Nursing is a great opportunity for students these days; it is an interesting and satisfying profession. There was a time where students had to complete under – graduation before taking up nursing as their career option. But not anymore nursing course is open to students on completing 10 +2 education.
GNM and ANM are two widely opted nursing courses by the students. GNM diploma course is considered as the best course in nursing for students interested to work in the field.
What is GNM Course?
The GNM nursing course full form is called General Nursing and Midwifery. GNM is a diploma course that is open for students interested in entering the nursing field. GNM diploma course mainly focuses on training a person on two vital features of nursing that is patient care and rehabilitation.
GNM course is studied for three and a half years duration. The first three year’s students are taught academic subjects to prepare them for working efficiently as a part of the health care team.
GNM is a job – oriented program, it consists of subjects like Nursing Fundamental, anatomy, biology and first aid.
In this course, the students are trained in the nursing requirements of patients. They are taught how to closely monitor a patient by providing them with first-class care and assistance. Additionally, students pursuing GNM diploma course are trained to assist a surgeon in a medical procedure, they are trained in setting up medical pieces of equipment that are required in an operation theatre.
In GNM course classroom training will be offered for the first three years. The remaining six months are set aside for internship alone. An internship is mandatory for GNM course. Involvement for students in practical skills through internship is important for enhancing their knowledge. Practical training leads to a deeper understanding of the subject and concepts learned in a classroom.
| Course Level | Diploma |
| Course Full Form Name | General Nursing and Midwifery |
| Duration | 3.5 Years |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with minimum 50% marks in science subjects |
| Admission Process | Merit-Based/ Entrance Exam |
| Course Fee | INR 30,000 to INR 2.5 Lacs [Expected] |
Why nursing as a career option?
A person on a successful completing nursing course like GNM will be working in the health care sector. The health care sector is constantly evolving and the demand for a nurse is ever increasing. Nursing is considered as one of the noble profession. Nurse are respected and thanked for their service.
Nursing is a type of profession where the person practising it provides care for sick and weak people. For this reason alone they are considered as caregivers of a hospital. A nurse plays a vital role in the easy functioning of the healthcare establishment as they take care of various activities involved in running the establishment. The nurse is an integral part of a hospital; they are the connecting link between doctors and patients. They help patients with the recovery process.
A person working as a nurse has three important goals, namely, treatment, care, and rehabilitation. Nurses along with doctors work every single day for the betterment of patients. They not only treat patients but also help in preventing and spread of diseases.
Hence, students interested in entering the field of nursing can do so by enrolling in GNM course on completing 12th standard.
In this article, we have shared all important details about GNM course to aid the students in making a wise and informed decision.
What are the skills required to work in the nursing field?
To work as a nurse in addition to possessing an education qualification in term of graduation, under graduation or diploma course like GNM, the below-mentioned skills are important.
- Compassion: A nurse should possess an attitude that enables them to care for sick and injured. They should understand the pain and suffering of a patient and make a hospital experience positive.
- Communication: the next skill a nurse has to possess is sound communication. A nurse must have the ability to speak and listen to the patients. A nurse is a link between the patient, his family members, and doctors. So good communication is a must for working as a nurse.
- Attention to detail: The duty of a nurse is very demanding; a nurse should be on high alert at all times. Even the most minute actions and concerns of a patient cannot be ignored.
- Critical – thinking: a nurse has to make important decisions every single day. A nurse with critical – thinking would be in a better position to act swiftly and quickly.
- Stamina: as pointed out earlier is a nurse is a demanding job. For performing the duties of a nurse efficiently one has to be active, healthy and energetic.
Who are qualified to enrol in GNM course?
The eligibility criteria for the students willing to pursue GNM course is as follows
- The candidate to enrol for GNM course should have completed 17 years of age. A person above 35 years of age is not qualified to enroll for GNM course.
- Completion of basic education in the format of 10+2 is the mandatory requirement for enrolling in GNM course.
- Students graduating 12th standard from science stream with biology as a subject are more suitable to purse GNM course.
- But GNM course is not exclusively for science students, even 12th standard graduated from arts streams can also apply for GNM course.
- The students applying for GNM course should have completed 10+2 education with a minimum of 40 to 50 percent.
- Lastly, the registered nurses who have completed the ANM course are also eligible for applying to the GNM course.
The qualification and other requirements of a student for applying to GNM course are laid down by INS (Indian Nursing council). Students complete the course along with 6 months of internship will acquire a title known as a nurse. GNM qualified students are eligible to register their name as a nurse under the state nurse register council.
GNM nursing course is a special program that trains students in dealing with sick and maternity. Person pursing GNM courses will possess the ability to help a mother during pregnancy. In this course, the students are trained to address the health care needs of patients belonging to a community or a country.
The admission process for GNM course varies from institution to institution. GNM course can also be pursued by the students on a part-time basis in certain colleges.
Syllabus of GNM course
GNM is an advanced study in the nursing field, through the course the students are trained to work in the health care department. The students are taught some important skills for succeeding in the field such as dedication, compassion, determination, communication, and empathy.
The academic subjects covered under the course are as follows:
1st – year
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- First Aid
- Biology
- Sociology and Behavior science
- Nutrition
- Personal and environment Hygiene
2nd – year
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatric Nursing
3rd – year
- Midwifery and Gynecological Nursing
- Advanced Community Health Nursing
- Pediatrics Nursing.
Apart from theoretical training, practical knowledge is also important. Students on completing three years of academic training should go for 6 months of practical training in the form of an internship. In the internship program, students are taught key aspects of nursing such as patient care, ward management, and clinical training.
What is the course fee for GNM nursing training program?
The fee structure for General Nursing Maternity program depends on college to college. In India, various institutes and colleges offer GNM course. The fee for the GNM course varies between 45 thousand to 2 lakhs. The course amount of GNM diploma program covers different fees such as tuition and admission fee.
The best part of GNM course is that many institutes provide a scholarship program for students applying to the course. The qualification and minimum marks required to be qualified for a scholarship depend on the institute offering it. Hence, do check the scholarship offered by the institute before enrolling to the program.
Career options on completing GNM course
The common question among students enrolling for the course is what career choices are available. The health care industry is a booming sector; the demand for trained, educated and a skilled nurse is every green. Nurses completing GNM are offered job by various medical establishments.
GNM course creates an ocean of opportunities in both private as well as government sector. Students completing a GNM diploma course can be appointed as staff of a hospital, home nurse to give extra care to patients, community health worker, ICU nurse, etc.
Also, if a person on completing the GNM course can work as a tutor in nurse training institutes.
Nursing is a valued professional that plays a major role in the well – being of a community. Nurse aids patients in the recovery process, by offering quality care and support. GNM qualified professionals will be hired in the following capacities
- Clinical Nurse in a hospital
- Legal nurse consultant by a health care establishment
- Tutor or teacher at a nursing institute
- Forensic nurse by government hospitals or organization’
- Midwife nurse by pregnant women.
When it comes to government jobs, a GNM graduate can be hired in an important organization as a part of health care by the State Nursing Council, Red Cross, and INS.
What next?
The next important question to be answered regarding the GNM course is what later for the students completing it. Some students in the quest for their knowledge opt for higher education.
Students post GNM course can continue with higher studies by enrolling into B.Sc Nursing, post-B. Sc in Nursing, M.Sc in nursing, and Ph. D.
List of Major places where GNM graduates are offered jobs
The common and important places other than mentioned, where GNM trained nurse can find jobs are
- Public health care sector
- Nursing homes for old and sick
- Orphanages
- NGO’s working in a medical care
- Community home for retired and sick
- Health schemes of government implementing organizations
- Dispensaries under government sector.
Salary Package of GNM trained nurses
Nursing is a demanding job, GNM course prepares a student to work in health care departments efficiently and professional. The professional training of the GNM course offers jobs with attractive salary package. But the salary of a GNM candidate is based on factors like a work area, additional education qualification, experience, skills, location, place of work and institution.
On average, as a fresher, a GNM candidate can find a job and earn around 2.5 lakhs to 3.5 lakhs annually. The salary and other benefits of GNM candidates increase with experience. An experienced GNM candidate can earn around 7.5 to 8.5 lakhs annually.
GNM Course Frequently Asked Questions
- What do you mean by the GNM course?
General Nursing and Midwifery are popularly abbreviated as GNM courses. This course specializes in clinical nursing and trains students to take care of the injured or sick.
- What is the duration of the GNM course?
The duration of General Nursing and Midwifery is Three years and six months. the course structure includes an education period of three years and an internship for six months.
- What are the necessary skills required to pursue the GNM course?
The GNM Diploma holders are designated to the post of a nurse in health care centres. This profession thus requires a lot of patience to handle the patients and provide the necessary care. The aspirants must also possess a lot of patience and compassion when dealing with patients or assisting the doctors. A nurse must have excellent communication skills to communicate well with the patients and doctors. Organization and management skills are also a must for an aspirant of the GNM course.
- What are the defined eligibility criteria for pursuing a GNM course?
The candidates more than 17 years of age are eligible to pursue The GNM course. Along with this, they must have passed their 12th standard securing more than 45% marks. The aspirants must have English with physics, chemistry, and biology as their major subjects.
- What are the career options for GNM Diploma holders?
The GNM Diploma freshers are capable enough to work at various hospitals or medical organizations. They can start working as a Nurse or rural health worker or community health worker, ASHA worker or, in Aanganwadis. The other job profiles offered to the nurses after gaining experience in this field are – forensic nurse, community health nurse, staff nurse, ICU nurse, certified nursing assistant, home care nurse, senior- nurse educator, legal consulting nurse, etc.
- What is the pay scale offered to GNM Diploma holders?
As a fresher, you may earn between 8,000- 12,000 INR monthly but the income increases subsequently with experience in this field. As a nurse in a hospital or medical organization, you may earn up to 4,50,000 INR annually. As a legal nurse consultant or a forensic nurse, you may earn between 5,00,000 – 5,50,000 INR annually. The diploma holders who move to educational institutions as GNM teachers earn the highest salary up to 9, 10,000 INR per year. You can also work as a home nurse and earn up to 2, 50,000 INR annually.
Bottom Line
Education plays a vital role in deciding the future of a person. A person starts his journey from school, where he is shaped into an independent young adult. On completing 12th standard, the students will reach a stage where they need to make important life choices.
At present students are presented with multiple opportunities and exposure to various courses. Schools and pre – universities conduct education fair, workshops to help students understand their ability in choosing a career. One such option available for students who have completed 12th standard is nursing.
Health care sector requires nurse for the management and running of an establishment. Trained and skilled nurses are high in demand. There is no short of opportunities for candidates completing nurse training. GNM is a wonderful opportunity for 12th standard passed students to step into the nursing world.
GNM is a professional diploma course, whose admission process varies from institute to institute. The basic qualification required for enrolling is 10 + 2 education in any stream. Nursing is suitable for candidates who are compassionate, friendly, patient, critical thinkers with an appetite to help sick and injured. GNM nursing courses are designed to train the students in various skills like patient care, rehabilitation, etc. These skills help a nurse to flourish in the medical field, as it prepares them to face the true medical world.
Before enrolling into GNM course, it is recommended to be clear of future requirement. No doubt GNM course opens doors to the world of opportunities. But for succeeding in the field and lead a satisfying life a nurse one has to be motivated and determined in helping the patients.
Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.
