Nursing Courses After 12th - Fees, Eligibility Criteria, Top Colleges

Nursing is one of the most in-demand professions, where individuals dedicate their time and care to support sick and needy patients. It not only offers physical treatment but also provides mental support to patients and their families. Nurses can choose from various specialisations, each with different levels of responsibilities and roles in healthcare management.

To become a nurse, one must have a strong sense of patience, compassion, and commitment. This article covers all the nursing course details after the 12th and is specially designed for those who wish to build a career in nursing.

Also Read: Online Nursing Courses & Certifications

Nursing courses after the 12th are available in many forms, including degree courses, diplomas, and certificate courses. Let us explore the details of nursing courses after the 12th, along with their eligibility, career scope, job roles, and salaries

Nursing Courses Details after 12th

After completing class 12th, students can choose from various nursing courses based on their interests and career goals. These courses vary in duration and specialisation. Below is a table listing popular nursing programmes after 12th along with their course duration and some of the top colleges in India offering them.

Detailed Overview of Nursing Courses After 12th

After completing class 12 with a Science background, students can choose from various nursing courses to begin their careers in healthcare. These nursing courses after class 12th include degree and diploma options, each offering different specialisations, durations, and career paths. Let’s explore these popular nursing programmes in detail.

BSc Nursing

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing) after 12th science is a four-year undergraduate degree that combines theory and practical training in areas like nursing care, midwifery, and public health. Students will learn subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and paediatric care. This course prepares graduates for roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health services.

BSc Nursing Duration: This is a four-year undergraduate degree

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must have passed class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB).

• Minimum 45–50 per cent marks in qualifying exams (varies by college).

• Some institutions may require entrance exams like NEET, AIIMS BSc Nursing, or state-level tests.

Psychiatry and Mental Health Nursing

Psychiatry and Mental Health Nursing is a two-year diploma programme that trains students to care for individuals with mental health disorders. This course includes psychological therapy techniques, understanding psychiatric conditions, and providing emotional support. It prepares students to work in hospitals, mental health centres, and rehabilitation facilities.

Psychiatry and Mental Health Nursing Course Duration: This is a two-year diploma programme

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must have completed class 12th with science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology).

• Minimum of 50 per cent marks.

• Some institutes may conduct personal interviews or entrance exams.

Diploma in Nursing

Diplomas are a good alternative to BSc Nursing courses after 12th science. Diploma in nursing course covers nursing principles, medical tools, surgical care, health economics, and ward management. After completing this course, students can apply for entry-level roles in hospitals, clinics, or administrative departments based on their interests. Also, the diploma-level course fees are lower than BSc Nursing fees.

Diploma in Nursing Duration: This is a three-year diploma programme.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Class 12th with a minimum of 50 per cent marks

• Science stream with Biology is mandatory

General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM)

General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course is a popular nursing course after 12th science. It trains students to care for patients who are sick or recovering. Though the GNM syllabus may vary by institution, it focuses on clinical and hands-on training in patient care. The programme ends with a six-month internship to give students real-world experience. Also, GNM course fees are usually lower than BSc Nursing fees.

GNM Course Duration: This is a three-and-a-half-year diploma programme.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Class 12th in science stream (PCB)

• Minimum 50 per cent marks

Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM)

Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM) is a diploma in the nursing course after 12th that focuses on basic healthcare education and human health. During the programme, students learn about operation theatre procedures, medical equipment, and how to assist in different healthcare settings. The course aims to train candidates to serve as primary healthcare providers for individuals of all ages in community settings.

ANM Course Duration: This is a two to two-and-a-half-year diploma programme.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Completed 12th with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology).

• Minimum 50 per cent marks required.

Career Scope and Opportunities in Nursing After 12th

Nursing is a respected and in-demand career option after the 12th, offering opportunities in hospitals, clinics, military services, and community health centres. With a diploma or degree in nursing, students can start working in both public and private sectors, or even pursue jobs abroad in countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia.

Nurses may choose to specialise in areas like paediatrics, psychiatric care, or surgical support. With experience or higher education like an MSc Nursing or healthcare administration, they can also become educators, researchers, or hospital managers.

Here are some top sectors where nursing graduates can work:

• Government and Private Hospitals

• Military and Defence Nursing

• Community and Rural Health Centres

• International Healthcare Jobs

• Educational and Research Institutions

• School and Corporate Healthcare Units

Nursing Job Roles and Salary

After completing a nursing course, whether it’s a diploma, degree, or certificate, graduates can explore several job opportunities across the healthcare sector. Most roles begin at the entry-level but offer scope for growth with experience and further education. Salaries can vary based on location, specialisation, and experience.

Here are some of the most common nursing job roles and their average annual salaries:

Source: AmbitionBox

Apart from working in the nursing field, individuals can also choose to study further. Gaining more knowledge through higher education gives them a better understanding and control over the subject. Professional nurses can go for a master’s degree and even continue with research by pursuing a PhD in nursing or related fields.