Medical Counsellor banner
a Medical Counsellor thumbnail
Medical Counsellor

Overview, Education, Careers Types, Skills, Career Path, Resources

Medical Counsellors provide emotional support and guidance to patients and their families, helping them navigate healthcare decisions and cope with medical challenges.

Average Salary

₹3,50,000

Growth

medium

Satisfaction

high

Home/Careers/healthcare and biomedical fields/medical counsellor
Educational Requirements

Education Requirements for Becoming a Medical Counsellor

To become a medical counsellor in India, a specific educational path and skill set are generally required. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Bachelor's Degree:
    • A bachelor's degree in psychology, counselling, social work, or a related field is typically the first step.
    • Some universities may offer specialized bachelor's programs in counselling.
  • Master's Degree:
    • A master's degree in counselling, clinical psychology, or a related field is often necessary for advanced positions.
    • Master's programs provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills in counselling techniques.
  • Certifications and Licenses:
    • While not always mandatory, certifications from recognized counselling organizations can enhance your credibility.
    • Some states or institutions may require specific licenses to practice as a counsellor.
  • Essential Skills:
    • Communication Skills: The ability to communicate effectively with patients and their families is crucial.
    • Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others is essential for building trust.
    • Problem-Solving Skills: Helping patients navigate complex medical and emotional issues requires strong problem-solving abilities.
    • Ethical Conduct: Maintaining patient confidentiality and adhering to ethical guidelines is paramount.
  • Continuing Education:
    • The field of medical counselling is constantly evolving, so ongoing education and training are important for staying current with best practices.
Study Path
Top Colleges

To pursue a career as a Medical Counsellor, several top colleges in India offer relevant courses. Here’s a description of some of the best institutions:

  • National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore:
    • Courses Offered: M.Phil in Clinical Psychology, Ph.D. in Mental Health.
    • Description: NIMHANS is a premier institute for mental health and neurosciences, offering specialized programs and research opportunities.
  • All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi:
    • Courses Offered: Master of Science (M.Sc) in Psychiatry.
    • Description: AIIMS is renowned for its medical education and research, providing excellent exposure in the field of psychiatry.
  • Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai:
    • Courses Offered: Master of Arts (M.A.) in Applied Psychology, M.A. in Counselling Psychology.
    • Description: TISS offers comprehensive programs in social sciences with a focus on applied and counselling psychology.
  • Delhi University (DU), Delhi:
    • Courses Offered: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology, Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychology.
    • Description: DU provides a strong foundation in psychology with opportunities for specialization at the postgraduate level.
  • Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi:
    • Courses Offered: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology, Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychology.
    • Description: BHU offers a comprehensive psychology program with a focus on research and practical training.
Fees

The fee structure for courses required to become a Medical Counsellor in India varies depending on the type of institution (government, private, or deemed university) and the level of the course (Bachelor's, Master's, or Diploma). Here’s a general overview:

  • Government Institutions:
    • Bachelor's Degree: ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per year.
    • Master's Degree: ₹15,000 to ₹40,000 per year.
  • Private Institutions:
    • Bachelor's Degree: ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 per year.
    • Master's Degree: ₹70,000 to ₹3,00,000 per year.
  • Deemed Universities:
    • Bachelor's Degree: ₹75,000 to ₹2,50,000 per year.
    • Master's Degree: ₹1,00,000 to ₹4,00,000 per year.
  • Additional Costs:
    • Hostel Fees: ₹30,000 to ₹1,50,000 per year.
    • Examination Fees: ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per semester.
    • Study Materials: ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 per year.
  • Scholarships and Financial Aid:
    • Many institutions offer scholarships based on merit or financial need.
    • Government schemes like the Post-Matric Scholarship can also provide financial assistance.
Related Exams

To pursue a career as a Medical Counsellor, several entrance exams can pave the way for relevant courses in India. Here's a detailed description:

  • National Level Exams:
    • NIMHANS Entrance Exam: For admission to postgraduate courses at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore.
    • AIIMS PG Entrance Exam: For Master's programs at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, and other AIIMS.
    • JIPMER PG Entrance Exam: For postgraduate courses at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Puducherry.
  • University Level Exams:
    • Many universities conduct their own entrance exams for Master's programs in Psychology, Counselling, or related fields.
    • Examples include Delhi University Entrance Test (DUET), Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test (BHU PET), and others.
  • Exam Preparation:
    • Syllabus: Focus on subjects like Psychology, Research Methodology, Statistics, and Mental Health.
    • Study Materials: Utilize standard textbooks, reference books, and online resources.
    • Mock Tests: Practice with previous years' question papers and mock tests to assess your preparation level.
  • Skills Assessed:
    • Knowledge of Psychology: Understanding of psychological theories, concepts, and principles.
    • Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze and interpret data and research findings.
    • Communication Skills: Proficiency in written and verbal communication.
    • Problem-Solving Skills: Capacity to identify and solve complex problems related to mental health.
Exam NameExam Date
Pros And Cons

Pros

  1. Making a positive impact on patients' lives.
  2. Intellectual stimulation from solving complex problems.
  3. Opportunities for continuous learning and growth.
  4. Flexible work hours and settings.
  5. High demand for skilled professionals.
  6. Personal satisfaction from helping others.
  7. Diverse career paths and specializations.
  8. Competitive salary and benefits.

Cons

  1. Emotional toll from dealing with patients' distress.
  2. High levels of stress and burnout.
  3. Ethical dilemmas and legal responsibilities.
  4. Administrative tasks and paperwork.
  5. Dealing with difficult or uncooperative patients.
  6. Limited career advancement opportunities in some settings.
  7. Need for continuous education and training.
  8. Potential for vicarious trauma.