Employers

For the most part, Ayurvedic practitioners work for themselves, although some teach in institutions and others work for alternative clinics.

Starting Out

In addition to receiving training in medicine or in another professional field of your choice, you should begin by taking the best, most comprehensive Ayurvedic course of study you can find. After that, if you have not found an organization that you can work for, you should begin to practice on your own. You may rent an office or set up shop at home. Be sure to investigate the state and local laws that affect you.

A practitioner who runs his or her own business must be well versed in basic business skills. Take courses in business or get advice from the local office of the Small Business Administration. Seek advice from people you know who run their own businesses. Your financial survival will depend on your business skills, so be sure that you are as well prepared as possible.

Because most Ayurvedic doctors and practitioners work for themselves, advancement in the field is directly related to the quality of treatment they provide and their business skills. Ayurvedic practitioners can advance in their field by proving to the members of their community that they are skilled, honest, professional, and effective. Before they can be financially successful, there must be a strong demand for their services. A few doctors and practitioners may advance by becoming college teachers.

Join the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) as a student or professional member to access continuing education resources, network opportunities, and other membership benefits.

Conduct information interviews with Ayurvedic doctors and practitioners and ask them for advice on preparing for and entering the field. Visit https://www.ayurvedanama.org/ to access the NAMA member database to locate potential interview leads in your area.

If you live in a rural or suburban area, be willing to relocate to big cities. It may open more job opportunities. 

Land an entry-level job at an Ayurvedic medical practice to learn about the field and make valuable industry contacts.

Read current news from the National Ayurvedic Medical Association to learn more about the field.