ENT (an abbreviation for Ear, Nose & Throat) specialists diagnose and treat disorders of the neck and head. ENT is also known as Otalaryngology (‘Ota’ meaning Head, ‘Laryng’ meaning neck and ‘logy’ meaning study of). On completion of ENT Courses, students are trained to treat infections, disorders (hereditary & acquired) and allergies relating to the Ear, Nose and Throat. These specialists are also trained to perform surgeries on the face and the larynx (voice box) to help clear hearing problems, as well as cosmetic surgeries like chin augmentation and hair transplantation. Otalaryngologists treat cases of laryngomalacia, throat and thyroid cancer after completing their ENT Courses. Treatment of hereditary disorders, sinuses infections and swallowing disorders are also usually referred to ENT specialists. Counseling patients undergoing treatment, long and complex surgeries and consultations with patients are all part of a regular day for an ENT specialist. ENT problems are more frequent in children and infants and therefore a super specialization in pediatric ENT is much sought after.

Eligibility for ENT Courses

To be eligible to join in a diploma or masters level course in ENT, the prospective student needs to have successfully passed his medical (MBBS) degree at the bachelor level. The student then needs to successfully clear his entrance examinations to be completely eligible for admission to the ENT Courses.

How to apply for ENT Courses

For admission to master’s degree of the ENT Courses, the institutes conduct an entrance examination. Successfully clearing the examination makes the student eligible for a master’s level specialization in ear Nose and Throat. In case of diplomas like MCH (Oncology) and DNB the student needs to check availability of seats with the ENT department of the institution being considered.

Scope/pay scale for ENT Courses

Huge opportunities await students who have successfully completed their respective ENT Courses. Graduates can start their practice in either private or government hospitals. They can think of setting up a highly successful private practice after gaining experience. In fact, ENT is perhaps one of the easiest fields to set up a private clinic. Researchers and academics also offer excellent prospects for those who wish to move along those career paths. ENT specialists also frequently work as consultants and surgeons. Interestingly, ENT is a branch of medicine wherein a specialist, on completion of his course can ignore surgery completely and opt to work only as a medical doctor. This is particularly advantageous for those medical practitioners who wish to avoid complex surgeries.

Radiography is a paramedical professional course, offered to individuals who will one day perform diagnostic tests in medical treatment with the use of radiation.

In simple terms, radiography may be described as the science of taking images of the internal and hidden portions of the human body for the purpose of diagnosing diseases and ailments.This includes the use of ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.

This profession calls for considerable technological expertise. Radiographers work as a part of the healthcare team in the Diagnostic Imaging Department, Accident & Emergency, Intensive Care Unit and Operating Theatre. Radiographers in short, is trained to take x-rays, MRI, CT scan etc. Sometimes, radiographers are also involved in giving radiotherapy treatment to cancer patients. Radiographer who can also perform the ultrasound test are known as sonographers.

A career in radiography can be very promising.The demand for radiographers has increased considerably in recent times, with significant technological development in medical sciences creating new job opportunities.

Radiography Eligibility Criteria

Someone who wants to pursue a B.Sc in Radiography should have completed Science (10+2) preferably with Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Maths. The duration of the course is three years.You can also take up one-year certificate courses after 10+2 Science.There are some institutes that conduct 2-year diploma courses in diagnostic radiography and radiotherapy.