Bridging the Gap: ANM vs. BSc Nursing

Nursing is a highly rewarding and diverse career path that involves caring for individuals, families, and communities to promote health and well-being, prevent illness, and provide treatment for various health conditions. BSc Nursing (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and ANM Nursing (Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery) are the popular nursing courses that offer promising career prospects for individuals who wish to join the medical industry beyond the typical MBBS programs. After completing 12th, if individuals are looking to make a career in the nursing domain, then these above courses offer bright earning potential. BSc Nursing and ANM Nursing are two different levels of nursing education with varying scopes of practice, responsibilities, and career prospects.

Difference Between ANM and BSc Nursing Courses

Eligibility Criteria

ANM

The minimum age for admission is 17 years old on or before December 31st of the year in which admission is sought.
The maximum age for admission is 35 years.
The minimum educational requirements are 10 + 2 in Arts (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Economics, Political Science, History, Geography, Business Studies, Accountancy, Home Science, Sociology, Psychology, and Philosophy) and English Core/English Elective or Science or Health Care Science—a vocational stream only passing out from a recognized board.
Students will have to be medically fit.
Students qualified in the 10+2 Arts or Science examination conducted by the National Institute of Open School.

B.Sc Nursing

The minimum age for admission is 17 years old on December 31st of the year in which admission is sought.
Minimum education - 10+2 class passed with Science (PCB) and English Core/English Elective with an aggregate of 45% marks from a recognized board under AISSCE/CBSE/ICSE/SSCE/HSCE or other equivalent board.
Students should be medically fit.
Students appearing in the 10+2 Science examination conducted by the National Institute of Open School with 45% marks.

Education Level

BSc Nursing is a bachelor's degree program lasting for four years. It provides in-depth knowledge and training in various aspects of nursing, including medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, psychiatric nursing, community health nursing, and others.

ANM Nursing is a two-year diploma program that focuses on basic nursing skills and midwifery training. ANM nurses are trained to provide basic healthcare services in community settings, primarily on maternal and child health.

Admission Process

ANM

There is no national-level entrance exam for admission. Colleges accept scores from state-level entrance exams for admission or Class 12 board exam scores. In India, in most colleges, admissions are based on merit, which is determined by the student's performance in the qualifying examination.

Some colleges conduct counseling sessions or interviews to assess the candidates' suitability further. Once selected, candidates are typically required to submit various documents for verification purposes. After completing the admission process and securing a seat, candidates are required to pay the prescribed fees within the stipulated timeframe to confirm their enrollment.

B.Sc Nursing

Admissions are conducted based on both entrance exam scores and merit. The top medical colleges mostly consider entrance exam scores. NEET-UG is the popular entrance exam for admission. Institutes like AIIMS and PGIMER have their own entrance exam for admission. States like Kerala, West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam have their state-wise entrance exam for BSc Nursing. The admissions process also includes counseling, which is conducted once the entrance exam results are declared. The candidates are selected based on the choices filled, seats available, and entrance exam scores.

Scope of Practice

BSc Nursing graduates have a broader scope of practice and can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, community health centers, research institutions, and educational institutions. They can take on roles such as staff nurses, nurse educators, nurse administrators, clinical nurse specialists, etc.

ANM nurses typically work in primary healthcare settings, including rural areas and community health centers. They mainly provide basic nursing care and maternal and child health services and assist in midwifery-related activities under the supervision of registered nurses or medical professionals.

Responsibilities

BSc Nursing graduates are trained to provide comprehensive nursing care, including assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care. They administer medications, perform procedures, educate patients and their families, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

ANM nurses primarily focus on basic nursing care such as vital signs monitoring, wound care, administering basic medications, antenatal and postnatal care, assisting in deliveries, and providing health education to communities.