Engineering vs Medical: Which is better?

Medical vs Engineering - Which one to choose? - Choosing a career path after completing school in the Science stream is the most mind-boggling decision one has to take. With Engineering and medicine being the two most sought-after careers in India, it becomes difficult to settle for one without proper information. With an array of new careers emerging from the engineering and medical stream, the confusion further rises. Students often wonder, 'Which is better Engineering or the medical field?'. This article will help the students make an informed choice between a career in engineering or medicine by understanding the aptitude required, the academic career trajectory of both, and job prospects. Read the complete article to gain clarity on medical vs engineering which is better?

Engineering vs Medical

Given below are the traits/skills students must possess to be able to select whether to go for Engineering or Medical.

Why Engineering?

If you’re a problem solver and love to come out with a unique solution, love to apply scientific theory while providing solutions to people, and have a curious/creative mind, then a career as an engineer is just right for you. But beware, completing B.Tech or any other engineering program does not bring an end to learning. Engineers must learn continuously and come up with new and innovative solutions to existing problems.

Why Medical?

If spending all day deep in the world of science and getting to help people along the way sounds like the perfect career for you, majoring in medicine may be the right fit. One must have patience and problem-solving skills. Those who choose the medical field must also possess the ability to work well under pressure. Since, one is responsible for good health and life here, those with a laid-back attitude and procrastination approach must not choose this field.

Academic Path in Engineering

To make a career as an engineer, one must opt for the science stream (PCM) at +2 level in school and then appear for various engineering entrance exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, GATE, BITSAT, VITEEE, etc. After clearing the written exam, candidates will be required to appear for counseling. Upon clearing the 4-year duration programs- B.Tech/B.E program, candidates can go for higher studies if they are interested in pursuing a Masters degree in this field. One has the option to pursue M.Tech after B.Tech. Master of Technology (M.Tech) is the advancement in this field through which one is specialized in a particular area. Some candidates also choose an MBA after B.Tech. One can also opt teaching field and become a professor after M.Tech.

Academic Path in the Medical Field

To make a career in the medical field, one must choose the Science stream in classes 11^th and 12^th (PCB). After school, one can appear for NEET, AIIMS, JIPMER, etc to pursue an MBBS thereafter. In India, MBBS is of 5.5-year duration. Apart from MBBS, students can opt for various other programmes in Geriatric Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radio-diagnosis, and many more.

Job Prospects in Engineering vs Medical

Job prospects and salary are other factors that students need to consider before finally deciding on engineering or medicine. Read below to know more.

Job Prospects in Engineering

Engineers can work in profiles such as Software Engineer, Testing Engineer, System Analyst, and Technical Support Engineer. After the completion of the program, an individual can earn an average package of Rs.2 to 4.5 Lacs. Some of the major recruiters for B.Tech. Computer Science courses are from software giants like Infosys, TCS, Accenture, etc.

Job Prospects in the Medical Field

Making a career in medicine is not limited to becoming a doctor. The other sought-after courses in the medical field after class 12 are:

• Optometry

• Medical Laboratory Technology

• Dialysis Therapy Technology

• Health Information Management

• Audiology & Speech Language Pathology

• Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology

• Operation Theatre Technology

• Physiotherapy

• Radiotherapy Technology

• Nutrition & Dietetics

• Biomedical Engineer

• Biotechnologist

The initial salary of a person in the medical field ranges between 3 lakh to 8 lakh. The salary increases manifold with experience.

Thus, students must keep in mind their aptitude before selecting a field of career. Job prospects and salary also affect the selection of the study field. Those who do not wish to study for many years after school may go ahead and choose engineering.