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The reality of the B.Voc Healthcare degree courses offered in the name of universities outside the state in Kerala.
B.Voc isn't a paramedical program; it's a vocational course. B.Voc Healthcare is UGC accredited, but you need to check the UGC website for a list of universities allowed to offer these courses in colleges. However, some institutions claim this without being listed by the UGC for off-campus programs.

Let's now explore the courses they provide.
B.Voc Courses (Specialized in:)
Physiotherapy
Optometry 
Dialysis Technology 
Cardiac Care Technology
Nutrition and Dietetics
Radiology
Medical Lab Technology
Etc.......
Let's delve into the categories of institutions where these courses are conducted:
Franchisee 

PRIVATE LIMITED COMPANIES:
Institutions that typically offer medical and paramedical courses must meet specific qualifications set by the Health University and the Director of Medical Education. However, many of these institutions conduct these courses without meeting these qualifications. It's important to note that the boards within these institutions may lack the necessary information about how to properly conduct these courses.
The faculties within these institutions are often temporary teachers who may lack specific qualifications or prior experience in the field. Interestingly, these institutions don't even require a hospital to offer courses like Cardiac Care and Dialysis.
Furthermore, despite students possessing university degrees, they are not provided with login credentials to access their results through the website.
Now, let's explore the commitments they make.
1. Priority for jobs as physiotherapists, optometrists, dialysis technicians, cardiac and radiographers is given both in the Gulf and within the country for those who have completed the mentioned B.Voc program. They'll receive preference over those who completed the KUHS-approved paramedical BSc course.
2. This certification holds UK recognition, making it internationally valuable, allowing you to work anywhere globally.
3. It's recognized by the Kerala PSC. While registration with the Kerala Paramedical Council is not possible, it enables eligibility for international positions, such as MOH and HAAD.
4. No specific subject requirements for 10+2 education are necessary for these paramedical and allied health jobs.
5. Additionally, a central government certificate is provided, which holds precedence over state certificates.
6. While it allows work in any Indian state, it doesn't require registration with any state's paramedical board.
7. Practical training is conducted in partnership with prominent hospitals, ensuring practical experience and placement opportunities.
8. The course fees are moderate, ranging from Rs 2 to 3 lakh. Despite the cost, the certificate holds significant international value.
9. Seats are filling up quickly, so booking early ensures enrollment.
10. Regular attendance is mandatory throughout the course duration.

Let's come to the point and examine the reality regarding these certificates.
They claim to offer a B.Voc Healthcare Certificate from universities, along with certificates from NSDC, Ministry of Skill Development, UK Skill Federation, Skill For Health, and others.
It's true that B.Voc Healthcare is a certificate granted by universities, known as a vocational qualification.
Setting that aside, let's look at how certificates are issued for related paramedical departments:
The Level 4 Certificates issued by the Central Government's NSDC, MSDE, Health Sector Skill Council, and the UK Skill for Health organization are limited to short courses, lasting less than a year. These are assistant courses for PHYSIOTHERAPY, VISION TECHNICIAN, RADIOLOGY, CARDIAC CARE, DIALYSIS, etc. Vocational degrees are not categorized at level four.
Simply possessing skill certificates and vocational degrees won't earn recognition from the Kerala Paramedical Council, making consideration for PSC irrelevant.
In private hospitals, medical and paramedical staff must meet the minimum qualifications set by the Council under the Clinical Establishment Act. During NABH inspections, those with B.Voc Healthcare qualifications might find themselves ineligible for certain positions.
For international opportunities, candidates typically need to pass qualifying exams specific to each country. Additionally, the entry requirement for vocational degrees is different from that of traditional degrees, such as Plus Two Bioscience being the entry cadre for degrees, while B.Voc's eligibility includes commerce and humanities backgrounds. In summary, the fees for paramedical courses often lead to just a skill development certificate. This can mislead students who expect immediate job opportunities both at home and abroad without understanding the reality of being a paramedic.
You can find these certificate courses listed on websites like the Health Sector Skill Council, nsdcindia.org, and ukskillfederation.
Before enrolling in such courses, it's crucial to reach out to paramedical staff, hospitals, or the paramedical council to confirm accreditation by KUHS for degrees and DME for diplomas. When considering paramedical studies in other states, ensure that the college you're interested in is accredited by the state government's health university. The significance lies in the fact that errors in medical practice, which originate from students trained in such institutions, are not insignificant.

Article By: Mujeebulla K.M
CIGI Career Team