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M-SC in Critical Care Technology at Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Critical Care Technology at Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences Chennai?
This M.Sc. Critical Care Technology program at Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences focuses on equipping students with advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for managing critically ill patients. It delves into the sophisticated life-support systems, advanced monitoring techniques, and emergency interventions crucial for high-dependency units. The Indian healthcare landscape is experiencing a significant surge in demand for highly skilled critical care professionals, driven by the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases, trauma, and an expanding network of specialized hospitals across the nation.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring critical care specialists, including fresh graduates holding a B.Sc. in Allied Health Sciences (Critical Care, Anaesthesia, Emergency and Trauma Care Technology), B.Sc. Nursing, or an MBBS degree from a recognized university. It also caters to working professionals in medical or paramedical fields who seek to specialize or upskill in advanced critical care management, aiming to advance their careers in intensive care units and emergency departments.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding career paths in India as Critical Care Technologists, Clinical Specialists, ICU Managers, and Medical Equipment Specialists. Entry-level salaries typically range from 3-5 LPA, growing to 6-12+ LPA with experience in established private or government hospitals. The program prepares individuals for leadership roles in clinical settings, academia, and medical research, contributing significantly to the evolving critical care sector in the country.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Medical Sciences- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate extensive time to thoroughly understanding Human Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Microbiology. Utilize textbooks, online medical platforms like NPTEL courses for foundational knowledge, and engage in peer study groups. A strong grasp of these fundamentals is essential for comprehending complex critical care concepts later.
Tools & Resources
Standard medical textbooks, NPTEL (relevant courses), Anatomy models/charts, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A solid foundation in basic sciences ensures accurate clinical reasoning and effective application of advanced critical care principles in practice, which is vital for clinical roles.
Develop Early Clinical Observation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively seek opportunities for observation in critical care units at Saveetha Hospital. Pay close attention to patient assessment, monitoring, basic life support, and equipment usage. Document observations in a clinical diary to link classroom theory with real-world scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Clinical observation logs, ICU visit guidelines (provided by department), Mentors/Senior technicians
Career Connection
Early exposure builds confidence and practical understanding, making the transition to hands-on training smoother and enhancing preparedness for clinical roles.
Build a Strong Academic Network- (Semester 1-2)
Engage regularly with professors, departmental staff, and senior M.Sc. students. Attend all departmental seminars and guest lectures to broaden your perspective. This network provides valuable insights, mentorship, and support for academic and career development within the critical care field.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, Faculty office hours, Student mentorship programs
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to research opportunities, internships, and valuable professional connections that are crucial for future placements and career growth.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Hands-on Training & Simulation- (Semester 3-4)
Maximize participation in all practical lab sessions, clinical rotations, and simulation exercises focusing on critical care equipment, diagnostic procedures, and emergency management. Treat every simulation as a real-life scenario to refine your technical and decision-making skills.
Tools & Resources
Simulation labs (Saveetha''''s facilities), Clinical rotation schedules, Protocols for equipment operation
Career Connection
Proficiency in operating critical care equipment and executing procedures directly translates to competence in clinical roles, making you a highly desirable candidate for hospitals.
Pursue Mini-Projects or Research Internships- (Semester 3-4)
Identify a specific area of interest within critical care and undertake a small research project or seek a short-term internship within Saveetha Hospital''''s ICU or allied departments. This exposure to research methodology and clinical data is vital for your dissertation.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research guides, Hospital''''s research ethics committee, Clinical data resources
Career Connection
Practical research experience enhances analytical skills and contributes significantly to your dissertation, which is a key academic achievement for M.Sc. graduates.
Attend Specialized Workshops & Conferences- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in workshops on advanced critical care technologies (e.g., advanced ventilator management, ECMO, RRT) and critical care conferences held in India. This helps stay updated with emerging trends, network with experts, and potentially identify dissertation topics.
Tools & Resources
Critical care associations (e.g., ISCCM), Conference websites, Workshop calendars
Career Connection
Staying abreast of latest advancements and networking with professionals can lead to job opportunities and partnerships in the rapidly evolving critical care sector.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Dissertation Work & Presentation- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to your research project/dissertation. Choose a clinically relevant topic, ensure robust methodology, and focus on clear, impactful presentation of your findings. Seek regular, structured mentorship from your faculty advisor for timely completion.
Tools & Resources
Research lab facilities, Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), Academic writing guides, Faculty mentors
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation showcases your research capabilities and in-depth understanding, critical for roles in clinical research, academia, or advanced clinical practice.
Targeted Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Actively prepare for interviews and clinical skill assessments. Practice scenario-based questions relevant to critical care emergencies. Utilize Saveetha''''s placement cell for mock interviews, resume building, and guidance on navigating the Indian healthcare job market.
Tools & Resources
Placement cell services, Mock interview sessions, Resume workshops, Online job portals (e.g., Naukri.com, LinkedIn)
Career Connection
Effective placement preparation ensures you secure desirable positions in leading hospitals and healthcare organizations immediately after graduation.
Professional Skill Enhancement- (Semester 4)
Actively work on developing crucial soft skills such as effective communication, teamwork, and leadership, which are indispensable in the high-pressure critical care environment. Consider pursuing certifications in BLS/ACLS if they are not already integrated into the core curriculum, to enhance your profile.
Tools & Resources
Communication workshops, Team-building exercises, Leadership training programs, AHA/ARC BLS/ACLS courses
Career Connection
Strong professional skills differentiate you in a competitive job market, leading to faster career progression and opportunities for leadership within clinical teams.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Sc. in Allied Health Sciences (Critical Care Technology/Anaesthesia Technology/Emergency and Trauma Care Technology) or B.Sc. Nursing or MBBS or equivalent degree from a recognized university.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 76 Credits
Assessment: Internal: Varies (25-50%), External: Varies (50-75%)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCCS101 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | Core | 4 | Skeletal System, Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System, Nervous System, Endocrine System |
| MCCS102 | Biochemistry and Microbiology | Core | 4 | Cell Structure and Function, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Enzymes and Metabolism, Bacteriology and Virology, Immunology |
| MCCS103 | Applied Pharmacology | Core | 4 | General Principles of Pharmacology, Pharmacology of Autonomic Nervous System, Cardiovascular Drugs, Respiratory Drugs, Antimicrobial Agents |
| MCCP104 | Human Anatomy & Physiology Lab | Practical | 2 | Skeletal and Muscular System Identification, Cardiovascular System Physiology Experiments, Respiratory Function Tests, Nervous System Reflexes, Endocrine Gland Models |
| MCCP105 | Biochemistry & Microbiology Lab | Practical | 2 | Qualitative Tests for Biomolecules, Enzyme Assays, Bacterial Staining and Culture, Microscopic Examination of Microbes, Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing |
| MCCP106 | Applied Pharmacology Lab | Practical | 2 | Drug Dosage Calculations, Routes of Drug Administration, Drug Interaction Studies, Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring, Pharmacokinetic Simulations |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCCS201 | Basics of Critical Care Medicine | Core | 4 | Monitoring in ICU, Airway Management, Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Shock and Sepsis, Respiratory Failure |
| MCCS202 | Clinical Diagnostic Procedures | Core | 4 | Blood Gas Analysis, ECG Interpretation, Imaging Modalities in Critical Care, Invasive Monitoring Techniques, Basic Laboratory Tests in ICU |
| MCCS203 | Biomedical Instrumentation | Core | 4 | Physiological Transducers, ECG Machine and Defibrillator, Ventilators and Patient Monitors, Dialysis Machine Principles, Infusion Pumps and Syringe Drivers |
| MCCP204 | Basics of Critical Care Medicine Lab | Practical | 2 | Patient Assessment Techniques, Ventilator Setup and Operation, Cardiac Monitoring Simulation, Emergency Drug Preparation, IV Cannulation and Central Line Assistance |
| MCCP205 | Clinical Diagnostic Procedures Lab | Practical | 2 | Arterial Blood Gas Sampling, ECG Recording and Interpretation Practice, Imaging Study Analysis, Urine and Sputum Sample Collection, Phlebotomy Techniques |
| MCCP206 | Biomedical Instrumentation Lab | Practical | 2 | Operation of Patient Monitors, Calibration of Medical Equipment, Troubleshooting Ventilators, Maintenance of Infusion Pumps, Sterilization of Instruments |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCCS301 | Advanced Critical Care Technology | Core | 4 | Advanced Hemodynamic Monitoring, Mechanical Ventilation Strategies, Renal Replacement Therapy, Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), Organ Donation and Transplantation |
| MCCS302 | Critical Care Emergency and Trauma | Core | 4 | Trauma Assessment and Management, Burns and Electrocution Management, Poisoning and Overdose Protocols, Cardiac Arrest Management (ACLS), Disaster Management in Critical Care |
| MCEL303 | Elective – I Theory | Elective | 4 | General Principles of Toxicology, Common Poisonings and Antidotes, Drug Overdose Management, Toxicological Analysis Methods, Environmental Toxicology |
| MCCP304 | Advanced Critical Care Technology Lab | Practical | 2 | Advanced Hemodynamic Monitoring Setup, Ventilator Mode Adjustments, Dialysis Machine Operation, ECMO Circuit Management Simulation, Organ Perfusion Techniques |
| MCCP305 | Critical Care Emergency and Trauma Lab | Practical | 2 | Trauma Resuscitation Simulation, Burn Wound Management, Poisoning Treatment Protocols, Advanced Cardiac Life Support Practice, Mass Casualty Incident Drills |
| MCEL306 | Elective – I Lab (Example: Medical Toxicology Lab) | Practical | 2 | Toxicological Sample Collection, Basic Chemical Antidote Preparation, Toxin Identification Tests, First Aid for Poisoning Simulation, Management of Overdose Scenarios |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCEL401 | Elective – II Theory | Elective | 4 | Acute Coronary Syndromes, Cardiogenic Shock Management, Cardiac Arrhythmias, Post-Cardiac Surgery Care, Hypertensive Crises Interventions |
| MCCR402 | Research Methodology and Biostatistics | Core | 4 | Research Design Principles, Data Collection Methods, Sampling Techniques, Statistical Tests for Healthcare, Data Interpretation and Reporting |
| MCCP403 | Elective – II Lab (Example: Cardiac Critical Care Lab) | Practical | 2 | ECG Interpretation for Ischemia, Defibrillation and Cardioversion Practice, Cardiac Catheterization Assistance, Temporary Pacemaker Management, Invasive Blood Pressure Monitoring |
| MCCJ404 | Project Work / Dissertation | Project | 10 | Literature Review, Methodology Design, Data Collection and Analysis, Results and Discussion, Thesis Writing and Presentation |
| MCIV405 | Viva Voce | Viva | 2 | Comprehensive Subject Knowledge Assessment, Project Defense, Clinical Reasoning Evaluation, Problem-Solving Skills, Communication and Presentation Skills |
