PHD in Allied Health Nuclear Medicine Physiotherapy Speech Hearing at Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Udupi, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Allied Health (Nuclear Medicine, Physiotherapy, Speech & Hearing) at Manipal Academy of Higher Education Udupi?
This PhD program in Allied Health at Manipal Academy of Higher Education focuses on advanced research and innovation across specialized fields like Nuclear Medicine, Physiotherapy, and Speech & Hearing. It addresses critical healthcare needs in India by fostering deep expertise and contributing to evidence-based practices and technological advancements in diagnostics and therapy. The program emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches and high-impact research relevant to the Indian healthcare landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for master''''s degree holders in relevant Allied Health disciplines, medical sciences, or life sciences who aspire to a career in academic research, clinical innovation, or policy development. It caters to fresh postgraduates aiming to contribute significantly to healthcare knowledge and working professionals seeking to lead research projects or enhance their specialized clinical practice with a strong research foundation.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to become leading researchers, academicians, and clinical scientists in India. Career paths include roles in universities, research institutes, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and medical device industries. While specific salary ranges vary, PhD holders typically command higher remuneration (e.g., INR 8-20 lakhs annually for entry to experienced research roles) and growth trajectories in India''''s expanding healthcare sector, often leading to leadership and policy-making positions.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology & Ethics- (Initial 6-12 months of PhD)
Dedicate significant effort to thoroughly grasp the core principles of research methodology, biostatistics, and research ethics. This forms the bedrock of credible research. Actively participate in coursework, clarify doubts, and apply concepts to initial literature reviews.
Tools & Resources
MAHE library resources, Online courses (e.g., NPTEL for Biostatistics), Statistical software tutorials (R, SPSS, SAS)
Career Connection
Strong methodological understanding is crucial for designing impactful studies, publishing in high-impact journals, and securing research grants, essential for a research or academic career.
Proactive Literature Review & Research Question Formulation- (Initial 12-18 months of PhD)
Beyond coursework, embark on an exhaustive and critical review of existing literature in your chosen specialization (Nuclear Medicine, Physiotherapy, or Speech & Hearing). Identify research gaps, formulate precise and novel research questions, and develop a robust research proposal. Engage regularly with your supervisor for feedback.
Tools & Resources
PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, MAHE digital library, Mendeley/Zotero for reference management
Career Connection
A well-defined research question and proposal are key to a successful PhD, leading to significant contributions to your field and establishing your expertise, which is valued in R&D and academia.
Build Foundational Interdisciplinary Skills- (Initial 12-24 months of PhD)
Actively seek opportunities to attend seminars, workshops, and guest lectures across various allied health disciplines within MAHE. Understand the broader healthcare context and identify potential interdisciplinary collaborations. Start developing presentation and scientific writing skills early.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, MAHE research workshops, Toastmasters International (if available), Online scientific writing guides
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary understanding enhances your research perspective and employability in complex healthcare settings. Strong communication skills are vital for disseminating research and career progression.
Intermediate Stage
Rigorous Data Collection & Analysis- (Year 2 to Year 4 of PhD)
Meticulously plan and execute your data collection, adhering strictly to ethical guidelines and approved protocols. Develop proficiency in relevant software for data analysis. Regularly discuss challenges and findings with your supervisor and seek statistical guidance when needed.
Tools & Resources
Specific laboratory equipment (e.g., for Nuclear Medicine), Clinical tools (e.g., for Physiotherapy/Speech & Hearing), Statistical software (SPSS, R, Python libraries), MAHE statistical consultation services
Career Connection
Accurate and robust data handling is fundamental to producing credible research, leading to publishable results and building a strong scientific reputation.
Engage in Scholarly Communication- (Year 2 to Year 5 of PhD)
Present your research progress at institutional seminars, national conferences, and departmental meetings. Actively seek feedback, network with peers and experts, and begin drafting manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals. Consider collaborating on publications with your supervisor or lab members.
Tools & Resources
Conference abstract submission platforms, Journal specific guidelines, Academic writing support services, Networking events
Career Connection
Presenting and publishing are critical for establishing your academic profile, increasing visibility, and opening doors to post-doctoral positions, research grants, and faculty roles.
Cultivate Mentorship and Collaboration- (Throughout the PhD, especially from Year 2 onwards)
Beyond your primary supervisor, identify and connect with other senior researchers or clinicians in your field within MAHE or externally. Seek diverse perspectives, mentorship, and potential collaborative projects. Mentorship provides invaluable career guidance and opens up new research avenues.
Tools & Resources
MAHE faculty directory, Professional association events (e.g., Indian Association of Physiotherapists), LinkedIn for academic networking
Career Connection
A strong professional network and diverse mentorship are crucial for long-term career growth, securing future research opportunities, and navigating academic politics.
Advanced Stage
Thesis Writing & Defense Preparation- (Final 1-2 years of PhD)
Systematically write your thesis, focusing on clarity, coherence, and impactful presentation of your findings. Prepare diligently for your pre-PhD viva and final viva voce by practicing presentations, anticipating questions, and refining your arguments.
Tools & Resources
Thesis writing guides, MAHE thesis submission guidelines, Mock viva sessions, Presentation software (PowerPoint, LaTeX Beamer)
Career Connection
A well-written thesis and a confident defense are the culmination of your PhD journey, leading to degree conferral and serving as your primary research portfolio for future employers or academic appointments.
Strategic Career Planning & Skill Enhancement- (Last year of PhD)
Begin exploring specific career paths (academia, industry R&D, clinical specialist with research focus) and tailor your remaining PhD work, publications, and networking towards these goals. Identify and acquire any additional skills (e.g., grant writing, advanced statistical modeling, specific clinical techniques) that enhance your employability.
Tools & Resources
Career services at MAHE, Industry expert interviews, Online certifications in niche areas, Professional development workshops
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition post-PhD and positions you competitively for desired roles, maximizing your return on investment in the doctoral program.
Develop Leadership & Grant Writing Acumen- (Last 1-2 years of PhD and continuing into post-doctoral work)
Seek opportunities to mentor junior students, lead small research projects, or coordinate departmental initiatives. Start learning the art of grant proposal writing, even if through mock exercises or assisting your supervisor. This is crucial for independent research careers.
Tools & Resources
MAHE research grants office, Grant writing workshops, Successful grant proposals examples, Mentorship from established researchers
Career Connection
Leadership experience and grant writing skills are indispensable for establishing an independent research group, securing funding, and progressing to senior academic or research leadership positions.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Nuclear Medicine, Physiotherapy, Speech & Hearing, or related Allied Health/Medical Sciences) with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks or equivalent grade from a recognized university. Specific entrance examination and interview requirements apply.
Duration: Minimum 3 years (Full-time), 4 years (Part-time); Maximum 6 years (Full-time), 7 years (Part-time)
Credits: Minimum 8 credits, Maximum 16 credits (for coursework) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50% (for coursework), External: 50% (for coursework) + Research Proposal, Mid-term Assessment, Pre-PhD Viva, Thesis Submission & Final Viva Voce
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester phase
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHDRMBS01 | Research Methodology & Biostatistics | Core (Mandatory Coursework) | 4 | Fundamentals of Research, Types of Research Designs, Data Collection Methods, Statistical Concepts and Software (e.g., SPSS, R), Hypothesis Testing and Interpretation, Scientific Writing and Presentation |
| PHDEB01 | Ethics & Bioethics | Core (Mandatory Coursework) | 2 | Ethical Principles in Research, Informed Consent Process, Confidentiality and Data Privacy, Research Misconduct and Plagiarism, Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) Procedures, Bioethical Considerations in Healthcare Research |
| PHDELECTIVE | Elective Coursework | Elective (Specialization-specific Coursework) | 2-10 (as decided by Departmental Academic Committee) | Advanced Topics in Nuclear Medicine (for relevant scholars), Advanced Therapies in Physiotherapy (for relevant scholars), Diagnostic & Intervention Techniques in Speech & Hearing (for relevant scholars), Critical Literature Review & Advanced Clinical Reasoning, Specialized Instrumentation & Methodologies, Research Design Specific to Allied Health Domain |