10 Best Medical Courses To Study in Nigeria (2024)
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. The healthcare sector is one of the essential sectors in Nigeria, and the demand for medical professionals is constantly on the rise. Medical courses are highly sought after, and there are several universities across Nigeria that offer these courses. Students who wish to pursue a career in medicine need to have a clear understanding of the courses available to them.
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 10 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 10 BEST MEDICAL COURSES IN NIGERIA TODAY
Nigeria has several excellent medical courses that students can study at various universities in the country. These courses provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in medicine and contribute to the healthcare sector. Below, we will discuss the top 10 best medical courses in Nigeria.
#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. PHARMACY
Pharmacy is regarded as one of the best medical courses in Nigeria for several reasons. Firstly, pharmacists play a crucial role in the healthcare system by ensuring the safe and effective use of medications. They are responsible for dispensing medications, providing drug information and counseling, and monitoring patients’ medication use. This makes them an integral part of the healthcare team, and their work has a direct impact on patients’ health outcomes.
Also, pharmacy is a highly respected profession in Nigeria, with a long history of excellence. The Pharmacy profession has been recognized by several organizations such as the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), the National Association of Pharmacists in Nigeria (NAPharm), and the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP). These organizations have set high standards for pharmacy practice and education in Nigeria, ensuring that pharmacists are well-trained and competent professionals.
The demand for pharmacists in Nigeria is high, and the job market is relatively stable. Graduates of pharmacy can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, research institutions, and regulatory bodies. They can also work in the pharmaceutical industry, where they can develop, manufacture, and market medications. This provides graduates with a wide range of career options and opportunities for growth and development.
#3. 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.
#4. 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.
#5. 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.
#6. PHYSIOTHERAPHY
A Physiotherapist 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.
#7. RADIOGRAPHY
Radiography is seen as one of the best medical courses to study in Nigeria because it offers students the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and make a significant impact on patients’ lives. Radiography involves the use of radiation to produce images of the body that can be used to diagnose and treat various medical conditions.
Students who study radiography learn how to operate X-ray machines, CT scanners, MRI machines, and other sophisticated medical equipment. They also learn about radiation safety, patient care, and medical ethics. This combination of technical skills and healthcare knowledge makes radiography graduates highly sought after in the healthcare industry.
Radiography graduates can work in hospitals, clinics, diagnostic imaging centers, and research institutions. They can specialize in various areas, such as mammography, nuclear medicine, or ultrasound. In addition, radiography graduates can pursue further education and training in areas such as radiation therapy or medical physics.
#8. ANATOMY
Anatomy is a four-year degree program that focuses on the study of the structure of the human body. Anatomy is a good medical course in Nigeria for several reasons. First and foremost, studying anatomy provides students with a solid foundation in the structure and function of the human body. This knowledge is essential for a wide range of healthcare professions, including medicine, dentistry, and physical therapy.
In addition, anatomy is a highly specialized field that offers students the opportunity to conduct in-depth research on various aspects of human anatomy. This research can contribute to the development of new medical treatments and technologies, as well as to a better understanding of how the body works.
Furthermore, the skills and knowledge gained from studying anatomy can be applied to various healthcare professions. For example, anatomists can work as educators, teaching medical students, nurses, and other healthcare professionals about the structure and function of the human body. They can also work in medical research, helping to develop new treatments and technologies that improve patient outcomes.
#9. MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE
Medical Laboratory Science is a highly respected medical course in Nigeria that focuses on the study of diseases and their diagnosis through laboratory testing. It is an essential aspect of modern healthcare and plays a critical role in disease management, prevention, and treatment.
Studying Medical Laboratory Science in Nigeria provides students with a unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge laboratory equipment and technology. Students learn how to analyze and interpret laboratory test results accurately, which is vital for making accurate diagnoses and developing effective treatment plans.
Medical Laboratory Science also offers a diverse range of career opportunities. Graduates can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, research institutions, and diagnostic laboratories. They can specialize in areas such as hematology, microbiology, clinical chemistry, and immunology, among others.
Moreover, the demand for qualified medical laboratory scientists in Nigeria is high, and job prospects are excellent. The knowledge and skills gained from studying Medical Laboratory Science make graduates highly sought after in the healthcare industry. The field also offers opportunities for further specialization and advanced training, including postgraduate studies in areas such as medical microbiology and virology.
#10. PUBLIC HEALTH
Public Health is a top medical course to study in Nigeria because it focuses on the prevention and control of diseases, as well as the promotion of overall health and wellbeing in communities. Public health professionals work to improve the health of populations through research, education, and policy development.
One of the main reasons public health is seen a good medical course in Nigeria is that the country faces a range of public health challenges, including infectious diseases, maternal and child health issues, and non-communicable diseases. Studying public health provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to address these challenges and make a significant impact on the health of Nigerian communities.
Public health is also highly interdisciplinary field that draws on a wide range of disciplines, including epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and health policy. This interdisciplinary approach makes public health a dynamic and engaging field that attracts students from diverse academic backgrounds.
Public health graduates can work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, hospitals, research institutions, and universities. They can specialize in various areas, such as epidemiology, health promotion, or health policy. Furthermore, public health graduates can contribute to the development of evidence-based policies and programs that promote health and wellbeing in communities.
