training, with a duration of either four years to complete the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Nursing or three and one-half years to complete General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM). According to the curriculum, students complete courses focused on providing quality nursing care to patients, nursing administration, and the community’s health. Although both paths require dedication and hard work, the job opportunities available to you may differ greatly depending on your qualification(s) as a nurse.
Career Scope
- MBBS Abroad
- While foreign Graduates who have completed their MBBS must take a screening test before they can practice medicine in India, the National Exit Test (NExT) is now a requirement for Medical Graduates who obtained their MBBS overseas. Passing the NExT will open up possibilities for your Career.
- As a foreign graduate with a passed NExT, you could work as a Medical Officer at either a Government or Private Hospital, join or establish a Private Practice or even become a Specialist (e.g. Cardiologist, Neurologist, Surgeon). Specialists make high incomes ranging from 10 Lakhs to a few Crores each year.
- In terms of payments, Doctors employed by Government Hospitals earn from 60 thousand to 2 Lakhs per Month (Government Doctors have a fixed Salary scale), whereas Doctors in Private Practice earn Higher Incomes depending on their level of experience and the size of their practice. Thus, your Career Opportunities will truly be limitless once you’ve established yourself.
- Although passing the Screening Test is still extremely difficult, with only 20-30% of Candidates passing the tests. This must be taken into account when deciding whether the Career Opportunities available to foreign Medical Graduates with MBBSs.
- Nursing in India
- Over the last ten years, there has been an enormous increase in employment opportunities for nursing professionals throughout India due to an increase in the Indian healthcare system. With an increase in hospital construction, clinic openings, and startup companies within the Indian healthcare system, there has been a higher-than-ever need for qualified nurses throughout India.
- Starting salaries for a new B.Sc. A nursing graduate in India can earn between ₹ 20,000 and ₹40,000 per month. The salary will eventually increase to ₹50,000 – 1,00,000 per month ( ₹50,000-1,00,000) as you gain experience in a premium hospital setting. The job security for government nurses, with a monthly salary of between ₹35,000 and ₹70,000, along with many excellent benefits.
- Career options for nurses include more than just bedside care. You may also become a nursing superintendent, teach at a nursing college or work as an infection control nurse or a clinical nurse specialist. Many nurses choose to pursue an M.Sc. Nursing to broadening their career scope into teaching or administrative positions.
- For Indian nurses looking for international job opportunities, there is a tremendous demand for Indian-trained nurses in developed countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and countries in the Middle East. After gaining the necessary experience and passing licensing exams such as the NCLEX (in the USA) or IELTS/OET will open the door to earning a salary between ₹30 lakhs and ₹60 lakhs per year (“lakhs” “, lakh” or “lakh”). International job opportunities make nursing a very appealing profession for individuals willing to travel overseas.
Job Security
Job security is high for both doctors and nurses, but there is a difference in how each profession supports this sense of security. Doctors often have a more stable career path because of their postgraduate training; however, doctors typically must take several competitive examinations to become qualified and will also be required to extend their education for several additional years. In contrast, nursing is typically a much faster route to a job. Nurses can begin to work very soon after graduation (3.5 to 4 years). There is also a quick expansion of career opportunities for nurses.
Work-Life Balance
- An MBBS Doctor will likely have a very tedious experience during their early stages of practice, especially during their specialization. The heavy workload, as well as the constant requirement to respond to emergency calls and make critical decisions, can be an immense burden. It will not be until they have become established (in the case of private practice, for instance) that MDs will be able to manage their own schedule around other commitments.
- In contrast, Nurses often work a set shift, which has both its challenges and its predictability. The career of a nurse means more options for balancing work and life because of the way it is structured; in many areas of Nursing, particularly outpatient departments and clinics, or nursing education, the working hours allow them more time for other things in life.
What path to take
There are many factors to consider in making your decision. Some examples include:
- You should choose to obtain an MBBS degree from a foreign country if:
- You want to be a Doctor, and you can afford to invest a significant financial amount to achieve this goal.
- You are ready to go through a screening exam(s) and, if applicable, take postgraduate studies.
- You are looking for the ability to make independent clinical decisions.
- The potential for a long-term career with high earning potential appeals to you.
- You should choose to obtain a Nursing degree from India if:
- You can afford to get a nursing education with faster “returns” in the form of an immediate salary after graduating;
- You have an interest in caring for and supporting patients.
- You are interested in the opportunity to move to a foreign country to work.
- You prefer to see results from your efforts in a shorter amount of time.
Conclusion
There are many wonderful career opportunities available with MBBS (foreign study) and nursing (India). As a medical doctor, you will have the prestige, authority, and income potential of being in this field, along with the recognition associated with that position.
Nursing, on the other hand, is relatively inexpensive, has a faster path to career attainment, offers excellent opportunities internationally, and is becoming more recognized as a valid and important part of the healthcare community.
No matter what path you choose, be dedicated to your education, remain current with advances in the field of medicine, and always strive to learn something new. To be successful in healthcare does not depend only on the degree you possess, but on how much compassion, commitment, and expertise you bring to your patients’ care. The career opportunities for each of these professions will increase proportionately to your desire to grow and serve.
EOCL India
EOCL India is a company that stands out because of their ongoing support after the student has been admitted to an MBBS program. Many consultancies only offer assistance until they receive the commission, then they disappear and do not provide support to students throughout their educational journey. EOCL India remains in contact with its students throughout the entire process from admission to graduation.
- The types of services EOCL India offers include the following:
- Help with selecting which university to attend
- Assisting students with completing all documentation required for admission
- Providing support in applying for a visa to attend school
- Travel Arrangements
- Ongoing Support
