B.Sc vs GNM vs ANM - What’s the right choice for you?
Medical students are often confused after finishing their 12th regarding which nursing course to pursue. With as many as three distinct options to choose from, namely ANM (Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery), GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery), and BSc Nursing (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), it won’t be wrong to say that the candidates are spoilt for choice. Nursing is one of the more sought-after professions in India. Also, it comes with high regard and esteem.
Undoubtedly the primary workforce, nurses not only give primary treatment and day-to-day care to patients but also play a role as important as a doctor. There are 1.7 nurses per 1,000 people in India, which is 43% fewer than the WHO standard (3 per 1,000). Given the extreme scarcity of nurses in the country, pursuing a career in this sector can be extremely rewarding in multiple ways for an individual. So, if you are also about to complete your Senior Secondary and finding it difficult to make a choice, let’s look at different aspects of the three courses to help you make the right choice.
BSc vs. GNM vs. ANM - Eligibility
| Aspect | B.Sc | GNM | ANM |
| Age | 17 to 35 years | 17 to 35 years | 17 to 35 years |
| Subject | 10+2 with Biology, Physics, and Chemistry | 10+2 with Biology, Physics, and Chemistry | 10+2 in Arts or Science stream |
| Percentage | 40% to 50% | ||
| Entrance Exam | Conducted by individual colleges and universities | Conducted by State Nursing Exam boards | |
BSc vs GNM vs ANM - Curriculum
| Aspect | B.Sc | GNM | ANM |
| Degree Type | Bachelor of Science | Diploma | Diploma |
| Duration | 4 years | 3 years & 6 months | 2 years |
| Major Subjects |
• Anatomy • Physiology • Biochemistry • Nutrition • Psychology • Nursing foundation • Sociology • Midwifery and Obstetrical Nursing • Mental Health Nursing • Child Health Nursing • Medical-Surgical Nursing • Community Health Nursing • Pediatric Nursing |
• Research & Statistics • Nursing Administration & Ward Management • Medical-Surgical Nursing • Community Health Nursing • Nursing Education • Child Health Nursing • Nursing Foundation • Bio-Science • Behavioural Science • Medical-Surgical Nursing • Compulsory 6-month internship |
• Medical-Surgical Nursing • Health Promotion • Primary Healthcare Nursing • Child Health Nursing • Midwifery • Health Centre Management • Community Health Nursing • Mental Health Care • Gynaecology and Midwifery • Mandatory 6-month internship |
BSc vs GNM vs ANM - Scope & Salary
| Aspect | B.Sc | GNM | ANM |
| Scope | Better prospects as compared to GNM and ANM, especially for candidates planning for postgraduate education | Both GNM and ANM offer similar scopre of employment, but GNM offers better salary and work enviornment | |
| Employment |
Government and Private Hospitals Anganwadi Programmes Community Health Centres Private Clinics Dispensaries Government Jobs Nursing Homes Various Nursing Schools and Associations The armed forces Educational institutions and industries The Indian Red Cross Society Indian Nursing Council and various State Nursing Councils |
||
| Salary (Monthly) | ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 | ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 | ₹8,000 to ₹12,000 |
Skills Required to Have a Successful Career in Nursing
Be is BSc, GNM, or ANM, following are some of the necessary skills one needs to possess or develop in order to have a successful career in the field of nursing:
| Effective Communication |
| Working for Long Hours and Under Pressure |
| Critical Thinking |
| Attention to Detail |
| Caring and Empathy |
The scope of nursing is ample in India. Moreover, experienced nurses make as much as ₹50,000 to ₹70,000 per month in salary. We hope we were able to give you a bit of clarity on which of the three options from BSc, GNM, and ANM will suit you the most. We wish you all the best as you foray into the world of nursing.
