DCP (Diploma in Clinical Pathology)

Lisha Gupta

Updated on - Jan 4, 2023

DCP is a two-year Diploma-level program that deals with the study of clinical and medical analysis. The DCP course offers candidates the opportunity to build a career in various specialized fields and sectors. Graduates can find jobs in both government and private sectors, which includes jobs as college Teachers, Health Care Workers, Lab Executives, etc.

About Diploma in Clinical Pathology

DCP full form is Diploma in Clinical Pathology. DCP is a 2-year Diploma course, divided into four semesters. Through this course, students will gain a variety of abilities and will be qualified in both theoretical and practical knowledge, as well as dexterous surgical skills, to train and develop in their chosen speciality.

According to Wikipedia, “Clinical pathology (Medical Laboratory) is a medical speciality that is concerned with the diagnosis of disease based on the laboratory analysis of bodily fluids, such as blood, urine, and tissue homogenates or extracts using the tools of chemistry, microbiology, haematology, and molecular pathology.”

Table of Contents

• DCP Eligibility Criteria
• DCP Admission Process
• Popular DCP Entrance Exams
• Top DCP Colleges
• Fees Structure for DCP
• Syllabus and Subjects for DCP
• Why Choose DCP?
• Preparation Tips for DCP
• Scope of Higher Education after DCP
• DCP Salary
• Career Options After DCP
• Skills to Excel

Also Read: List of Medical Courses after 12th without NEET

Eligibility Criteria for Diploma in Clinical Pathology

Students who meet the qualifying conditions can enrol in the Diploma in Clinical Pathology course. Candidates must have a Bachelor's Degree in Science or an MBBS degree with a minimum aggregate score of 60% in the final examination. The course is open to people of all ages as there is no age limit. The admission process for this course can be either entrance exam-based or merit-based.

How To Get Admission in a Diploma in Clinical Pathology?

Students must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria for DCP Degree in India. DCP admissions 2021 are done through entrance exam scores or on a merit basis. Distinct DCP colleges in India may have different admission procedures. The following are the general entry requirements for the course:

How to Apply?

Most of the college's official websites have information on DCP course details as well as admissions procedures. Visit the official university admission page to apply for the program and register for the entrance exam. After that, fill out the application form with all of the essential information.

Selection Process

Those students who meet the DCP course eligibility requirements are considered for admission. The list of shortlisted candidates can be obtained on the college's official website, or they will be notified of the result and the next steps in the admission process through email.

Popular Entrance Exams for Diploma in Clinical Pathology

Merit-based admissions are taken into consideration in most of the universities in India. However, Entrance tests are the primary means of admission to the top DCP colleges in India. DCP course entrance exams are usually held at the university level. The following are the most popular exams for which most candidates apply:

• CMC Vellore Entrance Exam
• AFMC Entrance Exam

A Quick Glance at the Diploma in Clinical Pathology Exams

To be considered for admission, students must first determine whether they meet the requirements for the DCP course. Students should study the exam pattern and material well ahead of time in order to pass the test. This will help pupils prepare for the entrance tests in a timely manner. The following is a standard pattern for admission exams:

• Physics, chemistry, biology, general knowledge, and critical reasoning, English, and other subjects are included on the admission exam.
• The examination will be either online or offline.
• The total time duration to complete the paper is 3 hours.
• The paper consists of 240 multiple-choice questions.

Top 10 Diploma in Clinical Pathology Colleges in India 

The DCP course is offered by several institutions in India. Students can choose one of the best DCP colleges based on their qualifications and specialization requirements. The following are the top 10 DCP colleges in India: 

Fee Structure for Diploma in Clinical Pathology

DCP course fees range from INR 10,000 - 8 LPA, which may also differ depending on the type of institute, location, infrastructure, faculty, and facilities available at the college or university. Some colleges' DCP course fees structures are given below:

Syllabus and Subjects for Diploma in Clinical Pathology

Diploma in Clinical Pathology (DCP) is a two-year diploma program. This course examines clinical analysis and pathology in great detail. Depending on the specialities and institutes, different topics are covered in this course. The following are some of the primary subjects taught to the students:

• Pathology
• Microbiology
• Clinical Biochemistry
• Haematology
• Transfusion Medicine (Blood Banking)
• Chemical Pathology

Read More About Diploma in Clinical Pathology Syllabus and Subject

Why Choose Diploma in Clinical Pathology

Before enrolling in a DCP course, many students have questions about the specifics of the program. We've framed the following three ideas to help you understand the answers to these questions.

What is Diploma in Clinical Pathology All About?

A Diploma in Clinical pathology is a field of study that focuses on laboratory testing. Clinical Pathology's major goal is to identify the most significant haematological and functional pathological tests, diagnose various animal diseases by matching pathological causes, and get a greater practical understanding of Clinical Pathology.

What Does a Diploma in Clinical Pathology Graduate Do?

A DCP graduate can find jobs in both the private and government sectors. They can work in hospitals, laboratories, clinical services, rehabilitation centres, etc. The graduates can choose a career in a variety of fields such as a Clinical Pathologist, Lab Executive, Health Care Workers, Forensic Technician, Clinical Manager, Medical Transcriptionist, Teacher, Consultants, Medical Examiner, etc.

Clinical Pathologist: A Clinical Pathologist is responsible for examining bodily fluids, blood, bone marrow, and urine.

Medical/Clinical Examiner: The Medical Examiner is in charge of specific forensic pathology. They also inspect organs and autopsy organs, tissue, and physiological fluids in order to determine the cause of death.

Reasons Why Diploma in Clinical Pathology Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?

A student with a DCP degree has a wide range of career options. It is determined by the specialization and demand in each case. Candidates can also use the degree's general education to find work in the government, private, university administration, non-profit or industrial sector.

Career Options: They can choose to become a Clinical Pathologist, Lab Executive, Health Care Workers, Forensic Technician, Clinical Manager, Medical Transcriptionist, Teacher, Consultants, Medical Examiner, and so on.

Read More About Diploma in Clinical Pathology Jobs

Preparation Tips for Diploma in Clinical Pathology

The following are some course preparation tips for the Diploma in Pathology course.

Get Reference Books: Reference books help in grasping the syllabus more easily.

Practice Question Papers: Solve prior year's papers to get a sense of the types of questions that will be asked. It also aids in the improvement and preparation for the actual exam.

Take Mock Tests: Taking as many mock tests as possible can help you improve your speed and accuracy.

Prepare a Timetable: A proper timetable will help you in planning and finishing your preparations far ahead of time.

Scope For Higher Education

Candidates might choose to work or continue their education after completing their DCP degree. Job chances rise with a second degree in the same sector. Some higher education options for DCP students are:

• M.Sc in Clinical Research
• PG Diploma
• B.Sc in Clinical Pathology

Salary of a Diploma in Clinical Pathology Graduate

The salary of people with a Diploma in Clinical Pathology varies depending on their field and position. As per the ‘Indeed’ report, the average pay for a Diploma in Clinical Pathology is INR 6 - 8 LPA. This salary can further change and increase if the aspirants gain higher education or work experience. 

Read More About Diploma in Clinical Pathology Salary

Career Options After Diploma in Clinical Pathology

A Diploma in Clinical Pathology opens up numerous career options for the students. The graduates can find work in the government, private, university administration, non-profit or industrial sector. Some professions with a Diploma in Clinical Pathology:

• Clinical Pathologists
• Lab Executives,
• Clinical Managers
• Medical Transcriptionists
• Teachers & Consultants
• Medical Examiners
• Health Care Workers

Skills That Make You The Best DCP Graduate

Clinical pathology has lucrative job options. The number of pathologists in this industry is growing every day, which has resulted in a few job openings for qualified pathologists. Those who are passionate about this field need to have some basic skills to excel in this field. Some required skills are: 

• Analytical Skills
• Interpreting Skills
• Able to Perform In Biology Laboratories
• Surgical Skills