Top Non-Clinical MD Specializations, Top Colleges, Jobs and Salary, 2025

Non-Clinical Specializations refer to those medical training paths or courses that are not directly involved with patient care. But instead their goal is to focus on the broader aspects of healthcare and medical science. Therefore, these particular specializations allow the professionals to apply their knowledge in varying roles, that are involved with research, education or policy development. Some of the top non-clinical MD Specializations are as follows:

• Community Health
• Public Health
• Biomedical Sciences
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology

Community Health

A Doctor of Medicine or a MD in Community Health is a non-clinical medical specialty. The primary focus of this branch of medicine is to focus on the health of a community. Region or municipality. This branch of medicine emphasizes the importance of public health, further highlighting the need to understand and address issues within specific communities or geographical locations. The difference between a clinical MD and a community health MD is the fact that unlike clinical MDs, a community health MD focuses on the overall health improvement, by promoting healthy behaviours throughout the community.

Graduates pursuing community health can further pursue many employment roles, such as educators in public health, public health officials, epidemiologists, healthcare administrators, and so on. Candidates are required to hold an MBBS degree from a recognized university and must pass the qualifying entrance exam for pursuing this specialization.

Public Health

If we were to look at the definition of Public Health, we would know that it is defined as “the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through organized efforts and informed choices". A public health MD is a medical doctor who specializes in public health, thereby focusing on large populations, rather than individual patients. The role of a public health MD is to carefully analyze and observe the ongoing health trends and implement or initiate strategies to address public health challenges.

The curriculum of Public Health incorporates several disciplines, such as, epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, social sciences and health policy. Therefore, the curriculum equips Public Health MDs to understand and address complex health issues effectively. Graduates pursuing Public Health can find employment in government agencies, non-profit organizations,academic institutions, and also healthcare systems. Candidates must hold an MBBS degree from a recognized institution and also complete a compulsory 12 month rotating internship before pursuing Public Health. Qualifying in the relevant entrance exam is also part of the eligibility criteria.

Biomedical Sciences

Biomedical Sciences comprises a wide range of disciplines that apply biological and chemical principles to understand human health and disease. Biomedical Sciences, focuses on areas such as, microbiology, clinical epidemiology, pharmacology, and so on. Therefore, the primary focus of the MD program in Biomedical Sciences is to focus on applying this scientific knowledge into practical use and applications, within the healthcare industry. The curriculum integrates the principles of Biomedical Sciences, along with clinical practice. Therefore, students are encouraged to engage in research work, clinical rotations and laboratory work. 

Graduates with a Biomedical Sciences degree can pursue several employment roles, such as, Clinical Researchers, Medical Scientists, Public Health Officials, Healthcare Administrators, and so on. Candidates must hold an MBBS degree from a recognized institution and appear in relevant entrance exams, such as the NEET-PG, for getting admission into this course. 

Microbiology

Doctor of Medicine or MD in Microbiology is a postgraduate degree that spans over a period of three years. This branch of medical study focuses on the study of microorganisms, human immunology, and also bacterial pathogenesis. This branch of medicine aims to teach the students exactly how microorganisms interact with human beings and other organisms, and further infect them. Students pursuing this degree are trained at diagnosing and treating such diseases or abnormalities.

The curriculum of MD Microbiology comprises a wide range of subjects, such as, virology, bacteriology, immunology, general microbiology and so on. Graduates with an MD Microbiology degree can choose their career paths from a wide range of options that are available to them. Some of the career roles are, clinical microbiologists, researchers, teaching or academic positions, and so on. Candidates must hold an MBBS degree from a recognized university and pass the relevant entrance exam (NEET PG) for pursuing this degree.

Pharmacology

Doctor of Medicine or MD in Pharmacology is a postgraduate degree program. This particular field focuses on the effects of drugs on the human body and biological system. This degree is divided into six semesters and it typically lasts for three years. The curriculum comprises a wide and varied range of topics to study, such as, Pharmacodynamics, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacogenomics, Drug development, Clinical Pharmacology, and so on.

Graduates of MD Pharmacology degree can find employment in various sectors, across different career paths. Some of the job roles include, Clinical Pharmacologist, Pharmacovigilance Officer, Researchers, Academic positions, and so on. Candidates must hold an MBBS degree from a recognized university and must pass relevant entrance exams, such as NEET PG and specific university entrance tests, for pursuing this degree.

Hospital Administration

An MD in Hospital Administration (MHA) is a postgraduate degree. The curriculum of this degree aims to teach students to become abled hospital administrators. This degree focuses on the operational aspect of healthcare systems, rather than involving direct patient care. Therefore, this particular degree equips graduates with leadership capabilities and therefore, get engaged in leadership roles within hospitals or healthcare organizations.

The curriculum of this MD Degree includes topics such as, Healthcare Management, Healthcare Information Systems, Strategic Planning, Quality Improvement, Health Policy & Economics, and so on. Graduates can pursue various employment roles, such as, Healthcare Administrator, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Medical Director, and so on.

Medical Professor or Teacher

The pathway to become a medical professor or teacher is not quite easy as it sounds as it incorporates advanced medical knowledge with teaching expertise. Therefore, the knowledge itself is not quite enough as teaching expertise is also essential. This career is perfect for those who wish to contribute towards the education of future healthcare professionals.

The requirements to pursue a career in Medical Education are as follows:

• A basic medical degree, i.e., an MBBS degree from a recognized university is necessary.
• Acquiring and MD in a specific specialization is also necessary
• Teaching experience as a Senior Resident or an Assistant Professor, after completing MD, is crucial. 

Medical Legal Advisor

Medical Legal Advisors serve as intermediaries between the healthcare system and the legal system. An MD in Medical Advisory or a related field prepares and trains medical professionals to guide and process the complex integration of healthcare and law. This specialization is essential to those who are interested in providing legal assistance or guidance within medical contexts, focusing on a range of issues such as, regulatory matters, medical negligence, etc.

The role of a medical legal advisor is to provide guidance on legal matters, also oversee the management of legal cases involving healthcare professionals, they may also serve as witnesses in court to provide testimony regarding medical practices. The pathway to become a medical legal advisor is as follows:

• Candidates must hold an MBBS degree.
• Candidates may require a degree in Law or a diploma in Medical Law and Ethics.
• Candidates are required to gain practical exposure as part of  the training process. 

Top College for Non-Clinical MD

• AIIMS Delhi
• PGIMER, Chandigarh
• National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore
• Kasturba Medical College, Manipal
• JIPMER, Puducherry
• Madras Medical College, Chennai
• Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary Medical College, Noida
• GS Medical College, Delhi NCR
• Dr. DY Patil Medical College, Pune
• Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum
• Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi

Salary for Non-Clinical MD in 2025

The salary for non-clinical MD varies according to specializations. The average salary range for different MD roles are mentioned below:

• Public Health Officer: INR 6 lakhs - INR 12 lakhs per year.
• Epidemiologist: INR 8 Lakhs – INR 16 Lakhs per year.
• Community Health Consultant: INR 6 Lakhs - INR 10 Lakhs per year
• Public Health Officer: INR 4 Lakhs - INR 8 Lakhs per year.
• Biomedical Scientist: INR 6 Lakhs - INR 12 Lakhs per year.
• Clinical Microbiologist: INR 7 Lakhs - INR 15 Lakhs per year.
• Pharmacologist: INR 8 Lakhs - INR 15 Lakhs per year.
• Medical Legal Advisor: INR 8 Lakhs - INR 12 Lakhs per year.

Unlock your Future in Medicine by contacting PlanEdu now for Medical career counseling as well as admission guidance. We are dedicated to guiding you through every step of admission and help you choose the best course and colleges personally tailored to suit your needs.