Allied Health Sciences Explained: Programs, Careers & Opportunities at Chandigarh University

Chandigarh, Punjab ESTD 2012

Allied Health Sciences: Powering the Pulse of Modern Healthcare

When the term health care is mentioned; most people visualize doctors in white coats and nurses at the bedside of a patient. While it is easy to associate healthcare with those healthcare professionals, quietly moving the system forward are a group of highly trained and dedicated professionals - Allied Health Professionals.

By definition, the term "Allied" simply means "joined by means of an agreement or relationship" - in healthcare, we use the term to relate to professionals that are neither doctors nor nurses, but who work closely in an alliance with doctors and nurses to provide patient care, rehabilitation, diagnosis, and prevention services.

Allied health professionals are the less public yet equally crucial part of the healthcare workforce that keeps the entire system moving forward.

Allied health professionals employ the combination of science, care, and technique, and everything from infection diagnosis from a lab to getting a patient walking again, everything depends on allied health professionals. Some of the components that make up allied health professionals include physiotherapist, medical diagnostic professionals, optometrists, and nutritionists. Health care now is interdisciplinary and team based. In fact, we know that close to 60% of healthcare workers in Canada, India and the world are allied health workers.

We are looking forward to showcasing what the profession looks like today and how Chandigarh University (CU) is in the leading group of institutions in India developing skilled professionals for the Allied Health Sciences.

Who Are Allied Health Professionals?

Allied health professionals aren't generalists like doctors or nurses, but instead have specialized knowledge that provides support for diagnosis, rehabilitation, and ongoing wellness. Mostly, they work closely with doctors in clinical settings and are responsible for essential tasks in patient care, such as:

- Collecting blood specimens and collecting lab results

- Preparing personalized meal plans

- Supervising physical rehabilitation

- Conducting vision screenings

- Using forensic science to analyze crime scenes

Allied health professionals typically work across many different disciplines and even in some instances where utilizing technology in rehabilitation is integrated with patient care. They have a pivotal role in regard to patient care because they do not only support patient care, they participate in illness prevention, chronic disease management, and ultimately improving patient quality of life for all patients.

Allied Health Programs at Chandigarh University

University Institute of Allied Health Sciences (UIAHS) at Chandigarh University offers and innovative portfolio of programs that integrate theoretical learning and research, with an emphasis on experiential learning, international collaboration, and career readiness, CU is shaping the next generation of allied health professionals.

Undergraduate Programs

B.Sc. (Hons./Hons. with Research) in Nutrition & Dietetics

This is a foundational program for those who aspire to be clinical nutritionists or food scientists and includes study areas on food service management, therapeutic diets, public health nutrition, and clinical placements in hospitals or wellness settings.

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)

This is a 4.5-year program (requires 6 months of internship), teaching physical rehabilitation, neuro physiotherapy, orthopedic physiotherapy, and therapeutic exercise.

Bachelor of Optometry

This program involves the application of clinical skills in eye health, including vision therapy, optical corrections, and ocular diagnostics. There is significant lab work and students will apply their skills in hospitals.

Bachelor of Optometry (Lateral Entry)

A glide path for diploma holders in optometry to enhance their qualifications and enter higher levels of undergraduate study without starting at the beginning.

B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology (Hons.) (MLT)

Focusses on laboratory-based study learning methods in pathology, hematology, microbiology, or immunology. To develop technical proficiency, students participate in lab placements in modern diagnostic labs where they develop their practice skills.

B.Sc. MLT (Lateral Entry)

Diploma holders can enter in 2nd year of the program and upgrade their technical and diagnostic skillset instead of doing a 3 year diploma.

B.Sc. Forensic Science

The perfect mix of science, law and investigation. Students study crime scene investigation, toxicology, fingerprinting, cyber forensics, and work with legal agencies or crime labs.

Postgraduate Programs

M.Sc. in Nutrition & Dietetics

Research-based program emphasizing advanced nutrition sciences primarily related to public health policy, therapeutic interventions and metabolic disorders.

M.Sc. Medical Lab Technology

Expands on lab competencies with diagnostic depth towards understanding medical testing protocols and lab management exposure.

M.Sc. (MLT) Clinical Biochemistry

Students will examine the chemical analysis of body fluids to identify diseases including diabetes, thyroid disease, and transitions in analytical applications and quality systems into the health care facility agile forms of such as self-care or personal health-monitoring devices.

M.Sc. (MLT) Clinical Microbiology

Must be familiar with the microscopic world of pathogens to identify areas of infection, antibiotic resistance, and clinical bacteriology.

Master of Physiotherapy (MPT)

Three areas of specialization are offered: Orthopedics, Neurology and Sports Therapy. Evidence-based treatment will be taught and patients' rehabilitation strategies as well.

Master of Optometry

Module components are provided for advanced clinical practice, ocular diseases, low vision rehabilitation, and management of an optometric business.

M.Sc. Forensic Science

Includes advanced course work in crime scene investigation, and crime-solving methods, report writing for legal purposes, and court procedures. Practical exposure and case-based learning will be emphasized.

Doctoral Programs

Chandigarh University also offersPh.D. programs for those interested in academic research and innovation:

Ph.D. in Forensic Science
Ph.D. in Nutrition & Dietetics
Ph.D. in Physiotherapy
Ph.D. in Optometry
Ph.D. in Medical Lab Technology

Each research scholar gets the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge studies and publish work in international journals.

Why Choose Chandigarh University’s UIAHS?

1. Hands-On Curriculum

Every program utilizes the latest information so that programs mirror the current trends in the health care sector. Students engage with the same types of equipment you would find in mission labs and also are exposed to the kinds of equipment they would find in the best hospitals, like 3D diagnostics.

2. International Partnerships

The CU provides opportunities to partner with institutions in the USA, UK, Switzerland, and Australia. Students can take advantage of international study exchange options, and can have their program credits transferred if they undertake an overseas internship.

3. Expert Academics

The professors at UIAHS include practitioners like doctors, researchers, and those who work with the industry. Undoubtedly the students experience strong mentoring support as well as academic support.

4. Research Projects

Students can get involved with funded research from their first day, and can be involved in writing research papers, attending international seminars, and obtaining patents, which is encouraged and supported.

5. Internships and Career Placements

CU has strong relations with hospitals such as Fortis, Medanta, Apollo, AIIMS, and diagnostic chains meaning internship opportunities will not be an issue alongside future career placements.

Careers After Allied Health Programs

With the healthcare sector booming, allied health professionals are in high demand. Here’s a glimpse of career options available after completing your degree:

Physiotherapist
Optometrist
Clinical Nutritionist
Forensic Investigator
Lab Technologist
Health Policy Analyst
Rehabilitation Therapist
Medical Researcher

Where You Can Work:

Multispecialty Hospitals
Rehabilitation Centers
Diagnostic Labs
Research Institutes
Public Health Agencies
Government Health Departments
NGOs and International Health Organizations

Admissions, Scholarships, and Fees

Admission Process

Admission is primarilymerit-based.
For certain programs, applicants must appear forCUCET – Chandigarh University’s Common Entrance Test.
Personal interviews and academic records also contribute to selection.

Fee Structure (Approximate Annual Fees):

UG Programs: ₹90,000 – ₹1,20,000
PG Programs: ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,30,000
Ph.D. Programs: Varies depending on research field and duration

Scholarships:

Based onCUCET performance
Merit-based scholarships for top academic achievers
Special consideration forgirls,defence families, andCU alumni
Additionalfinancial aid for economically weaker sections

Allied Health Sciences in India: A Growing Opportunity

India's healthcare sector is projected to grow to $638 billion by 2035, and allied health is absolutely essential in the continuum of care from diagnostics, therapy, and prevention. As we keep innovating in medical technology, this industry and its demand for allied health professionals will continue to expand.

35, India will need over 1.5 million additional allied health workers in the next five years Technologists, therapists, and nutritionists to forensic specialists, CU will help train the professionals needed to fill these gaps.

Conclusion: More Than a Career – It’s a Calling

A degree in Allied Health Sciences is the foundation of your career and your ability to change lives. Whether you want to help athletes recover from an injury, help patients in their quest for a better diet, or want to solve a crime using forensic science, there is a place in allied health for you.

At Chandigarh University, we are committed to your career in Allied Health Sciences, but even more, we are committed to you — an empowered professional. At CU, with the proper training, tools, and exposure, you will be empowered to become a reputable professional in the health world, and all you need to do is take the steps needed to become empowered.

So the question is, are you ready?

If you are ready, Chandigarh University's Allied Health Sciences program could be your first step in taking that leap into empowerment.