The medical field is a wide field with different professionals each having his/her own niche. To many they only know of Medicine and Surgery, a field those who study it are known as Medical Doctors.
However, they are not the only Medical Doctors. Other fields in the medical sciences also have Medical Doctors. In a previous article, we wrote on the list of medical courses that can be studied in Nigerian University.
This article explains the top 5 medical courses to study in Nigeria. However, lets look at the requirement one needs before enrolling in a medical school in Nigeria.
Requirement For Studying A Medical Course In Nigeria
- To be admitted into a medical school, one must have completed his/her secondary education and obtained a minimum of 5 credits including Mathematics, English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- The student would need to take the JAMB UTME examination and the requirements for any individual that intends to study any of these courses include the combination of English, Physics, Biology and Chemistry.
- For those with A-Level result, having at least 3 passes is the requirement.
- However, Chemistry, Biology/Zoology must be part of the 3 passes.
Top 5 Best Medical Courses in Nigeria Today
#1. Medicine And Surgery
Medicine and Surgery is the medical science that deals with the study of the human body structure called anatomy, and the various functions of the body called physiology with the aim of healing of mal-functions through drugs. Needless to say, this is the mother of medical courses.
Career opportunities abound in this field. You might choose to go into Primary Health Care (PHC) and practice your work generally or choose a field for specialization. Some of the field you have the choices are General medicine, Gyneacology, Surgery, Dermatology, Geriatric medicine, Emergency medicine, Medical research and education, Psychiatry, Obstetrics, Oncology, Pediatrics, Neurology, Pathology, Radiology and Public health. Whichever you choose, you sure would get the opportunity to practice.
One important thing to note about this course which is also true regarding the other medical courses is – Medicine and Surgery is hardcore, it is for the serious-minded ones.
Most people studying this course in the university are intelligent and spend time on their academic when other students in other faculties and department still have time for social activities in the school.
Don’t get me wrong here, I am not saying they are the most intelligent in school neither am I saying they don’t engage in social activities. In fact, I have heard of a medical student in one of the Nigerian universities that is part of and an active member of the Student Union Government (SUG).
Aside this, he also engages in a lot of social stuffs in the school but still graduated among the best among his mates. However, people like him are rare. Besides we are talking of average here.
#2. Dentistry
Dentistry is the medical science that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disease of mouth with reference to teeth. This branch of medical science has branches in periodontology, orthodontics, oral pathology, dental radiology, paededonties and prosthetic.
So many people regard dentist as the doctor of the teeth but dentist are more off being doctors of teeth. the discipline also includes other aspects of the craniofacial complex including the temporomandibular joint and other supporting, muscular, lymphatic, nervous, vascular, and anatomical structures.
To obtain a bachelor of dental surgery (BDS) degree in Nigeria, you need to prove you can handle what the job requirement states. This means you need to be qualified to be certified. This however, does not come cheap. You need to work, work and work.
In fact, when other students are going home for break, your mind is not on that because you are not in the same league. You need more than an average seriousness unless you are a genius.
#3. Nursing
Nursing is a profession within the health care sector focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life.
Nurses may be differentiated from other health care providers by their approach to patient care, training, and scope of practice. Nurses practice in many specialties with differing levels of prescription authority.
Many nurses provide care within the ordering scope of physicians, and this traditional role has shaped the public image of nurses as care providers. However, nurse practitioners are permitted by most jurisdictions to practice independently in a variety of settings.
Nursing is a lucrative course to study in the country. Year in year out, young school leavers with the highest percentage of them being females apply to study Nursing in the country. This makes the course hot and competitive. Just like the other courses in the medical field, this is also for the serious-minded ones.
#4. Medical Laboratory Science
The Medical Laboratory Science is another medical course. Graduates of Medical Laboratory Science are also known as medical technologist, clinical scientist or clinical laboratory technologist.
Just like the other medical courses listed, this is one of the good courses and made it to our list of top 5 best medical courses to study in Nigeria.
The medical lab scientist is a healthcare professional that performs chemical, hematological, immunologic, microscopic and bacteriological diagnostic analyses on body fluids such as blood, urine, sputum, stool, cerebrospinal fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid and synovial and other specimens.
On a general note, medial laboratory scientists work in clinical laboratories at hospitals, physician’s offices, reference labs, biotechnology labs and non-clinical industrial labs.
#5. Physiotheraphy
A Physiotherapist is a person is a person who has gone through a rigorous academic program in Physiotherapy in a University or its equivalent after which he/she is conferred with a Diploma, Bachelor’s degree (BScPT, BPT or MBR), Master of Physical Therapy degree (MPT) or a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).
The normal course of the various academic programs spans from 3 years for Diploma, 5 years for a Bachelor degree. Physiotherapist works in teaching hospitals, physical fitness centres, private hospitals, Orthopedic hospitals, Private Physiotherapy clinic, etc.
