Medical education in Nigeria is a very important sector in the economy.
Nigerian medical practitioners are known as some of the best globally.
This field encompasses courses like medicine, pharmacy, nursing, etc.
Studying any medical course in Nigerian tertiary institutions can take up to 4–7 years, depending on the field of study.
Medical education is regulated by several bodies, such as:
- Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN): for Medicine and Dentistry.
- Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN): for Pharmacy.
- Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN): for Nursing.
These bodies ensure professionalism among all practitioners and also ensure that all tertiary institutions meet the necessary requirements for admitting students.
List of Medical Courses in Nigeria
Medicine & Surgery
This medical course deals with the study of the human body structure called anatomy and the various functions of the body called physiology with the aim of healing malfunctions through drugs.
This course entails disciplines like pediatrics, obstetrics/gynaecology, radiology, internal medicine, community health, and cardiology.
This is the most sought-after course in Nigeria presently, with thousands of applicants applying every year to different tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Dentistry
This medical course deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the mouth and teeth.
It has branches in periodontology, orthodontics, oral pathology, dental radiology, pedodontics, and prosthetics.
Pharmacy
This course deals with the study and dispensing of drugs.
This profession is becoming more clinically oriented as most of the drugs are now manufactured by pharmaceutical industries.
It has branches in pharmacology, clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutics, and pharmaceutical chemistry.
This is another competitive medical course amongst students.
Medical Laboratory Science
Medical laboratory science (MLS) is a medical profession that analyzes biological samples to help diagnose and treat diseases.
Medical laboratory scientist, also referred to as a medical technologist, performs chemical, hematological, immunologic, microscopic, and bacteriological diagnostic analyses on body fluids such as blood, urine, sputum, stool, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, and synovial fluid.
Nursing
This is a medical course that deals with the treatment and care of patients.
It also specializes in the delivery of babies. It has branches in midwifery, anesthetics, general nursing, etc.
This is the second most sought medical course in Nigeria.
Interest in this course has increased recently, making the course a very competitive one in tertiary institutions.
Physiology
Physiology is a medical course that focuses on understanding how the human body functions, including the study of its organs, cells, and body systems.
Physiology graduates often work in research industries & healthcare industries.
Optometry
Optometry is a medical course that deals with the study of the eyes and vision.
Optometrists are trained to diagnose and manage eye defects and prescribe corrective lenses and
In Nigeria, optometry is regulated by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN).
Human anatomy
Human anatomy is a medical course that focuses on studying the structure of the human body.
Graduates of Human Anatomy work in areas such as medical research, forensic science, and health technology.
Veterinary Medicine
This is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders in animals.
Veterinary medicine is regulated by the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN).
Graduates from this course can work in:
- Animal clinics and hospitals
- Research institutions
- Livestock management
- Wildlife conservation
- Governmental roles in animal health regulation
Biochemistry
Biochemistry is a medically related course that focuses on the chemical processes related to living organisms.
Biochemistry serves as the bridge between biology and chemistry and plays a very important role in understanding diseases, drug production, and nutrition.
Graduates of this course can work in:
- Medical research
- Pharmaceuticals and drug development
- Food and beverage industries
Microbiology
Microbiology is a medical-related course that focuses on the study of microorganisms like viruses, fungi, and parasites.
Graduates of this course work in:
- Medical microbiology
- Pharmaceuticals
- Food and beverage industries
- Environmental microbiology
Pharmacology
Pharmacology is a branch of pharmacy that deals with the study of drugs and their effects on the human body.
It involves understanding how medications work, how they are absorbed, metabolized, and excreted, as well as their therapeutic and adverse effects.
Graduates in pharmacology can work in:
- Pharmaceutical companies (drug development and testing)
- Hospitals and clinics (pharmacovigilance, drug administration)
- Research institutions
- Regulatory bodies (such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC)
Radiography
Radiography is a medical course that deals with the study and use of X-rays, radiation, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds to diagnose diseases.
Radiographers work closely with medical doctors to provide accurate imaging for effective diagnosis.
It is regulated by the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN).
Medical Rehabilitation
Medical rehabilitation is a core medical course that focuses on helping patients recover from physical impairments, injuries, or disabilities.
In some cases, tertiary institutions thus course is often regarded as physiotherapy.
It involves the use of therapeutic exercises, physical modalities, and other techniques to improve mobility, strength, and overall quality of patients.
The profession is regulated by the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists (Registration) Board of Nigeria (MRTB).
Graduates in Medical Rehabilitation can work in:
- Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
- Sports and fitness centers
- Community healthcare programs
- Private practice
- Research companies
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a medical course that focuses on the treatment and rehabilitation of physical impairments, injuries, and disabilities.
It involves using physical techniques such as exercises, massage, heat therapy, and electrotherapy to help patients improve mobility, relieve pain, and restore body systems.
Public health
Public health is a health science course that focuses on the study and implementation of strategies to prevent disease and promote healthy living.
It has branches in epidemiology, health policy, environmental health, and health education.
Graduates in Public Health can work in:
- Government health agencies and ministries
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Research Industries
- Health policy and advocacy
- International health organizations (such as WHO, UNICEF)
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy is a health science course that focuses on helping individuals regain or develop the skills to perform their daily activities after suffering from a prolonged illness, injury, or disability.
It is regulated by the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists (Registration) Board of Nigeria (MRTB).
Occupational therapists work in:
- Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
- Schools and special education programs
- Mental health facilities
- Private practice
- Geriatric care
Audiology and speech control
Audiology and speech control is a health science course that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing hearing, speech, and language disorders.
Graduates from this field can work in:
- Hospitals and clinics
- Schools (for children with speech or hearing impairments)
- Private practice
- Rehabilitation centers
- Research institutions
Prosthetics and orthotics
Prosthetics and orthotics is a specialized health science course that focuses on the design of artificial limbs and helping and supporting physically impaired patients.
Graduates from this field can work in:
- Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
- Orthopedic and prosthetic clinics
- Private practice
- Research and product development
- Government healthcare services
Health management
Health Management is a health science course that focuses on the management of healthcare systems, hospitals, and health organizations.
It involves planning, directing, and coordinating healthcare services to ensure that they are delivered efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of patients and communities.
Graduates from this course can work in
- Hospital administration and management industries
- Public health policy and management industries
- Healthcare consulting
- Health insurance companies
- Government and non-governmental health organizations
- International health agencies
Biomedical technology
Biomedical technology is a health science course that focuses on the development and maintenance of medical devices and equipment.
This course applies both engineering and medical principles.
Graduates from this course can work in:
- Hospitals and medical centers (maintenance of medical equipment)
- Medical device companies (design, production, and sales)
- Research institutions (biomedical research)
- Government and regulatory bodies (health technology assessment)
Human nutrition and dietetics
Human Nutrition and Dietetics is a health science course that focuses on the study of how food and nutrition affect health, growth, and development.
It involves understanding the role of nutrients in the body, how to promote healthy eating habits, and how to treat and manage diet-related conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and malnutrition.
Graduates of this course can work in:
- Hospitals, clinics, and health centers (providing dietary counseling and treatment for patients)
- Public health organizations (designing nutrition programs and policies)
- Food industry
- Research institutions (studying the effects of food on health)
- Private practice
- Teaching and conducting research
Admission Requirements for Medical Courses in Nigeria
- Aspirants must possess at least five credit passes in relevant subjects like English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Aspirants must be 18 years old.
- Aspirants must have a JAMB score of at least 200.
Conclusion
The above list covers various medical, health science, and pharmaceutical courses available in Nigeria.
If you know of any additional courses that are not included in this list, feel free to share them in the comment section below.
Thank you for reading.