What should I choose between BAMS and BPT?

Introduction

Healthcare has become one of the most lucrative career fields of this century. An evergreen profession, health science can remain unaffected by external economic disturbances. As lifestyle diseases rise due to fast-paced, erratic & uncertain schedules, a market for traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, and newer healthcare professions like physiotherapy has been created. The increased need for the treatment of debilitating injuries and diseases has created a massive demand for talented healthcare professionals. However, it is also clear that one needn’t pursue only MBBS to become a qualified caregiver – many aspirants are inclined towards Bachelors in Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery (BAMS) and bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) to make a professional segue into the field. As demand for ayurvedic physicians and trained physiotherapists increases, aspirants also struggle to choose between the two. They are confronted with questions of scope, eligibility, and employability of these courses. If one scours the internet, they are sure to come across queries like - BAMS Vs BPT, is BAMS better than BPT?, which has more scope: BAMS or BPT? This blog aims to help you decode the answer to these questions and make an informed choice between the courses for a rich and rewarding career in either of the two fields.

BAMS Course Details

BAMS is a course provided by ayurvedic colleges, such as The Sri Sai Institute of Ayurvedic Research and Medicine, which is based in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. BAMS enables aspiring ayurvedic physicians to delve into this ancient healing science, albeit professionally. Even as western physicians dismiss Ayurveda as pseudoscience practiced on the eastern side of the globe, it is a commonly known fact that this complex healing science has limitless potential that can flourish forever. When allopathy shows no results, Ayurveda comes to the rescue. Truth be told, many aspiring physicians are ditching traditional degrees in western medicine to pursue lucrative BAMS courses from top-notch ayurvedic colleges like the Sri Sai Institute of Ayurvedic Research & Medicine.

Course Overview

BAMS allows students to pursue the traditional science of Ayurveda with a modernized approach. While it is focused on the preservation of ayurvedic traditions, it allows students to learn about newer technologies and methodologies for treatment. The course consists of three academic sections of 1.5 years each. The first course consists of Anatomy, Physiology, and History of Ayurveda. The second course focuses on Biology & Pharmacology while the final course delves into ENT, Gynecology, etc. The total course fee can range between 3-4 lakh rupees. The duration of BAMS is 5.5 years, including internships. BAMS is only second to MBBS in terms of popularity.

Eligibility Criteria

So, what is the eligibility criteria to get into a BAMS course at a top ayurvedic varsity? How can you ensure that you get in? For starters, you need to meet the minimum academic requirements. A BAMS aspirant needs to have pursued 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry & Biology as compulsory subjects. Next, aspirants need to gain good marks in the NEET exam to get into well-known ayurvedic colleges.

Scope

Now comes the question of the scope and employability of BAMS. BAMS graduates can craft careers in the ayurvedic hospitality industry, open clinics and dispensaries, teach at ayurvedic colleges or delve into research and development of AYUSH systems of medicine. According to analysts, a BAMS graduate in India can pocket anywhere between Rs 20,000-80,000 a month. Top recruiters include Patanjali, Emami Ltd, The Himalaya Drug Company, and Shahnaaz Husain, among others.

BPT Course Details

BPT deals with the science of movement. As our lifestyle becomes more fast-paced, we become more prone to muscle and bone injuries that can only be cured by physiotherapy. It is a 4.5-year course, including internships. Those who have completed 10+2 with physics, chemistry, biology or other relevant disciplines can pursue BPT. The BPT curriculum is divided into 3 parts, namely:

A BPT course can cost anywhere between 1-5 lakh rupees. The best part about this course is its employability- Graduates can get jobs straight after the completion of their course. Trained physiotherapists can make lucrative careers in multiple fields. They can delve into sports medicine, counseling services, or work under professionals, practicing physiotherapists. Graduates can easily segue into pediatrics, orthopedics & geriatrics.

Another good aspect of this course is its return on investment – while the course only costs between 1-5 lakhs, a trained physiotherapist can make a whopping 40 lakhs per annum after the completion of their course.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to note a few points – the first being the stark difference between these courses. Both courses deal with completely different sciences, which is why one needs to gauge their interest before choosing either. Secondly, it is important to note that while BAMS is a medical course, BPT is a paramedical course. You will be a doctor at the end of your BAMS degree, but a paramedic after your BPT course. While you can go for a BPT course at the end of your BAMS degree, be prepared to devote a long chunk of your life to academia. Both are long-duration courses dealing with different facets of medicine. The course structure & treatments taught are distinct from one another. Thirdly, If you’re looking for a course that asks for lower investment and higher financial returns, it might be a better option to go for BPT. If you are passionate about Ayurveda and wish to become a doctor, go for BAMS. At the end of the day, the question of BAMS Vs BPT, is BAMS better than BPT, which has more scope: BAMS or BPT? Can we do BAMS after BPT? are null and void. One needs to introspect, research and pursue their true passion. Do follow this course guide to make an informed decision.