Nursing is considered one of the most successful and respected careers in the medical field. Wherever you go, you will find a large number of hospitals. Due to increasing public awareness, a better understanding of health, and the growing need for treatment of various diseases, people are compelled to visit hospitals. In hospitals, after the doctor examines the patient and prescribes medicines, the primary responsibility of patient care largely lies with the nursing staff.

Nursing professionals play a vital role in healthcare, including caring for patients, managing emergency cases, and handling all patient-related tasks. For this reason, the nursing profession is highly respected all over the world.

In recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, people closely witnessed the hard work, dedication, and commitment of nursing staff. Even today, India faces a severe shortage of nursing professionals. Although there are more than 33 lakh registered nurses in India, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the country requires an additional 43 lakh nurses (as per 2024 estimates).

WHO recommends having 3 nurses per 1,000 population, whereas India currently has only about 2 nurses per 1,000 people. Moreover, most nurses are concentrated in urban hospitals, while rural areas face an even greater shortage. Many trained Indian nurses also migrate abroad, especially to European and Gulf countries.

Therefore, it is clear that the demand for nursing professionals will increase significantly in the coming years, making nursing courses an excellent career option.

To take admission in the ANM (Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery) course, a student must pass 12th from a recognized board with 40–50 percent marks in any stream. Preference is given to candidates from a science background and those who have studied English.

The minimum age for admission is 17 years, while the maximum age for the general category is 35 years. Reserved category candidates are given relaxation of up to 5 percent in marks and 3 to 5 years in age. In some states, Anganwadi workers and ASHA workers are given age relaxation up to 42 years.

The total duration of the ANM course is 2 years, which includes a 6-month internship. During the internship, students receive practical training at various health centers and hospitals.

Admission to the ANM course is conducted through several national-level entrance examinations, such as the AIIMS Nursing Entrance Exam, JIPMER Nursing Entrance Exam, and NEET-UG.

In addition, many state-level entrance examinations are also conducted, including the UPSSSC ANM Exam, WBJEE ANM/GNM Exam, MP ANMTST Exam, Rajasthan ANM Exam, and various other state-level nursing entrance tests. Many colleges also offer admission based on a merit list prepared using 12th-grade marks.

The major subjects taught in the ANM course include Primary Health Care Nursing, Health Promotion, Human Body and Hygiene, Pharmacology, Mental Health, Health Care Management, Midwifery, Community Health Nursing, and Child Health Nursing.

A trained ANM nurse is expected to possess qualities such as enthusiasm for public health and welfare, the ability to care for patients during and after delivery, and providing proper care to mothers during pregnancy.

After completing the ANM course, candidates can apply for various government job opportunities such as Staff Nurse, Midwife, Health Visitor, Community Health Worker, and other related positions.

There are also wide-ranging opportunities in the private sector, including roles as Home Nurse, Nurse in Private Hospitals, and positions in old-age homes. Additionally, there is significant demand for trained nurses as teachers in nursing schools.