Conventional vs Alternative Medicine: Which offers better career growth?

Shiksha draws a comparison between conventional and alternative medicine in terms of courses available, eligibility, career options and growth prospects available for an aspirant. 

When it comes to treatment and medicine, we often think that traditional medicine is the only way as that's what many of us have seen and experienced throughout our life. However, with Alternative Medicine becoming popular among people, they are becoming conscious of this substitute for traditional medicines. Some doctors are traditional practitioners and some practice alternative medicine, and then there are some who practice both together.

The primary difference between conventional medicine and Alternative Medicine is the move towards. While conventional medicine treats symptoms and issues of a certain given area, alternative medicine pays attention to, overall health, cause and prevention, and non-conventional, often natural treatments.

Here's a comparison between the two forms of medicine, for those planning to take up either of the two as a career. 

Alternative Medicine Career

There are various kinds of Alternative Medicine programmes in India, including Certificates, Diplomas, Master’s degrees, Bachelor’s degrees, and a few Doctoral degrees. The three main kinds of Bachelor’s degrees in Alternative Medicine are Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), Bachelor in Unani Medicine or (BUMS), and B.Sc in Alternative Medicine. With a BAMS degree from a recognised school, one can practice as an Ayurvedic Practitioner/Doctor, with the choice to further pursue one’s education with a specialisation in Astrology, Gem-Tele-Chromo Therapy, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Electro-Homoeopathy, Traditional Chinese Med, Hypnotherapy, Reflexology, Aroma Therapy, Radiesthesia & Radionics, Medicinal Herbalism, Iridology Science, Holistic Health and Nutrition. With the Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine & Surgery (BHMS) degree from a certified school, one can become a Homeopathic Practitioner/Doctor, with the likelihood to further study the above-mentioned specialisations. 

Alternative Medicine Courses in India

Bachelor's Degree Courses

Name of the Course	Duration (in months)	Eligibility criteria
BAMS	66	12th pass (with PCB subjects)
BHMS	66	12th pass (with PCB subjects)
BUMS	66	12th pass (with PCB subjects)
BNYS	66	12th pass (with PCB subjects)
Bachelor of Electro Homeopathy	24	12th pass
Bachelor of Yoga Therapy	24	12th pass
Bachelor of Massage Therapy	24	12th pass
Bachelor of Acupressure	24	12th pass
Bachelor of Acupuncture	24	12th pass
Bachelor of Herbopathy	24	12th pass
Bachelor of Reiki Healing	24	12th pass
Bachelor of Magnet Therapy	24	12th pass
Bachelor of Aromatherapy	24	12th pass
Bachelor of Traditional Medicine	24	12th pass
Bachelor of Homely Medicine	24	12th pass
Bachelor of Hydro Therapy	24	12th pass
Bachelor of Gem Therapy	24	12th pass
Bachelor of Diet Therapy	24	12th pass
Bachelor of Chiropractic	24	12th pass
Bachelor of Flexology	24	12th pass
Bachelor of Immuno Homeopathy	24	12th pass

Prospects of career growth in Alternative Medicine

Today, there are many career opportunities in both India and abroad that one can choose from after studying Alternative Medicine. The areas which are present to build a career can be largely categorized as follows-

• Academic (Teaching at UG/PG institutions)
• Government jobs in hospitals & dispensaries (state, Central, local)
• Management and administration (government and private)
• Research (Central, state, private Institutions)
• Drug control (state & Central)
• Drug manufacturing (government, private, autonomous, cooperative)
• Government and private hospitals
• Clinical trials (Pharmaceuticals)
• National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)
• Ayurveda specialty centres
• Medical tourism
• National Ayush Mission

Conventional Medicine

A system in which healthcare professionals and other medical doctors treat diseases and symptoms using surgery, radiation, or drugs is known as conventional medicine. It is also known as biomedicine, allopathic medicine, mainstream medicine, Western medicine, and orthodox medicine. Conventional medicine is thus what most doctors with MD degrees practice – the focus is frequently on treating current ailments within the framework of very specific scientific frameworks. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for a medical job a degree of MBBS, which is of five and a half years (including a one-year internship), is a must. The qualification necessary for entrance is 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects. Entrance examinations are carried out by the institutes independently in the case of private medical colleges.  Apart from the MBBS, the candidate should complete one-year internship as well. 

Prospects of career growth in Conventional Medicine

MBBS is an immensely dynamic field and jobs are available in both private and public hospitals. A person can apply for jobs in government medical institutes and even in numerous private hospitals. Doctors can also start practicing on their own after getting them registered and licensed by the Medical Council of India. After completing MBBS, candidates can also choose to further their studies by pursuing MD programmes.