Academic Overview
Program Overview
Medical and Psychiatric Social Work is a health-sector profession that helps people deal with the social, emotional and psychological challenges that come with illness, hospitalization and mental health conditions. Social workers in health assess needs, counsel patients and families, coordinate care, plan discharge and rehabilitation, and speak up for patient rights.
The B. MPSW connects health sciences, social work, behavioral sciences and social sciences into one integrated course. Learning moves from classroom teaching to clinical exposure and structured field practice, so graduates understand the biological, psychological, social and systemic factors that shape health.
The profession is now regulated under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021, which brings Medical, Psychiatric and Clinical Social Work under a recognized, competency-based framework with registration and licensing.
Core Strengths
Program Highlights
Integrated curriculum: Social sciences, health and behavioral sciences, social work practice, health law and policy, and ethics are taught together, not in silos.
Fieldwork at the core: 86 of the 184 credits are supervised fieldwork, and 12 credits go to research.
Competency-based assessment: You are assessed on what you can do through clinical examinations, case discussions, direct observation, portfolios and feedback from supervisors, peers and clients.
Clear route to specialization: Continue to a 2-year Master�s in Medical Social Work or Psychiatric Social Work, and on to Clinical Social Work.
Global alignment: Competencies mapped to IASSW-IFSW Global Standards for Social Work Education, WHO mental health initiatives and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Inclusive and ethical: Training in cultural humility, rights-based care and confidentiality.
Admission Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
| Qualification |
Passed Senior Secondary (10+2) or equivalent from a recognized board, in any subject stream |
| Admission |
Admission shall be on the basis as entrance/marks obtained in qualifying examination or as per the NCAHP regulatory guidelines issued from time to time. |
| Awaiting results |
Candidates who have appeared for their 12th or Intermediate final exams and are waiting for results can also apply |
| Medium of instruction |
English, with remedial classes to build English language skills |
Curriculum Matrix
Key Features of the Program
What you will learn
Foundations of social work in health settings and the social determinants of health
Psychosocial assessment, casework and therapy
Communication, counselling and therapeutic relationships
Social and cultural sensitivity in healthcare, including tackling stigma
Ethics and professional standards
Interdisciplinary collaboration, care coordination and discharge planning
Health promotion and disease prevention
Health policy, systems and legislation such as the Mental Healthcare Act 2017, the RPwD Act 2016 and the NCAHP Act 2021
Personal and professional growth, including preventing burnout
Research and evidence-informed practice
Community engagement and advocacy
How it is delivered
| Component |
Details |
| Duration |
4-year undergraduate Honours program, semester system |
| Total credits |
184 credits (4,095 hours) |
| Course work |
86 credits of theory |
| Fieldwork |
86 credits of supervised field practice |
| Research |
12 credits |
| Credit value |
1 credit equals 15 hours of theory or 30 hours of supervised practicum or skill lab |
| Qualification level |
NCrF Level 6.5 |
Assessment methods: OSCE and OSPE stations, long-case records (OSLER), Mini-CEX, case-based discussion, direct observation of procedural skills, portfolio, multi-source feedback and client satisfaction questionnaires.
Fieldwork load: At least 15 hours a week during concurrent fieldwork.
Small groups: 1:10 faculty to student ratio, with inclusive support for learners with special needs.
Career & Growth
Placement Opportunities
Graduates can work as part of multidisciplinary health teams in these roles:
Medical and Psychiatric Social Work Assistant
Community Health Promoter
Integrated Behavioural Health Counsellor
Health Educator and Counsellor
Disease, HIV and Family Planning Counsellor
Mental Health Support Worker
Palliative Care Professional
Movement or Recreational Therapist
Career ladder for B.MPSW graduates
| Designation |
Eligibility |
Appointment |
| Medical and Psychiatric Social Work Assistant |
B.MPSW |
Direct recruitment |
| Medical and Psychiatric Social Work Associate |
B.MPSW plus 5 years of regular service as Assistant |
Promotion |
| Senior Medical and Psychiatric Social Work Officer |
B.MPSW plus 5 years of regular service as Associate |
Promotion |
Employment Sectors
Top Recruiting Sectors
Hospitals and health systems
General medicine, specialty and critical care, rehabilitation
Mental health institutions
Mental health hospitals and community mental health services
Community and public health
National health programs, primary health centres, outreach
NGOs and international agencies
Health, welfare, migration and refugee programs; civil society and social enterprises
Education sector
Schools, colleges and their hospitals
Rehabilitation and care centres
Halfway homes, disability care, elderly care, palliative and end-of-life care
Corporate and workplace
Employee assistance and workplace mental health programs
Digital health and counselling
Tele-mental health, helplines, family courts and family counselling centres
Policy and research
Insurance, health councils, ministries, research and evaluation bodies
Institutional Advantages
Why Choose Chirayu
01
A recognized national pathway:
Curriculum aligned with the NCAHP framework for a regulated health profession.
02
Learn by doing:
Nearly half your degree is supervised fieldwork in real health settings.
03
Personal attention:
Small batches of 20 to 30 students and a 1:10 faculty ratio.
04
Wide career choice:
Hospitals, mental health, public health, NGOs, corporate wellness, digital health and policy.
05
Built for global practice:
Competencies mapped to international social work and WHO standards.
06
Room to grow:
Move on to a Master�s in Medical or Psychiatric Social Work, then Clinical Social Work, research or teaching.
07
Practical Training & Clinical Exposure:
4 In-House Hospitals equipped with Advanced Clinical Facilities for Hands-On Practical Training & Clinical Exposure
08
Learning:
Well-Equipped Laboratories for Practical Learning
09
Faculty:
Experienced & Qualified Faculty
10
Infrastructure:
State-of-the-Art Learning Infrastructure