Otorhinolaryngology is a subspeciality in medical science that deals with the conditions of ear, nose and throat, also commonly referred to as ENT. Specialists in this area are known as otorhinolaryngologists or ENT surgeons. Commonly occurring functional diseases in this domain affects the senses of eating, speaking, drinking, swallowing, hearing and breathing. ENT surgery includes the treatment of benign tumors in the head as well as the neck. Plastic surgery of the face and neck also falls under the area of ENT surgery. Some sub-specialities in this field are head and neck oncologic surgery, otology, facial and plastic surgery, neurotology, rhinology, laryngology, Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology and sleep medicine. Conditions involving hearing, ear and balance come under otology. Conditions such as sinusitis, allergy and snoring fall under rhinology. Laryngology deals with voice problems as well as swallowing disorders. Conditions such as cleft lip and vascular malformations are dealt with under pediatric otorhinolaryngology. 

Diploma in Oto-Rhino-Laryngology is designed to give the students in-depth knowledge on how to diagnose and treat conditions related to ear, nose, head and throat. The curriculum covers topics such as pharmacology, pathology, immunology, audiology, neurophysiology, otorhinolaryngology, etc. In addition to theoretical study, rigorous practical modules are also given during the course. Practical modules include clinical skills and surgical skills. In the clinical skills module, students are given training in the interpretation of routine audiovestibular testing, image results and other investigative techniques. Clinical skills also include management of airway obstruction, nasal fracture, acute infections, epistaxis (nose bleeding), etc. Under the surgical skills category, students are given training for surgeries involving the nose ear and throat. Candidates are also expected to possess good communication skills and necessary soft skills as they will be involved in dealing with diverse kind of people. 

The basic eligibility for applicants who wish to enroll on this course is that they should possess an MBBS degree from an institute recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI). In addition to that, candidates should also have at least a one-year internship in an institute recognized by the MCI and secured a permanent registration in any State Medical Council. The course is full-time and the duration is 2 year. Admission is one the basis of merit depending upon the candidate’s performance in the entrance examination. Some popular entrance examinations the candidates can appear for getting into this course are NEET PG, AIIMS PG and DNB PDCET. All these examinations are held once every year in online mode. Some institutes may also conduct the admission process taking into account only the marks secured in the candidate’s MBBS course. After completion of the course, the students can get placed in many private and public organizations for job roles such as ENT Surgeon, Consultant ENT, Lecturer, research assistant, physiotherapist and pharmacologist. There are many private and public colleges in India that offer this course. Diploma in Oto-Rhino-Laryngology is a rewarding course that is always in demand and can increase the value of students who have completed MBBS. The average salary of students completing the course ranges between Rs 3.6 lakhs to Rs 25 lakh depending upon the candidate’s skill and expertise.