Top 5 most lucrative medical courses to study in 2024

In Nigeria, the medical profession is one of the most lucrative sectors for those looking to build a stable and well-paying career. The demand for healthcare professionals in Nigeria and globally is on the rise  with less hands to meet the demand, the rapidly growing population and the need for quality healthcare services will continue daily.

Below, we’ll discuss the top 5 most lucrative medical courses to study in Nigeria. Each of these courses offers are highly sought after  and offers high earning potential.

1. Medicine and Surgery

Medicine and Surgery is considered the most prestigious and most craved medical course in Nigeria. It is the study of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. Medical doctors are highly respected and they earn high salaries, especially those who specialize in areas like surgery, pediatrics, or internal medicine.

• Why it’s lucrative: Medicine and Surgery offers many opportunities in both public and private hospitals. With good training, time and experience, doctors can also set up private hospitals, which definitely will significantly increases their income.
• Job opportunities: Hospitals, private clinics, universities, government health agencies, research institutes.
• Average salary: Entry-level doctors in Nigeria earn between ₦200,000 to ₦300,000 monthly, with specialists or consultants earning much more.

Duration of Study: Typically, 6 to 7 years in a Nigerian university, followed by a 1-year internship and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

2. Nursing

Nursing is one of the fastest-growing and most enticing medical professions in Nigeria, and nurses play very important role in the healthcare system. Nurses provide care to patients, assist doctors during clinical operations, handle child delivery(midwives), they also ensure that hospitals run smoothly. With specialization and acquiring other training like midwifery, public health and others, the earning potential is skyrocketed.

• Why it’s lucrative: Nurses are always in demand. Specialization in fields like midwifery, critical care, or pediatric nursing, public health can lead to higher earnings and faster career advancement.
• Job opportunities: Hospitals, clinics, schools, research facilities, and NGOs. There is also a very high demand for Nigerian nurses abroad.
• Average salary: Registered nurses earn between ₦100,000 to ₦200,000 monthly, depending on their level of experience and location.

Duration of Study: Nursing typically takes 5 years in a Nigerian university, followed by professional registration, internship and national youth service.

3. Radiography

Radiography is a specialized field that involves using medical imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI to diagnose diseases and injuries. Radiographers work closely with doctors to provide critical diagnostic information, radiography is considered the eye of medicine because it’s considered to be the centre of advance diagnosing.

• Why it’s lucrative: There is a high demand for skilled radiographers in Nigeria due to the increasing use of medical imaging in healthcare. Additionally, radiographers who studied and specialize in areas like MRI or radiation therapy can earn even higher salaries in other countries.
• Job opportunities: Public and private hospitals, diagnostic centers, and research institutes.
• Average salary: Radiographers earn between ₦150,000 to ₦250,000 monthly, and more with advanced specializations.

Duration of Study: Radiography takes 5 years in a Nigerian university, followed by mandatory registration with the relevant professional body and a one year internship program.

4. Medical Laboratory Science

Medical Laboratory Scientists play a crucial role in diagnosing diseases by conducting various tests on patient samples. This field involves analyzing blood, urine, and tissue samples to detect diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and infections.

• Why it’s lucrative: The growing need for accurate medical testing and diagnostics in Nigeria ensures that lab scientists are always in demand. Establishing private diagnostic labs can also be a highly profitable business venture.
• Job opportunities: Hospitals, research laboratories, public health departments, and private diagnostic labs.
• Average salary: Medical laboratory scientists earn between ₦120,000 to ₦220,000 monthly, depending on their experience and place of work.

Duration of Study: Medical Laboratory Science professionals undergo a 5 year study programme, followed by professional registration with AMLSN and induction, with a one year mandatory internship in a hospital.

5. Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is the study of using physical methods, such as exercises and massages, to treat patients recovering from accident injuries, surgeries, or chronic illnesses. Physiotherapists are very important in helping patients regain movement and reduce pain.

• Why it’s lucrative: As awareness of physiotherapy is growing in Nigeria, so does the demand for physiotherapists, especially in sports medicine, orthopedics, and rehabilitation centers. There is also the potential to open private physiotherapy practices.
• Job opportunities: Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports clinics, and private practices.
• Average salary: Physiotherapists earn between ₦100,000 to ₦200,000 monthly, with opportunities to earn more in private practice.

Duration of Study: Physiotherapy programs takes 5 years, followed by mandatory internships and registration with the relevant council before proper practice.

Conclusion

Each of these medical courses offers lucrative career opportunities in Nigeria, with high demand across the country’s healthcare system. Whether you’re interested in becoming a medical doctor, nurse, or physiotherapist, these fields provide guarantee a stable career path with good earning potential in Nigeria or abroad not forgetting to mention the room to grow. By choosing to study any of these courses, students can secure a rewarding and financially stable future.