Drungtsho ( Traditional Physician) Course

The duration of training for Drungtsho is 5 years after class 12 and they receive Bachelor's Degree in Traditional Medicine on successful completion of the training programme. It is affiliated to the Royal University of Bhutan and submitted to the Bhutan Medical and Health Council for recognition. The current medium of instruction is in Dzongkha and Choekye. The number of student intake is based on the requirements of the Health Ministry and the job is guaranteed after the training.
sMenpa (ClinicalAssistant) Course
The sMenpa course is 3 years after class 10 and they receive a Diploma in traditional medicine after the training. The number of student intake is based on the requirements of the Health Ministry and the job is guaranteed after the training. This program is also submitted to the Bhutan Medical and Health Council for recognition. The medium of instruction is in Dzongkha and Choekye.
Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy Technicians course is for 2 years after class 10 and is conducted in coordination with Pharmaceutical and Research Unit as on the job training. The medium of instruction is English and the Ministry of Health employs all of them after the training.

Research Technicians

It is a 2 years certificate programme after class 10 passed and is conducted as and when required. The raining mechanism is same as Pharmacy Technicians.

Summary of current training programmes
Category
Entry Qualification
Training duration
Award
Drungtsho
Class 12 passed
5 years
Degree
sMenpa Class
Class 12 passed
3 years
Diploma
Pharmacy Technician
Class 12 passed
2years
Certificate
Research Technician
Class 12 passed
2years
Certificate
Note: The current academic year is from July to June

 

In addition to the above training programmes, the NITM is also responsible for organizing and conducting in-service training programmes for the traditional medical practitioners in order to improve the quality of traditional medical services.

At present there are 5 lectures and most of them are graduates of NITM and have not attended the required training in teaching. Although, there is a plan to enhance the technical capability of faculty members, the scope for further training especially at the Masters level is limited due to non-availability of appropriate Institutes. The teaching faculty is supported by 7 administrative staff and there is a student body of 29.