Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word, which when translated means “the Science of life”. There are numerous courses taught in Ayurveda which covers all the therapies and practices to treat the patients seeking Ayurvedic treatment for mental and physical haul. The Ayurveda course includes the comprehensive study of the history of Ayurveda and its relevance in modern times. Ayurveda helps in preventing and curing any kind of illness by eliminating their root cause. In Ayurveda course practitioners learn about eight ways of diagnosing illness and a way of channelising the five senses to diagnose the root cause. The Ayurveda course includes various plant based treatments and how they are derived from leaves, roots, barks, seeds and fruits. One can take Ayurveda courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Ayurveda

Mentioned below is the eligibility criteria for admission to undergraduate or postgraduate level of Ayurveda course: 

Eligibility Criteria for Undergraduate Program- Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)

• Students must have passed 10+2 level or equivalent examinations along with the subjects of English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology from recognized board/institution.
• Aspirant must have completed the age requirement as prescribed by various universities offering undergraduate program
• Candidate must score a minimum of 50% in 10+2 level
• Aspirants must have a valid score in NEET. 

Eligibility Criteria for Postgraduate Programs- M.S in Ayurveda

• Candidates who have passed BAMS course along with 6 months or 1 year house job can apply. House job refers to the clinical experience under supervision before one starts his/her own practice as a physician.
• Also, students who have passed the MBBS course recognized by the Medical Council of India can also apply. 

Scope of Ayurveda in India and Abroad

On completing ayurveda course, many ayurveda clinics demand for good ayurveda doctors who are good at administering steam therapies, oil messaging, meditation and exercise. Also, after completing ayurveda course one can opt for teaching Ayurveda subjects in colleges. Many can opt to start their private practice or get hired to pharma companies. Some of the areas where employment can be sought are:

• Specialized clinics
• Private clinics
• Hospitals
• Government sector
• Corporate Research Units
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Ayurvedic Pharmacies
• Healthcare Administration Centres

Careers in Ayurveda

Earlier, after completing the ayurveda course the only option that a person was left with was starting one’s own practice. However, with change in time, today one has many promising career opportunities available. While selecting the career students must know his/her area of interest and pursue accordingly. Some of the career opportunities are:

• Clinical practice
• Academic
• Management and Administration
• Drug Manufacturing
• Research
• Teacher

Clinical practice

Students who have completed ayurveda course must know in detail about Ayurvedic Samhitas.Student must be well versed with modern medical science. Students can opt for specialized practice for instance, therapy of spinal disorder, skin diseases, ano-rectal diseases, ophthalmologic conditions, and so forth. In such therapies, Ayurveda has a crucial role to play. 

Also as per Indian traditions students can opt for Ayurvedic practices like Nadi Pariksha, Panchbautik Chikitsa, Dhatu Chikitsa and so forth. Also one can indulge in various therapies like Panchkarma, Ayurvedic dietetics, Physiotherapist, Yoga and etc. 

Academics

One must have completed his/her post graduation in Ayurveda to pursue a career in Academics. Students after completing the post graduation or diploma course can join government or private colleges as lecturers and demonstrators. Students can opt for tuition classes for Ayurveda courses. 

Management and Administration

Students who don’t have interest in medical practice however want to be related to medical fields that can opt for courses like sports medicine, industrial management, preventive and promotive health care and so forth and can enter government sector as administrator.

Drug Manufacturing

Production of Ayurvedic medicine is booming business in today’s life. Trading raw materials, cultivation of medicinal plants in the form of oil, powder and other cosmetics are in huge demand. Also, many Ayurvedic food products have equal demand in the market. In this time of need students who have completed ayurvedic course can utilize their knowledge and skills in producing ayurvedic medicines. 

Research

Students opting for various courses in Ayurveda apart from MD and PhD can have great careers in research. On completion of the course students can get jobs as Clinical Research Associate in pharmaceutical companies and research units. 

Teacher

To become a Ayurveda teacher and build a career in this field, students must complete their post graduation in MD or diploma in any subject as per their interest. Students after completing their post graduation can apply for the post of teacher in schools or colleges. 

Other Career Options

Other than above mentioned career options students can opt for the following options as well:

• Medical tourism
• Medical event management
• Medical transcription
• Medical journalism
• Medical documentation or photography
• Legal medical advisor.
• Laboratories
• Private super speciality hospitals

Job Profiles and Top Recruiters

Students after completing their Ayurveda course can opt for various career opportunities and can work along with top recruiters to gain relevant experience and practice. Some of the job profiles that one can opt for after completing the Ayurveda courses are:

• Therapist
• Pharmacist
• Medical representative
• Ayurvedic doctor
• Assistant claim manager health
• Jr. Clinical trial coordinator
• Lecturer

Top Recruiters 

• Healthcare communities
• Healthcare IT
• Nursing home
• Panchakarma ashram
• Government/private hospitals
• Dispensaries
• Research institutes
• Spa resort
• Pharmaceuticals companies
• Life science industry

Average Salary

The salary after completing ayurveda course varies depending upon the role opted by the practitioner. The salary after completing ayurveda course ranges between Rs 20,000 per month to INR 50,000 per month. However, it differs from role to role. The salary for post graduates is comparatively higher, their stipend ranges between Rs 40,000 to 50,000 per month.