Ayurvedic Lifestyle Coach Certificate

Overview

Learn to unlock health and happiness in yourself and others through one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems.

Originating in India thousands of years ago, Ayurvedic Medicine (or “Ayurveda”) is based on the principle that three fundamental energies, known as doshas, govern all biological and psychological functions—and that maintaining harmony and balance in the doshas is essential to physical and mental wellbeing.

SCU’s Ayurvedic Lifestyle Coach program will equip you with an understanding of fundamental Ayurvedic principles and related lifestyle practices (like diet, yoga, and meditation) for keeping doshas in balance—plus motivational coaching skills to inspire behavioral change—empowering you to transform your own life and the lives of others.

Upon completing this course, you’ll have the option to continue your Ayurvedic education, applying your earned credits toward our Ayurvedic Wellness Educator (AWE) program, and then advancing your studies even further in our Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP) program.

Program at a Glance:

  • Entry-level program for those who are new to Ayurveda
  • Completed in just 8 months (2 terms)
  • 100% online, featuring live, interactive sessions on weekday evenings and weekends
  • Curriculum focused on lifestyle-related healing practices (e.g. diet, yoga, meditation, mindfulness) as well as motivational interviewing and coaching to support behavior change for wellness care
  • Provides transfer credits into our Ayurvedic Wellness Educator and Ayurvedic Practitioner programs.
  • Graduates will receive a certificate of completion, signifying their status as an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Coach
  • Fixed tuition guarantee, federal financial aid for those who qualify, and a range of institutional and program-specific scholarship opportunities

Upcoming Start Dates:

  • Spring: January 5th, 2026

What Sets Our Program Apart?

FLEXIBLE FORMAT TO SUPPORT LIFE BALANCE

Ayurveda is all about balance—and we want that for our students. All of your courses will take place live online, exclusively on weekday evenings and weekends, enabling you to pursue your educational goals without sacrificing your other passions and commitments.

A STEPPING-STONE FOR A CAREER IN HEALING

Ayurvedic Medicine is a vast healing system that includes both lifestyle-based treatments as well as clinical interventions. Our entry-level Ayurvedic Lifestyle Coach program will prepare you to support healing through lifestyle practices such as:

  • Food as Medicine: Diet changes to balance the doshas and support gut health for improved digestion, nutrient absorption, toxin elimination, immunity, mental well-being, disease prevention, and more
  • Mind- Body Practices: Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices to improve concentration and sleep, reduce anxiety, aid in digestion and detoxification, and more
  • Personalized Lifestyle Practices: Develop customized daily, nightly, and seasonal healthcare routines aimed at balancing the doshas by aligning one’s lifestyle with the natural rhythms of nature

After completing the program, if you choose, you may transfer your credits toward our Ayurvedic Wellness Educator (AWE) program, and then advance your studies even further in our Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP) program. In these programs, you’ll build expertise in the clinical aspects of Ayurvedic Medicine, taking coursework and receiving extensive hands-on training in Western anatomy and physiology, pathology, diagnostic testing, herbal medicine, treatment planning and prescribing, and more.

TEACHING SKILLS FOR BEHAVIOR CHANGE

While many programs teach the fundamental principles and practices of Ayurveda, SCU’s program goes further by equipping you with proven skills for motivating and empowering clients to adopt those practices and embrace change. You’ll learn motivational interviewing techniques that help clients identify and unlock their own internal motivation—and you’ll gain powerful coaching skills to help them set goals and enact actionable plans for change.

INTEGRATIVE, WHOLE HEALTH APPROACH

All too often, healthcare providers “stay in their lanes” rather than building comprehensive care plans that include other disciplines, professionals, and approaches. In addition, they look strictly at the physical body as opposed to all the factors that may be influencing a patient’s health and well-being—genetics, lifestyle, mental health, relationships, physical environments, community support, and beyond. But at SCU, no matter what program you are in, you’ll learn to blend the best of conventional and complementary approaches (integrative healthcare) and to treat the entire mind, body, and spirit (whole health)—for true lasting wellness.

Where Might the Program Take Me?

After completing the Ayurvedic Lifestyle Coach program, you’ll be prepared to work in various settings, from private practice to integrative healthcare clinics and beyond. You’ll be prepared to:

  • Guide clients, family, and community members in implementing daily, nightly, and seasonal routines, Ayurvedic diets, lifestyle practices, and personalized self-care practices
  • Conduct one-on-one or group Ayurvedic lifestyle coaching sessions
  • Lead educational workshops, seminars, or courses on health promotion, Ayurvedic nutrition, meditation, and yoga
  • Write and/or contribute to Ayurvedic and holistic publications
  • Integrate Ayurvedic knowledge into your current profession, whether as a medical doctor, chiropractor, licensed acupuncturist, nurse practitioner, licensed healthcare provider, yoga instructor, nutritionist, massage therapist, or wellness coach
  • Or, you can continue your Ayurvedic Medicine education and training by applying your earned credits toward our Ayurvedic Wellness Educator (AWE) program and then advancing your studies even further in our Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP) program.

SCU Ayurveda Program Mission and Values

The Ayurveda Program at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) prepares students to become empathetic, competent Ayurvedic professionals who improve lives through a person-centered, outcome-focused, whole-health approach to health and healing.

The Ayurveda program’s mission aligns with SCU’s mission by preparing professional, competent and caring Ayurvedic Wellness Educators and Practitioners. Through skill mastery and a strong evidence-based curriculum, graduates have the tools to be successful as independent Ayurveda professionals or collaborative members of an integrative healthcare team.

SCU’s Ayurveda program Values are:  

  • Patient-centered care
  • Individualized care
  • Evidence-based teaching
  • Clinical learning framework
  • Healthy lifestyle
  • Holistic approach
  • Health promotion & wellness care