Nursing is an incredibly fulfilling profession that offers opportunities to care for others and make a real difference in people’s lives. For all students who are interested in the healthcare sector, nursing courses after 12th are a popular career choice that offers a wide range of job opportunities and job security. With the increase in demand for healthcare services, nursing has emerged as one of the fastest-growing fields in the healthcare industry. Nursing courses after 12th are designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become competent healthcare professionals.
These courses are structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare practices, anatomy, physiology, and disease management. They offer a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, which prepare students for the demands of the nursing profession. In addition, nursing courses after 12th provide students with the opportunity to specialize in different areas of nursing. The field of nursing offers a range of career opportunities and is well-known for its job security and attractive salary packages. As a result, nursing courses after 12th are becoming increasingly popular among students who are looking for a rewarding career in healthcare.
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What are nursing courses after 12th?
Nursing courses after 12th are educational programs designed for students who have completed their 12th grade and wish to pursue a career in nursing. These courses are offered by various educational institutions and are structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of nursing practices and principles. The curriculum of these courses covers a range of topics, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nursing ethics, and patient care.
Why nursing courses after 12th?
There are several reasons why students opt for nursing courses after 12th grade. Some of the major reasons are:
- Job opportunities: The demand for nurses is growing rapidly, and it is expected to continue to increase in the future. This means that students who complete nursing courses after 12th are likely to have a wide range of job opportunities available to them.
- Job security: Nursing is a profession that offers job security, as healthcare services are essential and will always be in demand. This means that students who choose nursing as a career can have a sense of stability in their professional lives.
- Salary packages: Nursing is a well-paying profession, with the average salary for registered nurses being above the national average in many countries. This means that students who choose nursing can earn a good income and have the opportunity for growth and advancement in their careers.
- Flexibility: Nursing is a flexible profession that offers a range of work settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and community health centers. This means that students who choose nursing can choose a work setting that suits their personal preferences and lifestyle.
- Fulfilling career: Nursing is a fulfilling profession that offers the opportunity to care for others and make a difference in people’s lives. This means that students who choose nursing can have a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their careers.
List of Nursing Courses After 12th
Let’s now have a look at the list of nursing courses after 12th based on their degree type. All the courses are mentioned in the table given below.
Undergraduate Courses | Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing (Post-Basic) General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) |
Postgraduate Courses | Master of Science (MSc) in Nursing |
Diploma Courses | Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) Diploma in Nursing Education and Administration Diploma in Critical Care Nursing Diploma in Oncology Nursing |
Certificate Courses | Certificate in General Duty Assistant Certificate in Home Based Healthcare Certificate in Maternal and Child Health Nursing Certificate in Neonatal Nursing |
Doctorate Courses | Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) |
About the Nursing Courses After 12th
In the previous section you have seen the list of nursing courses after 12th based on certain degree types. Let’s now have a look at some of these courses in brief.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year undergraduate degree program that prepares students for a career as a registered nurse. The program provides a foundation in nursing theory, clinical skills, and research, as well as courses in the natural, social, and behavioral sciences.
BSN graduates are prepared to provide patient care in a variety of healthcare settings, from hospitals and clinics to community health centers and long-term care facilities. In addition to the core nursing curriculum, BSN programs often include courses in leadership, healthcare policy, and healthcare informatics, preparing graduates to take on leadership roles in the healthcare industry.
General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM)
General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) is a course for students who wish to pursue a career in nursing. The course focuses on the study of nursing and midwifery care for individuals, families, and communities. GNM curriculum covers both theoretical and practical aspects of nursing care, including basic anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology.
The program also includes clinical experience in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. Upon completion of the GNM course, students are eligible to work as staff nurses, community health nurses, and midwives in various healthcare settings.
Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM)
The Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) course is one of the nursing courses after 12th that trains students to provide basic healthcare services to individuals, families, and communities. ANM curriculum covers various aspects of nursing, midwifery, and community health, including basic anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology.
The program also includes clinical experience in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. ANMs are trained to provide primary healthcare services, including maternal and child health services, family planning services, immunization, and health education.
Diploma in Nursing Education and Administration
Another top course in the list of nursing courses after 12th is a Diploma in Nursing Education and Administration. This is a post-graduate diploma course for registered nurses who wish to pursue a career in nursing education or healthcare administration. The program focuses on the development of teaching and leadership skills and the management of healthcare services. The curriculum includes courses in nursing education, curriculum development, instructional design, leadership, healthcare administration, and healthcare policy.
The program also includes practical training in teaching and administration in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing schools, and healthcare organizations. Upon completion of the diploma program, graduates can work as nurse educators, clinical instructors, nurse managers, and healthcare administrators in various healthcare organizations.
Diploma in Critical Care Nursing
The Diploma in Critical Care Nursing is a specialized nursing program that provides registered nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to care for critically ill patients in various healthcare settings. The program focuses on the principles and practices of critical care nursing, including the assessment and management of critically ill patients, the use of advanced technologies and equipment, and the provision of emotional and psychological support to patients and their families.
The curriculum includes courses in advanced nursing practice, pharmacology, physiology, and pathophysiology, as well as clinical experience in critical care units. Upon completion of the diploma program, graduates can work as critical care nurses in hospitals, emergency departments, intensive care units, and other healthcare settings.
Diploma in Oncology Nursing
The Diploma in Oncology Nursing is a specialized nursing program that provides registered nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to care for patients with cancer. The program focuses on the principles and practices of oncology nursing, including the assessment and management of patients undergoing cancer treatment, the use of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and the provision of emotional and psychological support to patients and their families.
The curriculum includes courses in cancer biology, pharmacology, palliative care, and symptom management, as well as clinical experience in oncology units. Upon completion of the diploma program, graduates can work as oncology nurses in hospitals, cancer centers, and other healthcare settings.
Certificate in Maternal and Child Health Nursing
The Certificate in Maternal and Child Health Nursing is a specialized nursing program that provides registered nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to care for women and children in various healthcare settings. The program focuses on the principles and practices of maternal and child health nursing, including the assessment and management of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, as well as the care of infants, children, and adolescents.
The curriculum includes courses in obstetric and pediatric nursing, neonatal care, breastfeeding, and family planning, as well as clinical experience in maternal and child health units. Upon completion of the certificate program, graduates can work as maternal and child health nurses in hospitals, clinics, and community health centers.
Certificate in Neonatal Nursing
The Certificate in Neonatal Nursing is a specialized nursing program that provides registered nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to care for newborn infants in various healthcare settings. The program focuses on the principles and practices of neonatal nursing, including the assessment and management of premature and sick infants, the use of advanced technologies and equipment, and the provision of emotional and psychological support to parents and families.
The curriculum includes courses in neonatal physiology and pathophysiology, neonatal care, pharmacology, and ethics, as well as clinical experience in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Upon completion of the certificate program, graduates can work as neonatal nurses in hospitals, clinics, and neonatal care facilities.
Certificate in Home-Based Healthcare
The Certificate in Home-Based Healthcare is a specialized nursing program that provides registered nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care for patients in their homes. The program focuses on the principles and practices of home-based healthcare, including the assessment and management of patients with chronic illnesses, disabilities, and terminal conditions, as well as the provision of palliative care and emotional support to patients and their families.
The curriculum includes courses in geriatric care, home healthcare management, community health nursing, and ethical and legal issues related to home-based healthcare. Upon completion of the certificate program, graduates can work as home health nurses, hospice nurses, or private duty nurses in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings, as well as in patients’ homes.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal degree in nursing that prepares registered nurses to become advanced practice nurses or nurse leaders in various healthcare settings. The program focuses on the principles and practices of advanced nursing practice, including leadership, clinical research, and patient care management.
The curriculum includes courses in advanced nursing practice, healthcare informatics, evidence-based practice, and healthcare systems, as well as clinical experience in specialized areas of nursing practice. Upon completion of the DNP program, graduates can work as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, or nurse executives in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
Get the Detailed Information about other professional courses after 12th
Eligibility Criteria
The basic eligibility to pursue any nursing course is passing class 12th from a recognized board with an aggregate of 50%. Further, depending on the level of nursing courses, the eligibility criteria are as follows:
- UG, Diploma, and Certificate Nursing Courses: Candidates must have passed 10+2 from a recognized board. In some cases, students can also apply for various certification courses after the 10th.
- PG Courses: Candidates must have graduated with an aggregate of 50%.
- Ph.D. Courses: Ph.D. computer courses can be pursued after any PG nursing courses, the students will have to score 50% in their post-graduation.
Skills Required
Communication Skills | Emotional Stability |
Flexibility | Attention to Detail |
Physical Endurance | Problem-Solving Skills |
Empathy | Interpersonal Skills |
Quick Response | Decision Making |
Nursing Courses After 12th Admission Process
Depending on the type of course the admission process varies, here are the admission process:
- Certificate Nursing Courses: Applicants must have completed classes 10 and 10+2
- Diploma: Students must have qualified 10+2 exam with 50% aggregate, or the candidates must have a 2-year experience in GNM/ students who hold a nursing certificate of 6-9 months according to the Indian Nursing Council
- UG: Candidates with 50% aggregate marks in 10+2 with PCB stream. Apart from the general eligibility criteria, one has to appear for an entrance examination also
- PG: Candidates who have passed the BSc Nursing Course will also have to qualify for the entrance examinations.
- Doctorate: Applicants must have completed MSc in Nursing
Entrance Exams
Here are some of the entrance exams that you can consider attempting for getting into the nursing courses after 12th:
- AIIMS BSc Nursing Exam
- NEET
- JIPMER
- DSAT
- ITM NEST
Top Colleges
Here are some of the top colleges that can be on your wish list with their average course fee in nursing:
College Name | Average Fees |
AIIMS Delhi | INR 1700 |
PGIMER Chandigarh | INR 6000 |
CMC Vellore | INR 24000 |
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Science, Bangalore | INR 21500 |
BHU Varanasi | INR 4000 |
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research | INR 6000 |
Government Medical College, Chandigarh | INR 69,000 |
Armed Forces Medical College, Pune | INR 1,30,000 |
Nursing Jobs After 12th
Once they have their license in hand, candidates who have finished their nursing education can apply for their desired employment. Some of the top nursing courses after 12th with their description and average salary are mentioned below.
Job Role | Job Description | Average Salary (INR) |
Chief Nursing Officer | The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is the highest-ranking nurse executive in a healthcare organization who is responsible for overseeing nursing operations and ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality patient care. | 9-10 LPA |
Critical Care Nurse | A critical care nurse is a specialized nurse who provides advanced care to acutely and critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs), emergency departments, and other critical care settings. | 2-4 LPA |
Nurse Educator | A nurse educator is a specialized nurse who teaches and mentors nursing students, new nurses, and other healthcare professionals in academic and clinical settings. | 4 LPA |
Registered Nurse | A registered nurse is a licensed healthcare professional who provides patient care, coordinates care delivery, and advocates for patients in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. | 5 LPA |
Clinical Nurse Manager | A clinical nurse manager is a specialized nurse who supervises and manages the day-to-day operations of a nursing unit, ensures the delivery of safe and high-quality patient care, and manages the nursing staff in a healthcare organization. | 3 LPA |
Nursing Courses After 12th Science
There are several options available for students who want to pursue a career in nursing courses after 12th science. The list and duration of nursing courses after 12th for science students are mentioned below.
Course | Top Colleges |
BSc in Nursing | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi; Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune; Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore; Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal; Rajkumari Amrit Kaur College of Nursing, Delhi |
Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi; Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore; Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune; Rajkumari Amrit Kaur College of Nursing, Delhi; Government College of Nursing, Kozhikode |
Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery (ANM) | Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh; Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi; Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi; All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi; St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore |
BSc Nursing Post-Basic | Christian Medical College, Vellore; Apollo College of Nursing, Chennai; Armed Forces Medical College, Pune; Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal; Rajkumari Amrit Kaur College of Nursing, Delhi |
General Nursing and Midwifery | Government College of Nursing, Kottayam; All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi; King George’s Medical University, Lucknow; Christian Medical College, Vellore; Armed Forces Medical College, Pune |
Doctor of Nursing Practice | Amrita College of Nursing, Kochi; Indian Nursing Council, New Delhi (in collaboration with University of Delhi); College of Nursing, Christian Medical College, Vellore (in collaboration with Manipal University); College of Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi |
Nursing Courses After 12th Arts
There are several options available for students who want to pursue a career in nursing courses after 12th arts. The list and duration of nursing courses after 12th for arts students are mentioned below.
Course | Top Colleges |
Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) | Government College of Nursing, Kottayam; Christian Medical College, Vellore; St. John’s College of Nursing, Bangalore; Rajkumari Amrit Kaur College of Nursing, Delhi; Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh |
Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery (ANM) | Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh; St. John’s College of Nursing, Bangalore; Christian Medical College, Vellore; Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai; Government College of Nursing, Kottayam |
Diploma in Nursing Education and Administration | Florence College of Nursing, Bangalore; Armed Forces Medical College, Pune; College of Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi; Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh; Guru Teg Bahadur College of Nursing, New Delhi |
Certificate in Maternal and Child Health Nursing | AIIMS College of Nursing, New Delhi; Christian Medical College, Vellore; St. John’s College of Nursing, Bangalore; Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai; College of Nursing, P.D. Hinduja National Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mumbai |
Certificate in Home-Based Healthcare | Apollo Homecare, Hyderabad; Care Continuum Pvt Ltd, Bangalore; Nightingales Home Health Services, Bangalore;Healthcare at Home India, New Delhi; Portea Medical, Bangalore |
Conclusion
Nursing courses after 12th are an excellent option for students who are interested in healthcare and aspire to have a fulfilling career in the medical field. These courses offer comprehensive education and training that prepares students to provide care to patients and contribute to the healthcare industry. With the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, pursuing a nursing course after 12th can lead to a stable and rewarding career.
Additionally, there are various specialization options available in nursing that provide opportunities for career growth and advancement. Overall, nursing courses after 12th can be a great career choice for students who have a passion for helping others and want to make a difference in people’s lives.
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Nursing Courses After 12th: FAQs
Nursing courses after 12th are undergraduate-level programs that provide students with a comprehensive education and training in the field of nursing. These courses aim to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide care to patients and contribute to the healthcare industry.
To be eligible for nursing courses after 12th, students must have completed their 12th grade or equivalent examination in the science stream with a minimum aggregate score of 50%. Additionally, some colleges may require students to clear an entrance examination.
Answer: Upon completing a nursing course after 12th, students can work as registered nurses, staff nurses, nursing assistants, or nurse practitioners in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. They can also pursue higher education and specialize in areas such as critical care nursing, pediatric nursing, psychiatric nursing, and more.
The duration of nursing courses after 12th can vary depending on the program and institution. Generally, these courses take three to four years to complete.
The cost of nursing courses after 12th can vary depending on the institution and the location. However, in general, these courses can be expensive. Students can apply for scholarships and financial aid to support their education.

Anushree Rastogi is a Senior Content Writer at iDreamCareer, bringing over 5 years of expertise to the field of career counseling. She has done a PGDM in Marketing and Finance and possesses a unique blend of skills that allows her to craft engaging and informative content. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate their career paths and has dedicated her career to providing valuable insights through her content. Her commitment to excellence and keen understanding of the career landscape make her a trusted guide for those seeking professional direction. With a flair for clear and engaging writing, Anushree is on a mission to empower others to make informed and fulfilling career choices.