List of Careers and Courses You Can Apply in Medical and Healthcare Fields

Malaysia has long been praised for our healthcare system, ranking first in the Best Healthcare in the World category of the 2019 International Living Annual Global Retirement Index. Malaysia's healthcare implements a universal healthcare system, which exists alongside the private healthcare system - giving the people the freedom to choose whichever suits their needs best.

But this system wouldn't have been as effective if it weren't for the people running the healthcare field. Who are these people, what do they do, and how can you join this tiring but selfless field? Today, we'll look into careers and courses you can apply in healthcare!

List of Medical Careers and their Job Scope

1. Doctor

A doctor is someone who maintains or restores human health through the practice of medicine. He or she faces the challenge of diagnosing and treating human disease, ailments, injuries, pain or other conditions. Doctors are often specialized in a specific area.

In Malaysia, doctors are expected to make between RM3,000 to RM13,000 depending on each grade and sector.

2. Nurse

A nurse provides nursing care for the patients. Their task includes coordinating patient care, providing emotional support for families and assisting doctors in their procedures. There are many types of nurses such as licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, clinical nurse specialist and nurse practitioner.

Nurses in Malaysia make between RM2,000 to 9,000 depending on the level of experience and sector.

3. Medical Assistant

In order to complete administrative tasks in the hospital, we need medical assistants to help. They perform various duties and responsibilities that are both patient and lab-based. They also perform typical receptionist duties.

Much like nurses, medical assistants typically make between RM2,000 to RM9,000 depending on their grade and sector.

4. Pharmacist

A pharmacist is in charge of dispensing prescription medications to patients and medical facilities. A pharmacist has expert knowledge of medications and can advise on over-the-counter remedies that can be purchased for minor ailments or non-serious illnesses such as a cold.

A pharmacist in Malaysia can make between RM2,000 at a fresh graduate level to RM9,000 as an expert.

5. Physician

Similar to doctors, physicians diagnose illnesses as well as treating diseases and their patients’ overall health. General physicians will refer patients to specialists if need to since they are not specialists in just one area of expertise, which means they are able to diagnose and treat general illnesses.

Physicians also make the same salary range as doctors, between RM3,000 to RM13,000 in the government sector.

6. Clinical Laboratory Technologist

A clinical laboratory technologist's main task is to perform tests to analyse body fluids, tissues, and other samples in a medical office. These tests help determine the presence, extent, or absence of disease. It also helps doctors monitor the effectiveness of a particular treatment.

Clinical laboratory technologists are expected to make between RM2,000 to RM9,000 depending on experience level and sector.

7. Medical Equipment Preparer

A medical equipment preparer is in charge of installing, sterilizing, cleaning, and set up medical equipment for doctors to use. Medical equipment preparers need to be familiar with how an equipment operates and know the safety concerns surrounding each of the devices they are responsible for.

In Malaysia, a medical equipment preparer makes between RM2,000 to RM8,000.

What is the Education Pathway After SPM?

Generally, the education pathway for post-SPM students is by pursuing either a pre-university course (foundation, matriculation, STPM) or diploma. Upon completion of the pre-university course or a diploma, students can continue with a bachelor’s degree before furthering into postgraduate specialization courses. But, it all depends on what course and career you are interested in. For example, if you want to take a nursing course, the best pathway after SPM is diploma. After graduating from diploma, you are qualified to apply as a professional nurse.

Where Can You Study?

If you've been dreaming of a career in the healthcare field, you can choose to further study whether in private, public or government institutions. However, it depends on the course offered by the institution.

For private institutions, several institutions are offering the best medical courses such as Ramsay Sime Darby Healthcare College, AIMST University, MAHSA University and Penang International Dental College (PIDC). For Ramsay Sime Darby Healthcare College, this college is known for its excellence in nursing education, and for nurturing allied health sciences professionals who are competent and industry-ready.

AIMST University also has its AIMST Clinical Skills Centre to help medical students in their clinical training by instilling self-confidence in the students in performing clinical skills and procedures on real patients.

MAHSA University is yet another private institution that specializes in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Business and Engineering courses. They are committed to the delivery of education of the highest quality with emphasis on hands-on training.

And at Penang International Dental College (PIDC), they are committed to continuous quality improvement of its core business process of teaching and learning for oral health care professionals.

Public universities in Malaysia also offer medical-related courses, with University of Malaya’s (UM) Medical Centre being a pioneer of medical schools in the country, closely followed by University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

There are also government colleges that specialize in healthcare education such as Kolej Sains Kesihatan Bersekutu, a medical programme created by the Ministry of Health. They focus on providing training for nurses and paramedics.

Between government, public and private institutions, which one is the best?

To choose the best is not easy but you can compare in term of the entry requirements, study duration and job opportunity after graduation.

For government college, they only offer certificate and diploma course like nursing and medical assistant. The entry requirements are often high as students will be competing with the whole nation for a spot. The study duration varies according to the student’ choice of specialization although job opportunities for graduates are guaranteed, yet it also depends on the students’ academic results.

In public universities, students will need to be top performers as the entry requirements are extremely difficult and high. The study duration for medical courses such as a medical doctor in public universities ranges between five to six years, with an addition two years for housemanship. If diploma, it will take 3 years to complete. The job opportunity for students in public universities, however, are relatively low as some universities do not have their healthcare centre. Therefore, graduates will need to work hard to find jobs by their own efforts.

And regarding private institutions such as Ramsay Sime Darby, AIMST University, MAHSA University and PIDC, students have a higher chance to enrol with them as the entry requirements are not as rigid. The study duration is relatively the same as medical schools in public universities, although it also depends on each institution and courses. For instance, AIMST’s MMBS programme is a total of five years. Job opportunity wise, graduates are guaranteed a job as most of the institutions has their own healthcare centre.

What are the Best Private Institutions for Medical Courses?

To choose the best private institution, choose the one that has their own medical healthcare centre. This will increase the chances of being offered a job after graduation. If the institution you are studying does not have a health centre, later you would have to work hard to find employment opportunities after graduation.

Here are the best institutions associated with several hospitals, providing students with ample real-life experiences and training that you can apply to. To check their courses, entry requirements, fees, intakes and many more, click the list below.

Sime Darby Health Care College

AIMST University

MAHSA University

Penang International Dental College

If you’re still confused which institution is the best option, you can contact our counsellors by clicking HERE. They will guide you for FREE in finding the right medical school depending on your background and interest.

Malaysia’s medical team have worked hard to keep the nation safe and our gratitude for them simply cannot be expressed through mere words. If their sacrifices have inspired you to join the healthcare field, then grab the chance to make the world a better place!