Ayurvedic Practitioner Certificate (Level II)

Overview

Originating in India thousands of years ago, Ayurvedic Medicine (or Ayurveda) has garnered increased attention and popularity in Western countries as patients and healthcare providers embrace more holistic and integrative approaches to health and wellness. This ancient healing system is based on the principle that three fundamental energies (known as doshas) govern all biological and psychological functions in the human body and mind. Ayurvedic practitioners are trained to identify imbalances in the doshas and to empower people to lead healthier, happier lives through diet, lifestyle, basic rejuvenating herbs and spices, body work therapies, basic yoga, and meditation practices.

This advanced program is for those who are already Ayurvedic Wellness Educators and wish to deepen their competencies in Ayurveda clinical assessments and treatments. The program includes a strong emphasis on clinical practice and the understanding of Ayurvedic pathology, diagnosis, treatment planning, and herbal medicine.

Program at a Glance

  • Advanced program for those who are already certified Ayurvedic Wellness Educators
  • 1 year full-time, 2 years and 4 months part-time
  • A combination of live online coursework, recorded lectures, and in-person classes
  • Extensive clinical training at SCU Health Clinics under the supervision of seasoned practitioner faculty
  • Curriculum that not only deepens your knowledge and skills in Ayurvedic medicine but also in Western anatomy and physiology
  • Program recognized by the Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission (AAC)
  • Prepares graduates to sit for the National Ayurvedic Medical Association Certification Board’s Ayurveda Practitioner Certification Exam.
  • Fixed tuition guarantee, federal financial aid for those who qualify, and a range of institutional and program-specific scholarship opportunities

Upcoming Start Dates

  • Fall: September 2nd, 2025
  • Spring: January 5th, 2026
  • Summer: May 4th, 2026

What Sets Our Program Apart?

CURRICULUM THAT HONORS THE TRADITIONAL WHILE EMBRACING THE MODERN

At SCU, in addition to building advanced Ayurvedic clinical skills, you’ll deepen your knowledge of Western medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and more—equipping you with more tools to improve patient care and confidently navigate conventional healthcare environments.

FLEXIBLE FORMATS TO SUPPORT LIFE BALANCE

Ayurveda is all about balance—and we want that for our students. We have intentionally designed our program with both full-time and part-time options, online coursework, and in-person classes that take place on weekday evenings and weekends—to help you pursue your dream of becoming an Ayurvedic healer without sacrificing your other passions and commitments.

A CURRICULUM BASED ON RESPECTED AYURVEDIC ACCREDITATION STANDARDS

Our Ayurvedic Practitioner program is based on the guidelines of the Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission—ensuring you receive the comprehensive skills and knowledge you need to become a confident, impactful Ayurvedic healer. The program will broaden your knowledge and deepen your expertise in Ayurvedic herbology (covering more than 100 Ayurvedic herbs and formulas), Ayurvedic pathology and diagnosis, detoxification (Panchakarma), Marma therapy, and evidence-based practice. In addition, you’ll gain a more profound understanding for Ayurvedic principles by studying chapters from classical texts such as Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Sangraha, and strengthen your understanding of Ayurvedic pathology, diagnosis, and disease management through a series of Internal Medicine courses.

EXTENSIVE CLINICAL TRAINING

As an SCU Ayurvedic Practitioner student, you will have the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice through extensive clinical training at our own SCU Health Clinics which serve 40,000+ patients per year and are equipped with expansive herbal pharmacies and advanced diagnostic imaging technology. Working under the supervision of an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner, you’ll learn to diagnose and treat patients in an integrative, whole health setting. Learn more on our Clinical Training page.

INTERNATIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

We are proud to offer our Ayurvedic students life-changing opportunities to participate in (optional) trips to India to see and experience traditional healing practices firsthand, thanks to our affiliations with esteemed Indian organizations such as Amrita Center for Advanced Research in Ayurveda, Institute of Teaching in Ayurveda (ITRA), KLE Ayurveda, and AVP Research Foundation. Learn more about these impactful study abroad opportunities for Ayurveda students.

POST-GRADUATION INTERNSHIP ELIGIBILITY

As a graduate of our Ayurvedic Practitioner program, you’ll be eligible for an SCU Clinical Internship in Ayurveda which provides 60 hours of additional, invaluable patient care experience.

BROADER INTERPROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Most of today’s healthcare colleges offer an “interprofessional education” through which students learn with, from, and about other disciplines. But at SCU, our Interprofessional Education is broader and, frankly, we think that makes it better. Unlike other colleges, we teach you about both conventional and complementary disciplines—not just one or the other—because we believe in both and we teach both, all under one roof.

AN 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 Practitioner program, you may work in a wide range of settings and capacities, as an independent contractor or part of a larger integrative healthcare organization. You’ll be prepared to:

  • Identify imbalances (vikriti) of an individual’s body and mind and develop comprehensive treatment plans including herbal prescriptions
  • Write and/or contribute to Ayurvedic and holistic publications and research studies
  • Work for an existing healthcare organization or open your own wellness center, spa, or private practice
  • Leverage Ayurvedic medicine in your current profession as a licensed healthcare professional, alternative healer, yoga instructor, massage therapist, bodyworker, esthetician, etc.
  • And more

SCU Ayurveda Program Mission and Values

The Ayurveda Program at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCUHS) 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