Careers in Homeopathy

Homeopaths treat patients by stimulating the body’s own healing powers with natural remedies. Homeopathy is based on the idea that ‘like cures like’ – that substances which cause symptoms can, in very small amounts, be used to cure or ease them. Homeopaths understand that the body, mind and emotions are not really separate and distinct, but are actually fully integrated. Based on this perspective, homeopaths seek natural remedies which fit all of a patient's physical and psychological symptoms. A homeopath could treat conditions from headaches, fevers and stress to arthritis and eczema. He treats the patient based on their lifestyle and emotional issues as well as their physical symptoms.

Course Details
Homoeopathy education is offered at first degree and postgraduate degree levels. The first degree course leading to Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) is available in 118 colleges affiliated to various universities. The entry requirement is a pass in 10+2 examination in science with Biology as an optional. Like any other course in medicine, the duration is five and a half years including one year of compulsory internship.

Seats to BHMS course in various universities are filled up through an All-India Entrance Examination. The postgraduate course in Homoeopathy MD (Homy) is of three year duration. The eligibility requirement for MD (Homy) is BHMS degree. National Institute of Homoeopathy, Calcutta was established by the Government of India as a model institute to provide a high standard of teaching, training and research in all aspects of Homoeopathic system.

Career Prospects
There are many job opportunities both in India and abroad. A homoeopathic practitioner can get employment as medical officer/doctor at government and private homoeopathic hospitals. One can also start his/ her own practice or open ones own retail shop of homoeopathy medicines. Homoeopathic doctors can work industries engaged in homoeopathic preparations. He can also work as Professor in homoeopathic colleges or do research. A BHMS degree holder can also open up his own pharmacy after some years of experience.

Top Colleges Offering UG/PG/Other Courses
Bachelor’s and Master's degree courses in Homoeopathy are offered by many colleges and universities in India. Most important among them are National University of Homoeopathy, Calcutta; University of Health Science, Vijayawada and Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore; Besides these there are other institutions like Yerala Homoeopathic Medical College and Research Centre, Mumbai; Venutai Yashwantrao Chavan Homoeopathic Medical College, Vengurla; Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Vengurla; Vasundhra Raje Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Gwalior; Swami Vivekananda Homoeopathic Medical College, Bhavnagar.

Remuneration
In government Homoeopathy hospitals the starting salary scale is Rs.8000. for BHMS graduates. Professors in Homoeopathy colleges get more than Rs 8000/- per month. In private practice the remuneration depends totally on the effort you put in and your professional reputation. Dedicated and competent practitioners can earn more. A BHMS graduate working in private sector can earn more than what he earns in government sector. Running own pharmaceutical company is more remunerative than other jobs. But it totally depends upon sales turn over.