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Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP)

Free webinar

Program Overview - On demand

Meet our Enrollment Advisors and learn all the details of our AP program, from format to tuition.

Level II Advanced Ayurvedic Studies

900 Hours - 1.5 years

Students from all Ayurveda schools are welcome to expand your scope of practice with clinical study of the disease process. Kerala Ayurveda’s Ayurvedic Practitioner program is taught according to the traditional science and practice of Ayurveda, as outlined in the ancient Vedic texts. You’ll learn the etiological factors which contribute to the nature and structure of any disease and management techniques for the various disease stages.

Spring 2025 applications are open

Class starts May 5, 2025

Transferring from an equivalent program? Complete our Transfer App here »

Course Information

AAC_RecognizedProgram_Badge

The AAC Track of the Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP) program is required to sit for the National Ayurvedic Medical Association Certification Board (NAMACB) certification exam as an Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP). The Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission (AAC) sets competency standards for professional Ayurvedic education. All Online & Hybrid students may transition to the AAC Track with additional in person training hours, at an additional cost.

Prerequisites

  • Completion of the AAC/NAMA approved Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) or an equivalent program. AHC graduates can enter the AP program directly. Students who have completed a program equivalent to the AHC from other institutions will be required to undergo an interview process to determine their competency in Ayurvedic principles and practices.
  • 90 Hours of Anatomy & Physiology is required for completion of the AP program, though it’s not required to join. Click here to learn more >

 

The AP program is an advanced certification with professional potential and is a prerequisite to our level III certification program (Ayurvedic Clinical Specialist).

Scope of Practice

Upon graduation, Ayurvedic Practitioners can:

  • Perform Health History intakes, Ayurvedic Nutritional & Lifestyle consultations
  • Determine and analyze a client’s unique Body Constitution
  • Suggest food and lifestyle changes
  • Recommend personalized Ayurvedic Therapies, Home Remedies, Yoga & Pranayama
  • Explain, offer talks, write articles, and offer classes on Ayurvedic concepts

For more detail, please see the complete Scope of Practice: Ayurvedic Practitioner.

Professional possibilities

Take your practice to the next level with an Ayurvedic Practitioner certificate

Transform your wellbeing with profound self-understanding. You’ll gain knowledge that you can apply for a lifetime of greater wellness, success, and peace.

How can I apply this certification in my life?

 
  • Start a wellness counseling business or align with other wellness professionals to create an integrative practice.
  • Teach workshops and run wellness programs based on Ayurvedic principles for health and wellbeing. 
  • Apply your knowledge to cultivate a niche for your existing career. Any career can be healing when you combine Ayurveda with it! Our graduates include chefs, graphic designers, fitness instructors, accountants, engineers, educators, interior designers, entrepreneurs, and many other walks of life.
  • Licensed Healthcare Practitioners and healers from all backgrounds can apply their Ayurvedic knowledge to enhance their current practice. This is the perfect complement for Yoga Teachers & Therapists, Medical Health Professionals, Nurse Practitioners, Medical Doctors, Chiropractors, Nutritionists, Dieticians, Reiki Practitioners and more!
  • Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers can expand their services offering Ayurvedic techniques and deepen potential results for their clients.
  • Estheticians may enhance their treatments, services, and products to include an Ayurvedic approach as well as target the root cause of common skin and beauty concerns.
  • Get involved in Ayurvedic research projects. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health funds many research projects in holistic healthcare.

Schedule & Format

The Ayurvedic Practitioner program is designed to completed in 1.5 years and includes a combination of in person and virtual studies. Students may complete online recorded lectures and assignments at their own pace, following an in-depth clinical curriculum that supports their live class training. All students are required to attend an online internship as well as an in person internship in California or India.

General format

1.5 Years – 900 Total Hours

10 Weekend Intensives – in person or live streamed*

AP Clinical Internships – in person

1 AP Clinical Internship – live streamed*

30 Virtual Classes – live streamed

10 Monthly Clinical Case Discussions – live streamed*

5 Group Mentoring Sessions – live streamed*

Online Recorded Lectures – elearning: self-paced*

Assignments – elearning: self-paced*

*Internet connection required

Format Options

Hybrid

Weekend Intensives attended in person or via live streaming

Not AAC-recognized

AAC Track

Weekend Intensives attended in person 

Weekend Intensives attend in person

*The AAC Track for the Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP) program is required to sit for the National Ayurvedic Medical Association Certification Board (NAMACB) certification exam as an Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP). The Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission (AAC) sets competency standards for professional Ayurvedic education. All Online & Hybrid students may transition to the AAC Track with additional in person training hours, at an additional cost.

Schedule

Spring 2025 program begins May 5, 2025

Our Academy & Wellness Center

In person classes are offered at our flagship U.S. Academy and Wellness Center located in the heart of Silicon Valley, nestled between the golden-green East Bay Hills, majestic Santa Cruz Mountains and beautiful San Francisco Bay.

The Kerala Ayurveda office is located on the second floor and includes a spacious classroom for lectures, conference room, consultation and Panchakarma rooms, Wellness lounge for our clients and Panchakarma kitchen/restrooms for treatment use. Our building offers additional conference and auditorium spaces.

Amenities include free wifi, tea and spring water station, break room and ample parking space. The center is located near several hotels, restaurants and shopping centers, with widely available ride sharing options. Nearby airports include: San Jose International (SJC), San Francisco International (SFO) and Oakland International (OAK). Our Student Support team can provide more information and local guidance for planning your visit.

Live streaming technology

We introduced live streaming technology to our Ayurvedic education in 2015. Our classes are currently conducted using Zoom and provide students an opportunity to study live and interact with faculty. Zoom can be accessed on mobile, tablets, laptops and desktop devices. Class moderators support our larger class sessions to provide a smooth technical experience. All live streamed classes are recorded for later viewing in our elearning system.

Elearning

Our courses are powered by a robust elearning system that connects our global community of students and faculty. The elearning portal is where students may access all of their course information, materials and curriculum, including: course syllabus, schedule, coursed manual PDFs, class slide decks, class notes and links to live streaming class sessions. The elearning portal is also where tests and assignments are conducted, and students may submit questions.

Curriculum

The level II Ayurvedic Practitioner curriculum is based on the second goal of Ayurveda: Aaturasya Vikara Prashamanam, or Disease Management. In this program, the training emphasizes understanding and mapping the disease process for Ayurvedic management disease stages. 

At this level, students deepen the foundations they learned for preventive health care with advanced clinical training. They’re taught and trained in clinical assessment of the disease process, the pathways of disease and management protocols in various stages of disease. With guided references to Ayurvedic texts, presentations, and case studies, students gain confidence and consistency in understanding the etiological factors that contribute to the nature and structure of any disease. With this knowledge, they will become skilled independent practitioners adept at creating management plans for different stages of disorders.

For more information about the curriculum, please consult the course catalog.

Topics

Advanced Ayurvedic Anatomy & Physiology

A more detailed exploration of level I principles of Doshas, Subdoshas, Dhatus, Malas and Agni pave the way for advanced practitioners to explore the Srotas, Kalas and Marmas.

Pathophysiology & Ayurvedic Diagnostic Methods

Ayurvedic disease management is based on a unique system. Students explore the five stages of disease identification, the six stages of the disease process, as well as examination methods.

Advanced Herbology & Ayurvedic Pharmaceutics

One of the unique scopes of practice for level II Ayurvedic Practitioners that differs from their level I Ayurvedic Health Counselor counterparts is their herbal knowledge and applications. Ayurvedic herbs and formulations are powerful and effective when used at the right time, in the correct amount and format, and for the right individual. This module covers advanced herbs and formulation uses, preparation and dosage.

Advanced Panchakarma Bodywork, Detoxification & Rasayana

Students deepen their knowledge of the complex Ayurvedic detoxification process as they learn to apply advanced clinical applications for disease management. This module includes detailed Panchakarma theory and procedures for all stages of the process, from preparation to post-rejuvenation.

Management of Systems Disorders

Several course modules address specific system disorders, including: Digestive System & Metabolic Disorders, Nervous System & Musculoskeletal Disorders, Respiratory System & Cardiovascular System Disorders, Skin, Special Senses & Mental Disorders, Reproductive & Excretory System Disorders, Gynecology & Pediatrics.

Ayurvedic Practice

Like all health providers, Ayurvedic practitioners learn from hands-on, clinical training and case study support. The AP program offers clinical experience in a variety of formats and settings, including in person immersions and internships.

Need more information or ready to apply?

Faculty

Kerala Ayurveda Academy offers a premier faculty lineup including Ayurvedic doctors and practitioners  with vast clinical expertise in both India and the U.S. They are accomplished researchers,  educators and speakers, and are passionate supporters of spreading the wisdom of Ayurveda to health seekers and professionals in training.

For more information about our Faculty, please visit our Faculty page.

Our students are for life

Student and alumni benefits
  • MENTORING: Student Mentors available for enrolled students to support your learning journey. Our skilled mentors are trained and certified Ayurvedic practitioners who all love Ayurveda as much as they enjoy guiding others in learning it. 

  • COURSE SUPPORT: Our Student Support Services team is available anytime to assist with course administration, tuition management and planning your visits to our centers.

  • EDUCATIONAL PLANNING: Enrollment Advisors on our Admissions team are available for 1-on-1 coaching to plan your Ayurvedic educational journey and support you in reaching your personal goals.

  • ALUMNI DATABASE LISTING: Graduates are eligible to be listed in our online alumni database. Connect with your Ayurvedic peers and be part of a searchable database for health seekers to find Ayurvedic professionals! 

  • DISCOUNTS on Kerala Ayurveda courses, products and services.

Join the program

Super early bird Special: $xXX off tuition
Kerala Ayurveda’s AHC Program Graduates
Graduates from all schools welcome!

Frequently Asked Questions

Please consult our most recent course catalog for information about tuition and fees.
Financial Aid: Kerala Ayurveda Academy does not offer state or federal financial aid to students at this time. If a student obtains a loan to pay for an educational program, the student will have the responsibility to repay the full amount of the loan plus interest, less the amount of any refund. If the student has received federal student financial aid funds, the student is entitled to a refund of the moneys not paid from federal student financial aid program funds. If a student is eligible for a loan guaranteed by the federal or state government and the student defaults on the loan, both of the following may occur:

  1. The federal or state government or a loan guarantee agency may take action against the student, including applying any income tax refund to which the person is entitled to reduce the balance owed on the loan.
  2. The student may not be eligible for any other federal student financial aid at another institution or other government assistance until the loan is repaid.

NOTICE - Any holder of this consumer credit contract is subject to all claims and defenses that the debtor could assert against the seller of the goods or services obtained pursuant hereto or with the proceeds hereof, recovery hereunder by the debtor shall not exceed amounts paid by the debtor hereunder. Kerala Ayurveda Academy does not have a pending petition in bankruptcy, is not operating as a debtor in possession, has not filed a petition within the preceding five years, and has not had a petition in bankruptcy filed against it within the preceding five years that resulted in reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (11U.S.C. Sec. 1101 et seq.).
  • The level I Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) program is 600 hours.
  • AHC is a prerequisite for the level II Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP) program, which is 900 hours.
  • AP is a prerequisite for the level III Ayurvedic Clinical Specialist (ACS) program, which is 2,500 hours.
Each of the three levels of professional certification are a prerequisite for the next level, so students must complete the Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) certification before the Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP) program. Likewise, AP is a prerequisite to the Ayurvedic Clinical Specialist (ACS) program.
  • Holistic Ayurvedic Coach (HAC) can be taken entirely online via live streaming. In person attendance is optional.
  • Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) offers a one 5-day in person practicum. The rest of the program can be attended in person or online via live streaming.
  • Ayurvedic Practitioner and Ayurvedic Clinical Specialist (ACS) certification programs require partial in person attendance. They cannot be taken entirely online.
  • Completion of the AHC, AP or ACS allow graduates to sit for the National Ayurvedic Medical Association Certification Board (NAMACB) certification exam as an Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC), Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP) or Ayurvedic Clinical Specialist (ACS). The National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) sets competency standards for professional Ayurvedic education.
A college degree is only required for our level III certification. Program-specific requirements are as follows:
  • For all of our Training Porgrams, students are required to possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Holistic Ayurvedic Coach (HAC) and Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) certification programs: no licenses or certifications in any field are required.
  • Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP) requires an Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) certificate or equivalent.
  • Ayurvedic Clinical Specialist (ACS) requires a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent.
  • Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC), Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP), and Ayurvedic Clinical Specialist (ACS) all require Anatomy & Physiology as a corequisite. This means that the A&P requirement can be fulfilled during the course and must be completed prior to completion to meet the graduation requirements. Learn more about the Anatomy & Physiology requirements here.
Yes! The minimum admissions requirement for our Ayurvedic Trainings is a high school diploma or equivalent.
General Policy: Attendance is monitored via attendance taken in-class and during live streamed sessions. Each certification program has a unique Attendance Policy. Please consult the most recent course catalog for details. If a student is absent from an in person or live streamed session, they may make it up at any KAA training location or via live streamed session, free of charge. If a student wishes to retake an in-class session, a make-up fee may apply. To make arrangements for all make-up or retake sessions, please contact Student Support at support@keralaayurveda.us.
A notebook and writing implement. KAA will provide classroom facilities and course manuals. The classes are taught in traditional, clean, well-lit classroom settings with tables and chairs for your comfort.
Please try not to feel anxious about the tests. The testing is conducted online in our elearning system at the student’s pace. There are three (3) attempts available for taking the test, and the highest score is recorded. The tests provide the student and the academy an opportunity to verify learning benchmarks are achieved for successful course progress.
Yes, since Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) covers all the curriculum of the Holistic Ayurvedic Coach (HAC) program, you will be eligible to receive the HAC certification once all the requirements are completed.
Digital copies of our course manuals are included in tuition for all programs. Print manuals are available at an additional cost. See individual Program Tuition and Fees in the course catalog for more information.
For students attending on-site, complementary water and tea is available at our center. Classes are scheduled between 8:00am-6:00pm U.S. Pacific Time. A 1-hour lunch break is provided. Students may bring lunch and are welcome to eat in our classroom. A breakroom is available in the building with a refrigerator, sink and microwave. KAA can provide recommendations for local restaurants.
Ayurvedic Doctors with a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery (BAMS) degree may join the Ayurvedic Clinical Specialist (ACS) program directly as all the prerequisites are satisfied by their degree. An application is still required.
Vaidya is a Sanskrit word which translates to healer. It has been used as a designation for Ayurvedic physicians for thousands of years and signifies an Ayurvedic lineage. You may notice that many of our faculty hold this designation, in addition to their BAMS degrees, and this is due to their personal lineage, coming from families of Ayurvedic healers. Out of respect for the Ayurvedic family lineages, the title Vaidya is not used based on degree alone.
Ayurveda is not a licensed medical field, and therefore this Ayurvedic Clinical Specialist (ACS) program, formerly titled Ayurvedic Doctor (AD), does not offer graduates a Doctorate degree. Graduates cannot use the designation “Dr.” in their name.
This program is designed to satisfy the Ayurvedic Clinical Specialist (ACS) scope of practice in the US, as determined by the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA). It does not qualify you for practice in India as a BAMS Ayurvedic Doctor, nor does it qualify you to practice in any other location. Please check in with the regulations of your local state or country to determine your available scope of practice and whether this program will meet your needs