Career Guide for Ayurveda Studies

Ayurveda is a holistic system of traditional medicine that originated more than 5,000 years ago in India. This method of healing is used as a form of alternative medicine in various parts of the world, but India holds the most professional practitioners of this medical system. The method of diagnosis and treatment of diseases, in this case, is based on the principle that body, mind, and spirit are interrelated, and imbalance in any one of these hampers the physical and mental wellness of the person. An Ayurvedic doctor or a practitioner uses the mix of natural herbs as medicine which is very effective for the treatment of virtually all kinds of ailments.

Courses & Eligibility:

Eligibility for the bachelor’s course in Ayurveda is 10+2 in science stream with physics, chemistry and biology as the core subjects. The duration of Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) is five and half years including six months of internship. After completing their bachelor’s degree students can take up the 3 year post graduate programme. Ph.D is also awarded in Ayurveda which is of two years in duration. Students are subjected to go through an entrance test for admissions in the aforementioned courses.

Career Prospects:

There are a myriad of job opportunities both in India and abroad. Ayurvedic doctors and practitioners are usually employed by private clinics, hospitals, and charitable medical centers. They can also find employment as supervisors in ‘Panch Karma’ (Ayurvedic massage) / health centres. Most of the Ayurvedic doctors and practitioners establish their own private practice. Those employed in wellness centers can advance to supervisory or managerial positions over the years. Ayurvedic doctors and practitioners can also choose to take up faculty positions in Ayurvedic colleges and private clinics. Employment opportunities are expected to become really lucrative in the near future. This is primarily because of the increasing interest in alternative and holistic medicines in Western countries. In addition, the rising incidence of chronic disease, and spiraling healthcare expenses have influenced a lot of people to opt for Ayurveda.

Remuneration:

BAMS graduates can earn around Rs 8000- 12000 in government Ayurveda hospitals. Professors receive more than Rs 8000/- per month. In private practice, the remuneration depends totally on the individual’s professional reputation. Dedicated and competent practitioners can earn more in the private sector.