BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) is a professional degree in Ayurveda, India’s traditional system of medicine. Career options after BAMS include panchkarma practitioner, pharmacist, teacher, counsellor or dietician. This degree combines current medical science with ancient Ayurvedic expertise, including anatomy, pharmacology and surgery, opening doors to diverse opportunities in healthcare and wellness.
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After completing a BAMS degree, graduates can choose from a variety of professional opportunities, including dietician, teacher, chemist, counsellor, and panchakarma practitioner after completing the BAMS degree programme. In this section, we will cover all career paths available for BAMS professionals.
A Panchakarma Practitioner is a medical specialist who treats a wide range of human ailments, problems, and illnesses with Panchakarma. Panchkarma is the broad term for the five steps. It uses purifying techniques from Ayurvedic medicine to relieve stress and get the body ready to receive the advantages of diet, exercise, and nutrition.
Pharmacists are medical professionals with expertise in the use and dispensing of medications. After obtaining a doctor's prescription, they ensure patients get the correct medicines and provide guidance on proper usage, dosage and potential side effects. These professionals also advise patients on drug interactions, health conditions and preventive care. Additionally, they can be employed in hospitals, clinics, research labs or pharmacies.
A BAMS graduate can pursue higher studies and opt for the profession as a teacher. After completing a postgraduate programme successfully, they can choose to enrol in a PhD programme. After completing a PhD programme successfully, the candidate may choose to work as a professor in any Ayurvedic college.
BAMS graduates can choose to work as Ayurvedic counsellors. Counsellors advocate for preventive healthcare practices through the use of conventional Ayurvedic medical science. A Counsellor offers expert assessments, data, and recommendations related to improving the client's capacity for problem-solving and decision-making.
A Dietitian is a specialist in dietetics. The study of human nutrition and the typical diet is known as dietetics. A dietician modifies a patient's diet in accordance with their needs and medical circumstances. These experts evaluate, diagnose, and treat issues related to diet.
A BAMS degree provides several employment opportunities. Graduates may work as ayurvedic doctors, consultants or researchers. They may also find work in hospital administration, healthcare management or the pharmaceutical business. Further studies can lead to specialisation in areas such as Panchkarma or clinical research.
A student should be well aware of modern medical science and the interpretation of modern diagnostic tests. Practical experience is equally required for becoming a successful practitioner. A student should work with senior practitioners for at least one to two years before setting up his practice.
Along with regular practice, a student can also opt for specialised practice after acquiring proper knowledge of treating skin diseases, spinal disorders, and ophthalmologic conditions. A postgraduate emergency medicine diploma, a 6-month course held at modern tertiary healthcare hospitals, can enable a BAMS student to add value to their clinical practice.
Aside from MD and PhD programmes, other suitable courses for a research career include an MSc or PG Diploma in Clinical Research. MSc ( Biotech /Bioinfo/Health Science) is a demanding subject that is also accessible to BAMS students at certain universities. These courses are offered at a variety of institutes and universities around the country. Students interested in both fieldwork and research can enrol in this, which offers excellent future chances.
Colleges and universities teach Ayurveda Samhita, Rachana Sharira, Dravyaguna, or Kayachikitsa to students. Academics help to create and update the curriculum following current research findings and trends. Ayurvedic institutions may need candidates such as a Dean, Head of Department, or Academic Director. It led to the development of educational standards, accreditation, and policy-making for Ayurveda education.
MD in Ayurveda specialities include Panchakarma, which focuses on cleansing and rejuvenation therapy. Dravyaguna (pharmacology) investigates medicinal plants and their therapeutic applications. Kayachikitsa (General Medicine) handles internal medicine and chronic disorders. Shalya Tantra (Surgery) specialises in Ayurvedic surgical methods.
Chalakya Tantra (ENT and Ophthalmology) focuses on eye, ear, nose, and throat diseases.
Several options are available to students who are not interested in clinical practice but wish to pursue a career in medicine. MPH (Master of Public Health), MHA (Master of Health Administration), and MBA (Hospital and Healthcare Management) are in high demand. Aside from this, courses such as Sports Medicine, Disaster Management, Industrial Management, Preventive and Promotive Healthcare, and Master's in Personnel Management are excellent possibilities.
The manufacturing of Ayurvedic medicines is a growing industry. Aside from actual production, other related areas such as medicinal plant cultivation, raw material trade in powder, extracts, oils, and so on are in high demand. BPharm(Ayurved) at Jamnagar and BHU, MSc (Pharmaceutical Medicine) and Diploma in Herbal Medicinal Manufacturing are some popular courses.
The salary is determined by several criteria, including the candidate's experience and the job description selected by the candidate. As the candidate gains experience, his or her income will improve. In the table below, we have covered the most popular job roles as well as their average annual pay.
Job Profiles | Average Annual Salary |
Panchkarma Practitioner | Rs. 1.1 Lakh - 5.4 Lakhs |
Pharmacist | Rs. 1.2 Lakh - 4 Lakhs |
Teacher | Rs. 1 Lakh - 5.5 Lakhs |
Counsellor | Rs. 1.2 Lakh - 6.5 Lakhs |
Dietician | Rs. 1.2 Lakh - 4.8 Lakhs |
In conclusion, a BAMS degree opens diverse career paths, including clinical practice, higher education, research, academics, product development and entrepreneurship. Graduates can blend traditional Ayurveda with modern healthcare, contributing significantly to natural health and wellness. This versatility ensures that BAMS professionals can grow in various sectors, promoting Ayurveda’s rich heritage globally.