Medical courses offer various pathways for those interested in healthcare. From undergraduate degrees like MBBS, BDS, BAMS, and BHMS, to allied health sciences such as nursing and pharmacy, students can pursue diverse medical careers. 

Each program provides specialized training and qualifications essential for different medical professions, ensuring a comprehensive education for future healthcare providers.

Types of Medical Courses

The types of medical courses include undergraduate degrees such as MBBS for becoming a general doctor, BDS for dental surgery, BAMS for Ayurvedic medicine, and BHMS for homeopathic medicine. For students interested in allied health sciences, they can pursue studies in nursing and pharmacy.

Four medical students, wearing white lab coats, are gathered around a skeleton model in a laboratory setting. They appear engaged in a discussion or learning activity, with one student pointing to a part of the skeleton's hand. The lab has a bright and organized environment, with various medical equipment and educational materials visible in the background.MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)

MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) is an undergraduate medical degree awarded upon completion of medical school. It encompasses the study of human anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, and surgery, along with clinical practices. Having an undergraduate medicine degree is essential for becoming a licensed medical doctor and practicing medicine. 

If you’d like to become a doctor in Malaysia, you’ll want to consider RUMC’s 5-year MB BCh BAO undergraduate medicine degree awarded by the NUI.

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is an undergraduate degree for aspiring dental professionals. It covers dental anatomy, histology, pathology, radiology, orthodontics, and oral surgery, along with practical training. Graduates are qualified to practice dentistry, perform dental surgeries, and provide oral healthcare. It is the essential qualification for becoming a licensed dental surgeon.

BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery)

BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) is an undergraduate degree focusing on Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine from India. The program covers subjects like Ayurvedic principles, herbal medicine, anatomy, physiology, pathology, and surgery. Graduates are qualified to practice as Ayurvedic doctors, offering holistic healthcare and traditional treatments alongside modern medical practices.

BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery)

BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery) is an undergraduate degree in homeopathy, a system of alternative medicine. The program includes the study of homeopathic philosophy, materia medica, repertory, and clinical subjects. Graduates are trained to practice as homeopathic doctors, providing holistic and individualized treatments using homeopathic remedies to promote natural healing.

MD (Doctor of Medicine)

MD (Doctor of Medicine) is a postgraduate medical degree focusing on non-surgical specialties. It involves advanced study and training in fields such as internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, and cardiology. MD programs emphasise in-depth knowledge, clinical skills, and research, preparing physicians to diagnose and treat complex medical conditions and contribute to medical advancements.

Medical Informatics

Medical informatics is the interdisciplinary field that combines medicine, information science, and technology to optimize the collection, storage, retrieval, and use of healthcare data. It aims to improve patient care, enhance medical research, and streamline healthcare operations through electronic health records, data analytics, telemedicine, and health information systems.

Medical Career Pathways

Medical careers encompass a wide range of opportunities, each with specific educational requirements and varying salary prospects. The table below provides a snapshot of common medical-related careers, their required qualifications, and average annual salaries based on 2024 data from Indeed.

Job Title Qualifications Required Average Annual Salary (2024, data from Indeed)*
Medical Assistant Postsecondary Nondegree Award RM 31,442
EMT and Paramedic Postsecondary Nondegree Award RM 33,389
Registered Nurse (RN) Associate’s Degree RM 38,528
Physical Therapist Post-graduate Degree RM 38,848
Occupational Therapist Master’s Degree  RM 38,184
Pharmacist Pharmacy Degree and Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE) RM 52,122
Dentist Dentistry Degree, Housemanship, and Registration under MDC (Malaysian Medical Council) RM 92,820
Physician Doctoral or Professional Degree RM 124,077
Surgeon Doctoral or Professional Degree RM 113,737

Study a Medical Degree in Malaysia

The exterior of the RCSI + UCD Malaysia Campus building. The building features a clean, modern design with white walls and red-tiled roofs. Prominent signage on the building displays the RCSI and UCD logos, along with the text 'RCSI + UCD Malaysia Campus.' The surrounding area includes lush green trees and well-maintained landscaping, creating a serene and welcoming environment.If you’re aspiring to embark on a rewarding journey in medicine, RUMC’s undergraduate medical course offers a comprehensive pathway to becoming a doctor. This course is rooted in 400 years of Irish medical education excellence and offers a rare opportunity to study at one of Ireland’s leading medical schools. It uniquely delivers an internationally recognised Irish medical education in a transnational setting, giving students a well-rounded global perspective in their medical training.

Discover more about RUMC and how it could be the right step in your journey to becoming a doctor

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