Behind every doctor and nurse is a team of paramedical professionals who keep healthcare systems running smoothly. Paramedical workers form the backbone of diagnostic, emergency, and technical support services, ensuring patients receive timely and accurate care.
In Kenya, the demand for paramedical professionals has grown rapidly due to population growth, urbanization, and the rise of specialized healthcare services. For students who may not want to pursue a full medical degree but still want to make a significant impact in healthcare, paramedical courses provide excellent opportunities.
At the Imperial College of Medical and Health Sciences (ICMHS), paramedical training is designed to combine practical exposure with academic rigor, preparing students for both local and global healthcare careers. This guide explores the options, fees, and career scope of paramedical courses in Kenya.
What are Paramedical Courses?
Paramedical courses are specialized programs that train students in diagnostic, therapeutic, and technical roles in healthcare. Unlike doctors, who diagnose and prescribe treatment, paramedical professionals focus on supportive and technical functions – from running diagnostic labs to managing emergencies.
These courses are job-oriented and emphasize practical learning, making graduates immediately employable. In Kenya, paramedical courses are offered at certificate, diploma, and degree levels.
Why Paramedical Courses are Important?
- Shortage of Skilled Workers: Kenya’s healthcare system faces gaps in laboratory technicians, emergency medical officers, and other technical specialists.
- Affordable Entry Point: Compared to medical degrees, paramedical courses are shorter and more affordable.
- Immediate Employability: Graduates can secure jobs in hospitals, clinics, and NGOs soon after completion.
- Global Demand: Countries like the UK, Canada, and Gulf states actively recruit paramedical staff, offering international career pathways.
Types of Paramedical Courses in Kenya
Paramedical education in Kenya covers a wide spectrum of healthcare support roles. Each course equips students with specialized technical skills that make them employable in hospitals, clinics, NGOs, and research settings. Below are the most popular programs offered at institutions like ICMHS:
1. Diploma in Clinical Medicine
Diploma in Clinical Medicine is one of the most sought-after paramedical courses in Kenya. Students are trained to become clinical officers, who act as frontline healthcare providers in hospitals and clinics.
The program covers diagnosis, prescribing treatment, conducting minor surgical procedures, and managing common diseases. Clinical officers play a critical role in bridging the gap where there are doctor shortages.
- Duration: 3 years
- Focus: Trains clinical officers who assist in diagnosis, treatment, and minor surgeries.
- Eligibility: KCSE C (plain) with C in Biology and Chemistry.
2. Diploma in Nursing
Nursing remains one of the backbones of Kenya’s healthcare system. The nursing diploma prepares students to work in hospitals, health centers, and community health programs.
Training focuses on patient care, emergency response, maternal and child health, and counseling. Nurses are in high demand not just locally, but also in global markets such as the UK and Canada.
- Duration: 3 years
- Focus: Prepares students for nursing roles in hospitals, community health, and clinics.
- Eligibility: KCSE C (plain) with C in Biology, Chemistry, and English/Kiswahili.
3. Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics
This program addresses Kenya’s dual burden of malnutrition and lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
Students learn about food science, therapeutic diets, and community nutrition in Nutrition and Dietetics Diploma programs. Graduates often work in hospitals, NGOs, and wellness industries, designing diet plans for individuals and promoting preventive health.
- Duration: 3 years
- Focus: Focuses on food science, nutrition, and dietary therapy for disease prevention.
- Eligibility: KCSE C (plain) with C in Biology and Chemistry.
4. Diploma in Pharmacy Technology
Pharmacy technicians are crucial to ensuring medicines are dispensed safely and effectively. This diploma equips students with skills in drug formulation, storage, quality control, and distribution. Graduates assist licensed pharmacists and can also work in pharmaceutical companies, NGOs, or community pharmacies.
- Duration: 3 years
- Focus: Prepares students to assist pharmacists in drug formulation, storage, and distribution.
- Eligibility: KCSE C (plain) with C in Chemistry and Biology.
5. Certificate in Public Health
A practical entry point for students with KCSE D+, this course focuses on community-level health promotion and disease prevention.
Training includes sanitation, water safety, waste management, and awareness campaigns. Graduates often work as public health assistants in counties or with NGOs, making this one of the most marketable entry-level courses.
- Duration: 1–2 years
- Focus: Equips students to support sanitation, health promotion, and disease prevention.
- Eligibility: KCSE D+ and above.
6. Certificate in Community Health
Community health workers are essential in rural and underserved areas of Kenya. Certificate in Community Health trains students in health education, mobilization, and basic preventive care.
Graduates often work in outreach programs, HIV/AIDS projects, and maternal health campaigns, where they serve as the link between healthcare providers and the community.
- Duration: 1–2 years
- Focus: Trains students to assist in community health education and mobilization.
- Eligibility: KCSE D+ and above.
Fees for Paramedical Courses in Kenya
Fees vary depending on the program, level, and institution. At ICMHS (2025 intake), the fee ranges are as follows:
- Certificate Programs: KES 40,000 – 70,000 per year
- Diploma Programs: KES 80,000 – 120,000 per year
- Additional Costs: Application fee (KES 1,500 – 2,000), lab coats, equipment, and exam fees
- Payment Options: Flexible installment plans available
- Scholarships: Merit-based and need-based scholarships offered for eligible students
Compared to pursuing a full medical degree, paramedical courses are far more affordable and accessible.
Career Opportunities After Paramedical Courses
Graduates of paramedical courses have diverse career pathways in Kenya and abroad.
Career Paths in Kenya
- Hospitals and Clinics: Working alongside doctors and nurses.
- Diagnostic Laboratories: Handling medical testing and analysis.
- Community Health Programs: Supporting NGOs and county-level initiatives.
- Emergency Medical Services: Serving as first responders in ambulances and trauma care.
- Pharmaceutical Companies: Assisting in production, distribution, and sales.
Paramedical Job Salaries in Kenya (2025 Estimates)
- Certificate holders: KES 30,000 – 60,000 per month
- Diploma holders: KES 50,000 – 100,000 per month
- With experience, opportunities expand to managerial roles and private practice.
Global Opportunities
Countries like Canada, the UK, and Gulf states face shortages of paramedical staff. With additional licensing, Kenyan graduates can secure lucrative roles abroad.
Why Study Paramedical Courses at ICMHS?
Among Kenya’s medical colleges, ICMHS provides unique advantages for paramedical students:
- Full Range of Programs: From certificate to diploma.
- Modern Labs & Simulation Facilities: Ensuring practical training.
- Experienced Faculty: Blending academic knowledge with clinical practice.
- Scholarships & Financial Aid: Making programs accessible.
- Career Services: Guidance for both Kenyan and global job markets.
- Student Support: Mentorship, counseling, and placement partnerships.
This holistic support makes ICMHS a top choice for paramedical training in Kenya.
Conclusion
Paramedical courses are among the most practical and career-focused options for students who want to join the healthcare sector without committing to the long path of medical degrees. In Kenya, the demand for skilled paramedics, clinical officers, nutritionists, and public health assistants is higher than ever.
At the Imperial College of Medical and Health Sciences (ICMHS), students benefit from affordable fees, modern facilities, progression opportunities, and global career preparation. Choosing a paramedical course at ICMHS is not just about getting a qualification – it is about building a meaningful career in healthcare.
FAQs Related to Paramedical Courses
These are job-oriented healthcare programs like Clinical Medicine, Nursing, Nutrition, and Public Health that focus on technical and support roles.
At ICMHS, fees range from KES 40,000 – 120,000 per year, depending on the level and program.
Certificates require a KCSE D+, while diplomas require a KCSE C with C in Biology and Chemistry.
Yes. ICMHS offers scholarships and flexible fee payment options.
Yes. Graduates are employable in hospitals, NGOs, diagnostic labs, and international healthcare systems.
Yes. ICMHS offers progression pathways from certificate → diploma → degree.
Yes. With proper licensing, graduates can work in countries like the UK, Canada, and the Middle East.
