Ayurvedic Practitioner
Certificate
Start date: Jan 5th, 2026
3-7 Terms (1-2 years)
Online/In-person
Ayurvedic practitioner
Become a Confident, Clinically-Trained Ayurvedic Practitioner
upcoming start dates:
Jan 5th, 2026
May 4th, 2026
3-7 Terms (1-2 years)
Online/In-person
Take your journey from Ayurvedic Health Counselor to Ayurvedic Practitioner. SCU’s Ayurvedic Practitioner Certificate equips you with Ayurvedic diagnostic tools, clinical training, and therapeutic protocols to help others achieve deep healing through the ancient science of Ayurveda.
program at a Glance
Step Into Clinical Ayurvedic Practice
The Ayurvedic Practitioner Certificate is SCU’s advanced program in Ayurveda, expanding on foundational and health-counselor training to prepare you for clinical practice. You’ll develop the ability to assess imbalances, create comprehensive disease management plans, and work collaboratively within integrative healthcare settings.
who is it for?
Designed for Busy Professionals
Rooted in Tradition, Guided by Science
Program at a Glance
Advanced Assessment
Including pulse, tongue, and prakriti/vikriti evaluation
Ayurvedic Pathology & Diagnosis
Disease progression (samprapti) and Ayurvedic Diagnosis
Panchakarma & Hands on body therapy training
Panchakarma theory, detoxification and Body therapies
Ayurvedic Herbal Pharmacology & Hands on Herbal Formulation class
Study Ayurvedic herbs, classical formulations, and therapeutic applications.
Comprehensive Disease Management
Design individualized plans utilizing diet, herbal protocols, lifestyle, detoxification, body therapies, and yoga.
Clinical Practicum
Gain hands-on experience through supervised clinical rotations
knowledge & skills
Grow your confidence and skill through guided, hands-on Ayurvedic clinical training.
This certificate equips you to work independently or in integrative settings, supported by a foundation in Ayurvedic pathology, diagnosis, and disease management.
Curriculum Based on Accreditation Standards
Our Ayurvedic Practitioner program aligns with nationally recognized accreditation guidelines, blending classical Ayurvedic teachings with evidence-informed practice. You’ll expand your knowledge in herbology, pathology, diagnosis, Panchakarma, and Marma therapy, while Ayurvedic internal medicine coursework helps you deepen your understanding of disease processes and apply treatment principles with confidence.
Customize personalized Treatment Protocols
Build personalized treatment plans using Ayurvedic herbal formulations, dietary therapies, detox strategies, body therapies, yoga and lifestyle recommendations tailored to individual constitutions and conditions.
Engage in Supervised Clinical Practice
Gain experience and confidence through case studies, peer reviews, and live client consultations under expert supervision.
Flexible PROGRAM:
Program Schedule
Full-time schedule (3 Terms | 12 months): Students in the full-time program are expected to enroll full-time for three consecutive terms including the summer. Courses are offered on-ground and in an online format.
Part-time schedule (7 Terms | 28 months): Students in part-time program are expected to enroll part-time for seven consecutive terms including the summer. Courses are offered on-ground and in an online format.
Full-Time Schedule
Ayurvedic Practitioner courses are typically held at the following times, for students in the 3-term schedules:
- On-Ground Sessions: Held on Saturday and Sunday during Term 1, and during Term 2 or Term 3.
- Online Synchronous Weekday Classes: Every Monday and Wednesday evening all the three terms.
- Online Synchronous Weekend Classes: Weekends in week 1 or 2 (Saturday and Sunday) and in week 13 or 14 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) of each term.
- Asynchronous Weekly Lecture: Pre-recorded lectures available each week.
- On-ground Clinical Rotations (AYPC51, AYPC52 and AYPC53): Weekly 4-hour rotations in the University Health Center System or other approved clinical site during Clinical Clerkship in all of the AYP Clerkship courses (AYPC51, AYPC52, AYPC53) – or on other schedule for students who receive program approval to complete clinical hours in more condensed blocks of time.
Note: times are Pacific Time (PT).
Part-Time Schedule
Courses are typically held on the following days, for students in the 6-term schedule.
- On-Ground Sessions: two held on Saturday and Sunday in the program
- Online Synchronous lectures on weekday evenings and weekends
- Asynchronous weekly lectures: Pre-recorded lectures available each week
- On-Ground Clinical Rotations (AYWC52: Ayurvedic Wellness Clerkship II): 4-hour rotations at the University Health Center, the University’s clinic, or another approved clinical site. Rotations are held during last term for 15 weeks, or on an alternate schedule for students who receive program approval to complete clinical hours in more condensed blocks of time
Note: times are Pacific Time (PT).
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Graduates will receive a certificate of completion, signifying their status as an Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP).
Completed in 3 terms (Full-time) or 7 (Part-time)
Complete in 1 year (full-time) or 2 year and one term (part-time)
Eligibility
Applicants must hold a certificate as an Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) or demonstrate equivalent academic training.
opportunities
Where Might this Program Take Me?
As an Ayurvedic Practitioner, you’ll be qualified to offer Ayurvedic care in wellness centers, integrative health practices, or private clinical setting. settings
Deliver Ayurvedic Care
Support clients with individualized Ayurvedic recommendations rooted in traditional wisdom, including diet, lifestyle practices, herbal support, body therapies, and yoga-based approaches.
Work in Interdisciplinary Teams
Collaborate with other healthcare professionals in integrative settings to provide holistic support and bridge the gap between Eastern and Western care models.
Establish a Clinical Practice
Open your Ayurvedic practice or expand your current wellness business with a full scope of Ayurvedic tools and therapies.
Pursue Professional Recognition
Graduates meet the competencies required by the National Ayurvedic Medical Association Certification Board (NAMACB) to sit for the Ayurvedic Practitioner Certification Board Exam.
your path starts here:
Tuition, Aid & How to Apply
Getting started is simple:
- $12,648 Total Tuition + Fees
- No tuition due upfront
- Pay-as-you-go with flexible term payments
- Most students qualify for federal aid, and many even receive refunds to help with living expenses*
- Scholarships are available for eligible students
Have questions about financial aid or scholarships?
Reach out anytime: FinancialAid@scuhs.edu
*Example shown for illustrative purposes. Not all students will qualify for aid that results in a refund or covers living expenses. Eligibility varies based on individual FAFSA results and enrollment status.
Program Accreditation & Certification
ACCREDITATION:
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Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission (AAC)
The Ayurvedic Health Counselor program is accredited by the Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission (AAC) and is the first Ayurvedic program in the U.S. to receive AAC accreditation. The AAC is a recognized accrediting agency for clinically focused Ayurvedic medical programs. AAC accreditation signifies that the program meets rigorous standards and provides a comprehensive course of study, ensuring that graduates are highly trained professionals. Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the NAMACB Certification Exams.
For information, contact: AAC, 351 Pleasant Street, #450, Northampton, MA 01060, info@ayurvedicaccreditation.org. For more information on AAC program recognition, please visit AAC Recognized Programs.
The California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine (CAAM)
The SCU Ayurvedic program is recognized by the California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine (CAAM). The CAAM is dedicated to promoting the integration and advancement of Ayurvedic medicine in California. SCU’s faculty leadership are actively working with CAAM to create a standard of practice and education, ethical values to safeguard the community at large and lend credibility to the viability and growth of the Ayurvedic Profession in California.
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION:
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National Ayurvedic Medical Association Certificate Board (NAMACB)
After completion of the Ayurvedic practitioner program, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Ayurvedic Medical Association Certification Board’s (NAMACB) Ayurvedic Practitioner Certification Board exam.
Upon completion of the Ayurvedic Health Counselor and Practitioner programs, SCU students qualify for NAMACB certification meaning the candidate has demonstrated the entry-level competencies for his/her category of practice by completing a NAMACB-approved course of study and passing a rigorous certification exam and is engaged in ongoing training as a professional through continuing education and other activities.
Course Curriculum*
COURSE NAME
HOURS
CREDITS
Evidence-Based Practice
45
3
Ayurvedic Basic Principles II
45
3
Ayurvedic Pathology and Diagnosis II
60
4
Yoga II (includes lab)
45
2
Ayurvedic Herbology & Pharmaceutics II
60
4
Ayurvedic Herbology & Pharmaceutics III
60
4
Marma & Ayurvedic Detoxification Methods/Body Work II (includes lab)
60
3
Ayurvedic Internal Medicine I
60
4
Ayurvedic Internal Medicine II
60
4
Ayurvedic Internal Medicine III
60
4
Internal Medicine IV
60
4
Internal Medicine V
45
3
Ayurvedic Practitioner Clerkship I
80
3
Ayurvedic Practitioner Clerkship II
80
3
Ayurvedic Practitioner Clerkship III
80
3
Total
900
51
*Curriculum subject to change depending on the cohort/semester.
For full program information, view the catalog![]()
“I chose SCU because I connected with Dr. Anu’s passion and the yoga experience — it felt right from the start. The clinic component stood out as it brought classroom theory to real-life patient transformations: pain relief, herbal support, and lasting lifestyle change. The hands-on learning environment and skilled instruction made the difference.”
Naomi Uchida Boas
Student, Ayurveda Health Counselor and Practitioner
“Since my training at SCU, I’ve been able to integrate Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle practices into daily patient care with incredible results. Seeing firsthand how patients responded to herbs and therapies in the clinic was eye-opening, and I continue to share these insights with my allopathic colleagues.”
Ayurveda Program Alumnus
Student, Ayurveda Health Counselor and Practitioner
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Learning Ayurveda isn’t just about healing yourself—it’s about understanding yourself. When you take a course, you gain lifelong tools to support your energy, digestion, immunity, and emotional balance.
