Medical and Health Science courses are one of the most lucrative and sought out career pathways in Nigeria. If you are looking for medical related courses to study at the University, this post contains an updated list of all the best medical courses in Nigeria any post secondary school student can study in Nigeria.
Most of these Medical courses in Nigeria are really daunting and difficult to get admitted into. But some are a bit mild and require an average performance in your JAMB, pre-degree, and Screening exams.
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Also, passing through a Nigerian Medical school, College of Medicine, or School of Health, is another ball game altogether. In fact, the best medical courses in Nigeria are rated as the most difficult anyone can study at the University.
But the joy in studying health related courses in Nigeria, or medical related courses in Nigeria is this notion that upon graduation, you may not have to rely on the government for employment. Because the skills you acquired in medical school should be enough to help you work independently.
The health related courses in Nigeria that this post discusses are only those related to human health. Other courses related to animal health like Vertinary medicine and Animal Science are not included in the list.
This list also contains some of the most recent courses/ new courses which were recently introduced into the Nigerian Universities, just in case you are interested in exploring other fields of the Medical and Health Sciences.
Table of Contents
- List of 24 Best Medical Related Courses in Nigeria with their Descriptions
- 1. Physical and Health Education
- 2. Nursing Science
- 3. Pharmacology
- 4. Medicine and Surgery
- 5. Dentistry and Dental Surgery
- 6. Medical Rehabilitation
- 7. Pharmacy
- 8. Human Physiology
- 9. Human Anatomy
- 10. Medical Biochemistry
- 11. Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology
- 12. Medical Microbiology
- 13. Medical Radiography
- 14. Medical Laboratory Science
- 15. Physiological Psychology
- 16. Human Nutrition and Dietetics
- 17. Biomedical Technology
- 18. Human Psychology
- 19. Optometry
- 20. Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- 21. Prosthesis and Orthopaedic Technology
- 22. Public Health Technology
- 23. Pharmaceutical Technology
- 24. Pharmacognosy
- 25. Medical Billing and Coding
- Career Opportunities After Studying A Health Related Course In Nigeria
- Which courses are we missing?
List of 24 Best Medical Related Courses in Nigeria with their Descriptions
All the medical courses in Nigeria have similar University entry requirements. The basic requirements for getting admission to study any of the medical courses in Nigeria are a minimum of 5 credits in the A-level or the Senior Secondary School Certificate examinations (SSCE) in English and Mathematics and in all the 3 core science subjects; physics, chemistry and biology, a good JAMB score, and a good Post-UTME score.
Generally, all your scores in the above-mentioned exams must cross the cut-off mark for the course you applied for. The more competitive the course is, the more difficult it is to get admission.
A list of all the best medical related courses in Nigeria:
- Physical and Health Education
- Nursing Science
- Pharmacology
- Medicine and Surgery
- Dentistry and Dental Surgery
- Medical Rehabilitation
- Pharmacy
- Human Physiology
- Human Anatomy
- Medical Biochemistry
- Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology
- Medical Microbiology
- Medical Radiography
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Educational Psychology
- Human Nutrition and Dietetics
- Biomedical Technology
- Human Psychology
- Optometry
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Prosthesis and Orthopaedic Technology
- Public Health Technology
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Pharmacognosy
- Medical Billing and Coding
1. Physical and Health Education
This very old profession has not lost its relevance, and it is no.1 on my list of health related courses in Nigeria. It is a four (4) year program in most Nigerian Universities, and the core discipline taught is the physical and mental well-being of people.
This is broadly classified into two main concepts:
- The Physical Education: Which deals mainly with exercise, sleep, rest, and recreation.
- Health Education: Health Education is aimed at improving health knowledge, attitudes, and behavior.
Even though this course is not rated as a core medical course, as other Medical related courses in Nigerian Universities, it is one of the most lucrative and fulfilling courses anyone can study, not just in Nigeria, but abroad.
It is also good to note that there can be no Physical Education, without Health Education. So students who go into this career pathway are usually trained holistically with the goal that when they graduate and become professionals, they can as well teach people how to be responsible for their own health and healthcare.
So, Health and Physical Educationists are more like teachers and instructors who help in promoting basic health and physical well-being.
Career opportunities for Physical and Health Education Graduates Include:
- Lecturing jobs in any University
- Fitness coach in sports clubs
- Personal trainers
- Private fitness consultants, etc.
2. Nursing Science
Nursing is the mother of all medical and health science courses. It is also one of the most lucrative and the most valued of all the Medical Related courses in Nigerian Universities and abroad.
Nursing encompasses the collaborative care of people of all ages, families, groups, and communities, sick or well, and in all settings.
There is this saying that ‘Nurses are Angels’. This is a belief proudly held by Nigerian Nurses, and there is no single lie in this. It is difficult to find someone who will dedicate their lives to the care and management of strangers for the meager amount they are paid in Nigeria (compared to other health-related courses), yet they carry out their duties with passion.
In recent times, this course is gaining more popularity in Nigeria like never before, as most Western countries like Canada, the U.K, and the United States are in need of professionals who studied health-related courses in Nigeria and other countries especially Nursing science. So a good number of people choose to study Nursing only to leave the country to places where their value is deeply appreciated.
3. Pharmacology
Pharmacology is a branch of medicine that deals with the study of drugs both synthetic (man-made) or natural, how they work (Mechanism of Action), and their effect on the body.
This course of the branches of Pharmaceutical Sciences is a pre-requisite for all Pharmacy students. But in recent years, it has been one of the health related courses in Nigeria which are introduced as a separate program you can study independently, and get a degree for it.
Pharmacology is a four-year program and could be studied in many state Universities in Nigeria.
4. Medicine and Surgery
Medicine is one of the Medical related courses in Nigeria that is the most sought for. The main reason is because of the reputation that comes from being a doctor, and the belief that doctors are among the highest-paid professionals in Nigeria.
It takes a minimum of 6 years for one to graduate as a Medical Doctor in any Nigerian University. And upon that, there are many daunting professional exams that will test you in every way.
Medicine and surgery are rated as one of the top 5 most difficult courses to study in Nigeria and the most difficult of the Medical related courses in Nigerian Universities together with Dentistry and Dental Surgery.
Yet it is still one of those courses that receive the highest number of applicants yearly according to JAMB statistics.
A graduate of Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria is awarded a certificate called Bachelor in Medicine, Bachelor in Surgery (MBBS), and has multiple career pathways after the 6-year program is completed.
There are lots of myths held unto by people about getting admission to study medicine in Nigeria. Although some have elements of truth, admission into medical school always favors those who work exceptionally hard.
5. Dentistry and Dental Surgery
This is also among the most respected of the health related courses in Nigeria.
Studying Dentistry and Dental Surgery in Nigeria is almost the same as Studying Medicine and Surgery. It is a 6-year course and both dentistry and medicine students share a similar program.
Dentistry students are taught almost the same courses as Medical students until after their 2nd Professional exam (Pathology and Pharmacology) after which those in dentistry are introduced to core subjects in Dentistry. They also take all the courses that medicine students offer except core Pediatrics and Obstetrics/Gynecology.
A graduate of Dentistry in Nigeria is awarded a Bachelor of Dentistry certificate (BDS) and has opportunities to work in all the places a doctor can work.
6. Medical Rehabilitation
Medical Rehabilitation is a course that deals with the study of how to return patients to their original health condition after they have suffered a debilitating injury. Physiotherapy is a branch of Medical Rehabilitation that is usually helpful for patients to regain their body strength.
Generally, Medical rehabilitation is a very lucrative course in Nigeria and takes at least 5 years for anyone to complete the course in Nigerian universities. And the degree one gets after completing a Medical Rehabilitation program is Bachelor’s in Medical Rehabilitation (B.MR).
But some higher institutions offer Physiotherapy as a separate course, and it usually requires at least 4 years to complete. The degree one gets after completing the physiotherapy program is Bachelor in Physiotherapy (B.PT).
In recent years, there have been moves made by Physiotherapists in the country to make the course a professional one and to make the results of students of Medical rehabilitation to be unclassified.
This means that they will now graduate as Doctors of Physiotherapy (D.PT) instead of having a Bachelor’s degree.
Many other medical and health related courses in Nigeria are actually trying to adopt this trend of unclassified degrees.
Overall, physiotherapy is a very lucrative course to study, and one of the highest paying health-related courses in Nigeria. There are also lots of job opportunities for physiotherapists in various sectors in the country especially in sports and in teaching hospitals.
7. Pharmacy
Pharmacy is also one of the most lucrative of the health related courses in Nigeria.
It takes a minimum of 5 years to graduate as a Pharmacist in Nigeria.
Being one of the medical professions with the highest number of opportunities and freedom from work, their career options include;
- Community care Pharmacy: They review prescriptions/medication orders, dispense prescribed medications, Provide over-the-counter Medications, Counsel patients in the community on the proper use of drugs, immunizations, and monitoring disease progress using devices, and many more.
- Academic Pharmacy: These are pharmacists who specialize in teaching, lecturing, and research.
- Hospital Pharmacy: They work in hospitals. Their roles include dispensing drugs, being part of the patient review team, and many more.
- Industrial Pharmacy: They deal in the production of medications and pharmaceuticals.
- Regulatory agencies and administration: They control and monitor the production and supply chain of drugs to ensure that the best quality is delivered to patients. They also control the use of illicit medications and hard drugs.
- Public health service pharmacy: They play a variety of roles in public health management. Community pharmacists are Public health service pharmacists.
- Nuclear Pharmacy: Deals with the production of radioactive materials used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
- Veterinary Pharmacy: Production of drugs for animal health.
- Drug and Poison Centre Pharmacy: Specializes in the management of poisons.
- Informatics Pharmacy: They deal with the acquisition, storage, analysis, and dissemination of information about drugs for optimal patient care delivery.
- Genomics Pharmacy: Specializes in genetics.
A graduate of Pharmacy in Nigeria is awarded a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) and has numerous career opportunities which include:
- Setting up a private pharmacy
- Working as a lecturer in Universities
- Working in governmental organizations like NAFDAC
- Working in private companies and organizations like Nestle
- Working in hospitals, etc.
8. Human Physiology
This was just a pre-requisite for studying medical related courses in Nigeria or health related courses in Nigeria. But in recent years, it is now an independent course, and part of the new courses one can study for a degree in Nigeria.
It is a four-year course, and the degree is Bachelor in Human Physiology. The main career opportunities for human physiologists are working as a lecturer in Universities and as a researcher in hospitals.
9. Human Anatomy
Human Anatomy was also a course formerly studied as a pre-requisite for studying medical-related courses in Nigeria or health related courses in Nigeria just like Human Physiology.
But in recent years, it is now an independent course, and part of the new courses one can study for a degree in Nigeria.
It is a four-year course, and the degree is Bachelor in Human Anatomy. Has similar career opportunities as a Human Physiologist.
10. Medical Biochemistry
Just like Human Anatomy and Human Physiology, Medical Biochemistry was also a course formerly studied as a pre-requisite for studying medical-related courses in Nigeria or health-related courses in Nigeria.
But in recent years, it is now an independent course, and part of the new courses one can study for a degree in Nigeria.
It is a four-year course, and the degree is Bachelor in Medical Biochemistry. Has similar opportunities as a Human Anatomist and Human Physiologist.
11. Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology
This was also formerly a course studied as a pre-requisite for studying medical related courses in Nigeria or health related courses in Nigeria.
It was formerly part of a course called Genetics and Molecular Biology (Bio 101).
But in recent years, it is now an independent course, and part of the new courses one can study for a degree in Nigeria.
It is a four-year course, and the degree is Bachelor in Molecular genetics and Biotechnology.
12. Medical Microbiology
Medical Microbiology is also another course that is a pre-requisite for studying medical related courses in Nigeria.
But it can as well be studied under a department of its own for a separate degree; Bachelor of Medical Microbiology.
It is a 4-year course as well. And the major career opportunities after graduation is working as a lecturer, hospital lab technician, and researcher in companies.
13. Medical Radiography
Medical Radiography is a 5-year course too. It is one of those Medical related courses in Nigeria that is well known for the freedom it gives. Radiographers play a very vital role in patient care and they proudly answer “the eyes of modern medicine”. They make the diagnosis and treatment of diseases straightforward and easy.
The major roles of radiographers include doing imaging studies through various techniques like X-ray, CT scan, MRI scan, etc.
Medical radiographers are prided on working at their own pace, especially if they own their own firm.
Medical radiography is one of the most satisfying health related course in Nigeria that anyone can study.
14. Medical Laboratory Science
This is a 5-year course as well. And just like Medical Radiography, Medical Laboratory Science gives one freedom to work at their own pace in their private firms.
Just like many other medical and health science courses, the degree one gets after graduation is a Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Science degree (B. MLS).
Just like medical radiographers, Med lab scientists enjoy the freedom of setting up private labs for collecting and testing patients’ samples. This makes med lab a very satisfying and lucrative course in Nigeria due to this freedom of practice.
15. Physiological Psychology
Physiology Psychology course is ideally not grouped among the Medical related courses in Nigeria.
But it is worth the mention in this post as it deals with the study of how people learn, individual differences in learning, learning disabilities, and many others. These are very vital components of human mental health.
Education courses are usually studied for a minimum of 4 years in Nigeria, and there are lots of opportunities for Education professionals especially in the western world.
Education for special needs is one of those professions where workers are being sought for on a yearly basis in the U.K, U.S, Canada, Australia, etc.
16. Human Nutrition and Dietetics
Lots of opportunities abound for professionals in Human Nutrition and Dietetics. It is usually studied for a minimum of 4-5 years in most Nigerian Universities.
Like other medical and health science courses, you get a Bachelor’s degree for completing this program.
17. Biomedical Technology
Biomedical Technology is among the rarest of the medical and health science courses in Nigeria.
It involves the application of technical principles to biological systems with an emphasis on human health and diseases.
It is also called Bioengineering and is studied for a minimum of 4 years in Nigeria.
One of the Universities where one can study Biomedical Technology is the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
18. Human Psychology
If you are intrigued by the nature of the human mind and human behavior, then Human Psychology is the course for you!
It is one of the medical and health science courses that requires passion.
Not everyone has the flair for MBTI, Enneagram, and the rest of the complex topics in Human Psychology, but this knowledge has proven to be helpful to humanity. Understanding human nature, and how to cope and co-exist with our fellow human beings.
Human Psychology is a 4-year course, and one of the most interesting of the medical related courses in Nigeria for those who have the passion.
19. Optometry
This health profession deals with the examination of the eyes and applicable visual systems for defects or abnormalities and also prescribing and selling corrective refractive lenses.
They also help Ophthalmologists (A branch of Medicine/Surgery) in the treatment of some eye diseases.
Optometrists are not Medical doctors, but receive a degree; Doctor of Optometry (OD) after completing 4 years of study at the University.
20. Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Pharmacology and Therapeutics is a course normally studied as a pre-requisite for graduating as a Pharmacist in the country.
But some universities offer this as a 4-year course and get a Bachelor’s degree for it.
It deals with the study of medicines and their use in the cure and treatment of diseases.
Also, Read; THE UNFORESEEN: Doctors Get Depressed Too
21. Prosthesis and Orthopaedic Technology
This profession deals with the use of prostheses to improve the function and lives of people with deformities or total loss of any limb. (Prostheses is also called artificial limbs)
It is one of the rare medical related courses in Nigeria and takes 4 years for one to complete the program.
22. Public Health Technology
Public Health Technology is the practical use of organized knowledge and acquired skills in form of machines/gadgets, medicines, vaccines, procedures, and systems to solve health issues and improve people’s lives.
It takes approximately 3 to 4 years for one to complete a degree in Public health Technology.
23. Pharmaceutical Technology
This is an undergraduate engineering course that deals with the application of technology and scientific knowledge to Pharmacy.
It takes 4 years to complete.
24. Pharmacognosy
Pharmacognosy is the study of Medicinal plants and their use in the cure and management of diseases.
It is a course normally studied as a pre-requisite for graduating as a Pharmacist in the country.
But some universities offer this as a 4-year course and get a Bachelor’s degree for it.
25. Medical Billing and Coding
Medical billing and coding is also one of the most lucrative courses in the health field that you can take online in Nigeria. There are many accredited and affordable online schools for medical billing and coding where you can get your associate’s degree or certification that will qualify you as an entry-level coder.
The average income of a medical biller and coder is around $30,000 to $80,000 per year.
Career Opportunities After Studying A Health Related Course In Nigeria
There are numerous medical related courses springing up from different universities in Nigeria as the need arises. One major benefit of studying a medical course in Nigeria just as stated above is freedom of practice and independence from the government after graduation.
Nigeria is a country where a majority of the population is dependent on the government for jobs. But only a select few get these jobs for obvious reasons. The rest of the unemployed youths are then left to cater to their daily needs by finding private jobs to do.
In the end, only those who have relevant skills could sell these skills in exchange for money, and that is why studying a course that will teach you skills of cross-sectional relevance is important to survive in the country. And the majority of these are the medical courses listed above.
Lucrative Job opportunities for graduates of medical courses in Nigeria include:
- Lecturing jobs
- Working in the government or teaching hospitals
- Private practice
- Working in research firms
- Working with NGOs
- Working in private companies, etc.
Which courses are we missing?
Now you have seen the list of the most lucrative medical related courses in Nigeria. We will keep updating this list as newer courses are accredited by the Nigerian Ministry of Education.
If you know of any course we are missing, kindly use the comment section below to notify us for this list to be updated.
Please sir I have a different question
Is it possible for me to study radiography with a degree in biomedical technology
And if it’s possible explain the process and possibly school I can apply for
Yes it’s possible
You can either apply for a change of degree or complete your training in Biomedical technology and apply for a direct entry into a university to study radiography.
I believe any federal University can do this
Yes, Environmental Health Science is missing here
Yea,
Is it that lucrative? Please enlighten us
You’re missing
Health information management
You are missing Radiography
Medical radiography is right there
Gynecology
Gynaecology is a specialty under medicine and surgery
Environmental health science