Whether you’re brand new to Ayurveda healing or already an active practitioner who’s interested in Ayurveda certification, it can be tricky to find the right education program for your needs. You want a certificate program with an excellent reputation that represents Ayurvedic practice that’s rooted in authenticity.
The Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCUHS) has one of the most highly regarded Ayurveda certificate programs in California. Read on to learn about what makes a quality Ayurveda certification program.
Certified by the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA)
The National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) is an organization that exists to “promote a positive vision for Ayurveda and its holistic approach to health and wellness.” Their standards for credentialing Ayurveda practitioners ensure that Ayurveda is practiced in the U.S. legally, safely and ethically. If you pursue certification, you should enroll in a program that fully complies with NAMA’s standards and that follows their vision and mission.
Experienced and qualified faculty
Don’t make the mistake of enrolling in a certification program taught by faculty that doesn’t know what they’re doing. Look for a school that employs experienced Ayurvedic doctors who have trained in India and are committed to teaching authentic Ayurveda. If the school has made this available, look for testimonials from former students about the quality of their teaching methods.
First-hand clinical experience
While every certification should give their students a solid background in theory and concepts, perhaps the most important aspect of Ayurveda certification is getting plenty of clinical practice hours during the program. This clinical practice will give you crucial immersive, first-hand experience practicing Ayurveda under qualified supervision, and the opportunity to understand how the theories you’ve read about work outside of the textbook. What’s more, the connections you make during these internship hours will be to your advantage once you’ve completed your certification and are ready to start your practitioner career.
Flexible schedules
For most people, fitting a certification program into their existing busy work and family schedules can be challenging. Look for an Ayurveda school that is designed for working people, with a mix of online and in-person classes. The top Ayurvedic schools have class schedules that are flexible but still rigorous and intensive to provide the kind of quality education that certification requires.
Seeking Ayurveda certification is a sign that you are committed to your practice and want to help spread ancient knowledge and healing in an ethical way. Now that you know what to look for in a certification program, enroll soon to start your exciting Ayurvedic journey.