General Duty Assistant: Course, Eligibility, Job & Salary

General Duty Assistants (GDAs) are an essential part of the healthcare industry. General Duty Assistants work with / under the guidance of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to provide medical assistance to patients. GDAs are also known as nursing assistants or medical assistants who are responsible for providing high-quality care to patients. 

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A General Duty Assistant (GDA) is one of the most important roles in ensuring that patients’ day-to-day requirements are handled properly and efficiently. Let us see some of the roles and responsibilities of a GDA:

• Assisting doctors, nurses or other healthcare professionals with basic patient care, such as giving their daily prescribed medications
• Looking after the patients' safety and health regularly
• Recording patient data, such as vital signs and measurements of water intake and urine
• Performing activities related to medical records, such as file management and record-keeping
• Dressing and feeding patients
• Maintaining the hygiene and cleanliness of the patient
• Providing additional care that is required, such as housekeeping and assisting in the maintenance of a safe environment for patients
• Ensuring equipment maintenance and performing safety checks
• Scheduling diagnostic tests, meeting and welcoming patients

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The GDA course is a short duration skill based training program. Its objective is to develop a trained workforce of General Duty Assistants (GDAs) that can be employed by hospitals and healthcare facilities to provide support to nurses, doctors as well as other healthcare professionals in ensuring quality care is provided to all the patients.

GDA Course Duration: The GDA course can be 6 to 12 months long depending on the institute that offers it.
GDA Course Fees: The General Duty Assistant (GDA) course is less expensive than other medical assistant courses. GDA course fees ranges from INR 5,000 to INR 25,000
GDA Course Qualification / Eligibility Criteria: GDA course eligibility criteria depends on the institute offering it. But the most common and preferred eligibility criteria is that the candidate must have passed 10th standard from a recognized board.

The course structure and curriculum for the GDA course can vary depending on the institution offering the course. However, here is a general overview of the topics commonly covered in a GDA course:

• Introduction to Healthcare Systems
• Broad Functions of Patient Care
• Role of General Duty Assistant - Sanitation, Safety & First Aid
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Personal Hygiene & Professional Behaviour
• Biomedical Waste Management
• Emergency Medical Response
• Body Mechanics Positioning/Transferring/Mobility of Patients
• Observing and Reporting Consent, Documentation & Records
• Patient’s Rights & Environment
• Elimination Needs
• Bed Making
• Fall Prevention
• Mortuary Management
• Infections Prevention and Control
• Institutional Emergencies, Fire Safety, and Security
• Basic Computer Knowledge
• Soft Skills And Communication

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General Duty Assistants (GDAs) after completing the GDA course have a variety of career opportunities and further advancement opportunities by taking on additional tasks. 
Due to increased awareness of GDA course in the healthcare industry, there are several openings for General Duty Assistants in multiple reputed healthcare settings such as:

• Hospitals
• Old Age Homes
• Patient's Homes
• Community Care Centres
• Mental Health Institutes

With an ever-increasing need for qualified healthcare professionals, the demand for General Duty Assistants is also on the rise in these different healthcare organizations. Students pursuing the GDA course can advance in their career by gaining experience and specializing in various courses such as physiotherapy and nursing.

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The General Duty Assistant salary and perks can vary based on factors such as the specific healthcare facility, location, experience, and qualifications. The average starting GDA salary in India per month could range from around INR 15,000 to INR 25,000 or more, depending on various mentioned factors.

Some of the additional perks for General Duty Assistants (GDAs) in healthcare settings may include:

• Health Insurance
• Provident Fund (PF)
• Employee State Insurance (ESI)
• Leave Benefits
• Training and Development Opportunities

It's important to note that these figures and benefits are approximate, and actual GDA salaries and perks may vary. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to check with healthcare facilities or relevant authorities.

Anyone who has passed their 10/12th standard exams with a minimum of 50% marks. 12th-pass science students get a preference for admission.

Admissions In General Duty Assistant Course

• Admission for General Duty Assistant courses is available in some universities in India.
• The Indian government has launched skilled workers courses where enrolment for GDA is done online. 
• Many university websites offer courses as easy online applications.
• Admission to reputed universities is made based on 10th and 12th marks
• Some colleges have an entrance exam for medical GDA courses

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Your journey in healthcare doesn't end with a GDA course; rather it's a stepping stone towards a diverse and fulfilling career. Whether one chooses to embark on a career as a General Duty Assistant or explores further paramedical courses, the commitment to compassionate patient care and professional growth remains at the core of a fulfilling healthcare career.  It's important to research specific course offerings, accreditation, and career prospects before choosing a program, to ensure it best suits your needs.