DM in Nephrology is a 3-year, full-time post-graduate course divided into 6 semesters. Nephrology is the branch of medicine dealing with the study of the diseases and functions of kidneys.
This study aims at producing skilled Nephrologists who can efficiently:
- practice discipline.
- become consultants in Nephrology.
- teach the subject as Research Scientists.
Students enrolled in the course are taught to:
- perform diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
- efficiently treat various kidney ailments by relevant therapeutic methods.
- carry out research proposals in the Nephrology super specialty
- pursue clinical and or academic Nephrology on an advanced level.
- perform a range of different tests across patients of all ages.
- perform activities such as attaching electrodes to the patient and encouraging cooperation before the recordings can be made.
- professionally function as experts in hospitals and neurological centres.
Most of the investigations in neurophysiology are:
- recorded in dedicated environments.
- also performed at the patient’s bedside.
- also conducted at intensive care, special baby care units, and also in the operating theatre.
Such professionals are responsible for:
- measuring the function of the peripheral nerves, those responsible for movement and sensation.
- testing nerves by applying a small electrical current to them and recording the response.
- using such tests in neurological and other conditions that affect the function of the peripheral nerves.
- investigating the function of the nervous system.
- diagnosing and monitoring neurological disorders, including:
- epilepsy
- dementia
- strokes
- nerve and muscle dysfunction
- multiple sclerosis.
- making a vital difference to the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
- monitoring and treating conditions that affect the spinal cord, the brain, and even the body's smallest nerves.
The average annual course fee in India ranges between INR 5,000 and 20 lakhs, depending upon the institute offering the course. The average annual salary offered in India to successful postgraduates of the course ranges between INR 5 and 30 lakhs, depending upon the candidate’s expertise in the field.
Top Colleges for DM [Nephrology]
DM in Nephrology: Course Highlights
Tabulated below are some of the major highlights of the course.
Course Level | Doctorate |
Duration | 3 years |
Examination Type | Semester System |
Eligibility | MBBS completed from a university recognized by the Medical Council of India |
Admission Process | Counselling after qualification of entrance examination |
Top recruiting organizations | Hindustan, Oregon, Integro, etc. |
Top recruiting areas | Manipal healthcare enterprises, ILBS, colleges and universities, and such. |
Top job profiles | Product Manager, Dialysis Medical Officer, Nephrology Specialist, among others. |
Course Fee | INR 5,000 to 20 lakhs |
Average Starting Salary | INR 5 to 30 lakhs |
DM in Nephrology: What is it About?
Nephrology is derived from the Greek words nephros meaning kidney. The discipline deals with the kidneys, and especially their functions or diseases. This is the medical specialty which focuses on:
-
kidney conditions and abnormalities.
- kidney problems, involving the study of normal kidney function.
- treatment of kidney problem.
- pathophysiologic and clinical issues in the major areas of nephrology
- renal replacement therapy.
- acid-base and fluid and electrolyte disorders.
- glomerular disease.
- management of chronic kidney diseases.
- hypertension.
- renal transplantation, dialysis, and other renal complications.
- kidney-related medical complications and recommendations for optimal care.
- dialysis and kidney transplantation, etc.
Practical components of the course include:
- case-based workshops
- lectures
- interactive sessions
- sessions in use of the Audience Response System.
Top Institutes offering DM in Nephrology
Some of the top institutes offering the course in the country with the corresponding locations and fees charged by the respective colleges are listed below.
NAME OF INSTITUTE | CITY | AVERAGE ANNUAL FEES |
AIIMS | Delhi | INR 6,055 |
Amrita School of Medicine | Kochi | INR 15,80,000 |
BJ Medical College | Ahmedabad | INR 9,000 |
Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences | Mumbai | INR 69,400 |
DMCH | Ludhiana | INR 18,00,000 |
Deccan College of Medical Sciences | Hyderabad | INR 2,50,000 |
Dr. DY Patil Vidyapeeth | Pune | INR 19,00,000 |
Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences | Vijayawada | INR 60,000 |
Government Medical College | Kottayam | INR 1,80,000 |
Government Medical College | Kozhikode | INR 40,000 |
GGSIPU | Delhi | INR 1,56,000 |
JIPMER | Puducherry | INR 65,000 |
JSS Medical College and Hospital | Mysore | INR 6,63,000 |
Kasturba Medical College Manipal | Udupi | INR 3,54,000 |
Kurnool Medical College | Kurnool | INR 11,400 |
Madras Medical College | Chennai | INR 20,000 |
Maharashtra University of Health Sciences | Nasik | INR 60,000 |
Eligibility for DM in Nephrology
Candidates aspiring for admission to the course are required to fulfill the following minimum eligibility criteria.
- Post-graduation (MBBS or equivalent degree),completed from an institute recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI) or any of the State Medical Councils.
- A minimum aggregate score of 55% (50% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) at the level of post-graduation.
- 1- year compulsory rotating internship.
- Preferably, a minimum of 12 months of professional experience, as most reputed institutes prefer candidates with work experience.
DM in Nephrology: Admission Process
Generally, in most of the colleges and institutes offering the course, admission is provided based on the candidate’s performance in a relevant entrance test, conducted at any of State and national levels, followed by a subsequent round of counselling.
The round of counselling involves two additional rounds of Group Discussion and Personal Interview, wherein candidate’s general aptitude for the course is examined. A merit list is subsequently released issued by the institute allocating available seats to the qualifying candidates.
DM in Nephrology: Syllabus and Course Description
A year - wise breakup of the course’s syllabus is tabulated below.
YEAR I |
YEAR II |
YEAR III |
Anatomy and embryology of the kidney | Basic knowledge of Renal Pathology | |
Physiology of the Kidney | Basic knowledge of Renal therapeutics | Kidney diseases in Pregnancy |
Basic and advanced investigations in renal diseases | Basic training in Renal Radiology | Glomerular diseases |
Fluid and Electrolyte disorders | Kidney diseases in children | Interstitial diseases |
Basic knowledge of Immunology | Hereditary congenital kidney diseases | Hypertension Vascular diseases |
- | - | Kidney disorders in geriatrics |
DM in Nephrology: Career Prospects
The discipline acquires relevance owing to:
- increased use of alcohol and tobacco.
- consumption of pesticide-sprayed food products.
Nephrologists may further specialize in:
- Paediatric nephrology, which is the treatment of kidney diseases in children
- Adult nephrology.
Paediatric nephrology deals with diseases of infants, kidney structure, children and adolescents. This was developed from two branches of internal medicine-nephrology and paediatrics. Paediatric nephrology offers the opportunity to care for children with a wide range of disorders including those with transient conditions such as acute kidney injury or chronic conditions such as hypertension and chronic kidney disease that require long-term follow up. These specialization courses are available only abroad. One can go for DM in Nephrology or DNB in Nephrology.
Nephrologists find work across:
- Nephrology departments of hospitals
- Kidney and dialysis centres
- General medical centres
- Nephrology healthcare service facilities.
- Nephrology-based consultancies.
- Private clinics.
- Medical schools and colleges.
- Nephrology-based research.
Some of the top professional profiles open to such postgraduates are listed below with the corresponding salaries offered for the respective positions.
JOB POSITION | JOB DESCRIPTION | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY IN INR |
Nephrology Specialist |
The field of Internal Medicine is one of the broadest within the medical community, some covering most of the body's organs and internal systems. The discipline contains several specialties that focus on individual organs and their functions in the body. Nephrologists study and treat kidney conditions. Some conditions can be relatively innocuous that are recurrent kidney stones, and potentially lethal as chronic kidney disease. They take primary responsibility for a kidney patient's care. |
INR 27,00,000 |
Product Manager |
Product Managers are primarily responsible for securing sale of goods and services. Such Managers estimate the demand for the item and identify potential customers. They may also oversee the development and planning of advertising and marketing strategies. They work with many different departments within a company, including Research and Development (R&D), advertising, sales, and public relations. |
INR 14,00,000 |
Dialysis Medical Officer |
Dialysis is a medical procedure that helps patients with reduced or impaired kidney function, in artificially eliminating toxic waste and excessive fluids from the body. They operate dialysis machines that are responsible for providing haemodialysis and treating drug overdoses. They design protocols and instruct patients in the principles and practices of dialysis. |
INR 4,80,000 |
Junior Resident |
Junior Resident Advisors enforce the rules of an institution and offer personal and professional guidance to its residents. They are usually expected to lead by example in terms of integrity, character, and level of maturity. They could be required to check in with their residents periodically to ensure that their classes are going well and address any concerns they may have. They also arrive before the school semester begins so that they can decorate doors and meet with students as they check in. |
INR 7,73,000 |
Nephrologist |
Nephrologists are Internal Medicine Physicians focused on kidney care and treatment of kidney diseases. Kidneys filter 120 to 150 quarts of blood to prevent waste build up, stabilize electrolytes, and create hormones that strengthen bones, red blood cells, and regulate blood pressure. Such professionals work with patients who have lost some kidney function or are experiencing chronic kidney disease or renal failure. Some patients may be referred to a Nephrologist by a primary care physician for testing or treatment, or may see a Nephrologist regularly, depending on their condition. |
INR 19,00,000 |