Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC):
An Ayurvedic Health Counselor is trained to support clients in achieving and maintaining health through the lens of diet, lifestyle, and daily/seasonal routines. Their primary focus is on preventive care—helping clients stay balanced and well by addressing the early stages of imbalance (the first three stages of samprapti). AHCs offer personalized recommendations to support digestion, sleep, energy, and overall wellness. While they do not diagnose or treat advanced disease, they play a vital role in educating clients and guiding sustainable health practices.

Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP):
An Ayurvedic Practitioner receives more in-depth training that includes not only prevention and wellness, but also the assessment and management of more advanced imbalances and disease conditions. APs are equipped to work with all six stages of samprapti (pathogenesis) using a broader range of Ayurvedic tools—such as herbal protocols, detoxification strategies, and therapeutic treatments—while still staying within a non-invasive, holistic scope. They may collaborate with conventional or integrative healthcare providers and are trained to offer comprehensive Ayurvedic care tailored to the individual.

Our Course Certifications are designed for professionals looking to integrate the wisdom of Ayurveda into their existing practice—whether that’s massage therapy, midwifery, conventional medicine, or other wellness fields. These certifications offer practical, focused training that allows students to apply Ayurvedic principles within their current scope, enriching their work with holistic tools and deeper insight.

These certifications are open to both seasoned professionals and newcomers to Ayurveda. No prior completion of an AHC (Ayurvedic Health Counselor) or AP (Ayurvedic Practitioner) diploma is required. Students without a background in Ayurveda may choose to pursue:

• The full AHC program, or

• The Dual AHC & AP program, which offers a complete Ayurvedic education.

If you’ve already completed an AHC program through another NAMA-approved school, you may be eligible to transfer your credits and enroll in just the AP portion through YVIAM.

For students enrolled in the Ayurvedic Practitioner program, additional specialty course certifications are generally not necessary after graduation. AP students receive comprehensive training that prepares them to confidently practice Ayurveda without requiring additional credentials.

For students not planning to sit for the NAMACB exam, there is another flexible path:
You may still receive certification as an:

• Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor (AWC) — aligned with Ayurvedic Studies, Level 1, or

• Ayurvedic Wellness Practitioner (AWP) — aligned with Ayurvedic Studies, Level 2.

These certifications cover the same academic content as the AHC and AP programs, but in-person training, clinical internship hours, Client Encounters, and external Anatomy & Physiology coursework are optional.

This flexible approach allows you to tailor your education to your professional goals—whether you’re deepening an existing career or building a new one rooted in the wisdom of Ayurveda.

If you’re enrolled in the Dual AHC & AP program or the Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP) program, your official diploma will be awarded upon completion of your entire program of study. Interim certificates—such as the Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) or individual course certifications—are not automatically issued along the way.

However, we recognize that students often reach important milestones during their studies. If you have:

• Paid your full program tuition, and

• Successfully completed all coursework and requirements for a specific level or specialization (e.g., the full AHC portion of the program or a soecialization course like Ayurvedic Herbalist or Ayur-Doula),

You may formally request a certificate for that level or specialization.

Please keep in mind:

• A small processing fee applies to each digital certificate issued (excluding your final program diploma, which is included in your tuition).

• Certificates are issued by request only and are not granted automatically.

This policy helps us maintain consistency and uphold the integrity of the certification process—while also offering you the flexibility to celebrate milestones along your Ayurvedic journey.

At Yoga Veda Institute, your journey is unique—and we want to make sure you feel confident every step of the way. While your path is flexible, staying on track requires intentional planning and active engagement.

Here’s how to track your progress:

1. Use Your Graduation Checklist
Each student is able to access a program- and cohort-specific Graduation Checklist. This is your personalized roadmap. It outlines all of the required courses, client encounters, internship hours, and other key elements needed for graduation and—if you’re on the Dual/AP or AHC track—NAMACB exam eligibility.

2. Check Your Student Dashboard
The graduation checklist on your dashboard allows you to see which courses you’ve completed and which are still pending. Look for simple “Yes” (completed) or “No” (incomplete) indicators next to each course. This helps you clearly identify what’s left to do.

3. Stay in Conversation
If you’re ever unsure about your next steps, your Student Advisor is here to help. They can review your checklist with you, help you set up a Major Map or action plan, and clarify next steps as you move toward graduation. Book a call any time.

Remember: Graduation doesn’t happen by chance—it’s the result of conscious engagement with your program. We’re here to support your growth every step of the way, but it’s up to you to take the lead in managing your journey.

And you’re not alone. You’ve got a whole community walking beside you.

Registering for your live classes is simple—and essential, even if you plan to watch the replays later. Here’s how to make sure you’re fully set up:

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Start in the “Start Here” Section
In every course you’re enrolled in, head to the “Start Here” section. This is where you’ll find everything you need to get oriented—including the Zoom registration link.

2. Find and Click the Zoom Registration Link
Each class has its own Zoom link. Click on it to complete a quick registration form.

3. Register Once Per Trimester, Per Class
You only need to register once each trimester for each course. After that, you’re set for the trimester—even if you can’t attend live.

4. Check Your Email for the Access Link
After registering, Zoom will send you a confirmation email with your class Zoom link.
If you don’t see it, check your spam folder or search for “Zoom” in your inbox.

5. Even If You’re Watching Replays, Register Anyway
Registration ensures you receive all updates, recordings, and reminders—even if your time zone or schedule prevents you from attending live.

Tip: Create a folder in your inbox to store your Zoom links for each class. It makes staying organized that much easier.

Your live classes are a valuable way to deepen your learning, connect with faculty, and engage in our community. Whether live or on replay, you’re fully supported.

Because the Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission (AAC) sets clear standards for program length, the Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP) and Dual AHC & AP tracks are designed as minimum 2-year programs. This means that certificates of completion for the Practitioner level cannot be issued in less than two years, regardless of how quickly coursework is completed.

This structure ensures your training meets the highest professional standards and prepares you to sit for the NAMACB exam with confidence and competence.

How to Stay on Track Toward Graduation:

• Map your timeline wisely. Plan your course path from the start, pacing yourself to maintain balance and avoid burnout. Quality over speed is the Ayurvedic way.

• Stay engaged each trimester. Complete a comfortable number of courses each term to allow space for integration and practical application.

• Use your support team. Attend monthly Graduation Mapping Sessions (check your course calendar) and reach out to your student advisor for personalized guidance.

A Note on Fees & Flexibility:

Your annual Admin & Tech fee is due each September, so we’re here to help you graduate in a timeline that feels aligned with your goals, your budget, and your Ayurvedic path.

Graduation isn’t a race—it’s a rhythm. And we’re honored to walk it with you.

Your learning journey at Yoga Veda Institute is designed to be enriching, flexible, and fully supported—but success does require commitment. Here’s what we ask of you as you walk this path:

1. Follow Your Graduation Checklist
Each cohort has a unique Graduation Checklist outlining your required courses and components. This is your personalized roadmap—refer to it often to stay on track.

2. Keep Your Payment Info Up to Date
You can update your payment details anytime by clicking “My Account” in your student dashboard.
Scholarship recipients: You may see the full tuition amount displayed, but rest assured—your scholarship discount is applied during payment processing.

3. Read the Policies Page
Before you get too far along, take a moment to review the Policies Page in your student portal. It includes essential information about tuition, attendance, certification, and more.

4. Check the Course Calendar Regularly
Stay in the loop! Your Course Calendar is where you’ll find upcoming class dates, exams, breaks, and other time-sensitive details.

5. Prepare for Live Classes
When a live course begins, go to the “Start Here” tab in your course dashboard. There you’ll find:

• Homework and quiz details

• Recommended due dates for assignments, midterms, and final exams

• Zoom registration links for live classes

6. Attend (or Watch) the Lectures
Live attendance is encouraged whenever possible. But if you can’t make it:

• Recordings will be available in your course dashboard within 48 hours.

• Just click the course, scroll to the lesson, and you’ll see the recordings ready for you.

7. Complete Assignments & Exams
Depending on the course, your instructor may require:

• Homework assignments (graded pass/fail)

• Multiple-choice quizzes

• Midterm and/or final exams (also pass/fail and can be retaken until passed)

8. Monitor Your Progress
Final grades are tallied and portals updated about 1 month after the end of each trimester.

You’re Not Alone
Have questions? Need clarification? Reach out anytime to hello@yogavedainstitute.com or book a call with your student advisor. We’re here to walk beside you every step of the way.

Consistency, curiosity, and connection are your greatest allies. Stay rooted, stay inspired, and your path will unfold with grace.

Please review the “Start Here” located in the course dashboard to confirm suggested due dates. Course exams and assignments can be completed in your own time, but we sugegst completing each live trimester’s work during the trimester that the class is offered live in order to have access to the teacher. Courses can be completed via the Course Archive in your own time, but teachers are only accessible for questions during the trimester that their class is offered live.

Yes, you can complete and pass exams outside of a course’s live trimester if necessary. We’re here to help you plan, so simply reach out to your student adviser for guidance.

Yoga Veda Institute does not share your homework submissions with anyone.  Only your Instructor or homework staff will review your homework.  We understand that some homework responses can be very personal and we value your privacy.

Every instructor is different and has different requirements.  You can find the requirements for each course located in the “Start Here” second on the course dashboard. Due dates for exams are a guideline to ensure steady progress – exams may be completed at any time once they are published – either during a class’ live trimester, or from the archives. No need to fret about “deadlines”.

On the student portal, under “Graduation Requirements” there will be a “YES” next to the class once the student has passed the class.

Attendance hours and tracking:

Exact class attendance hours are manually tallied via Zoom logs when students apply for graduation. In the meantime, you can keep an informal personal log to track your live attendance vs. recorded classes, so you have a general idea of your progress, but this is not encouraged if it is will cause you unnecessary stress. Our programs are meticulously designed for your success! Simply attend as many classes live as you are able to, and catch up on recordings when needed.

If you’d like an official count of your hours, you can order your transcripts, and we’ll provide a detailed breakdown.

Please review your cohort’s Graduation Checklist on your dashboard to confirm your curriculum requirements based on your enrollment date.

Please note that these newly added courses may not be required for you to graduate. Therefore, when planning your class schedule each term, make sure you’re planning on completing your required courses first; additional classes may be purchased if time and space in your schedule permits.

If you have any questions about your curriculum requirements based on your enrollment date, please review your Student Portal or book a support call, we’re here to help.

For guidelines on how to complete your Client Encounters within each setting, please refer to your cohort’s graduation checklist.

If you’re planning to sit for the NAMACB exam or you’re taking part in a clinical program, you’ll need to keep a record of your Client Encounters. These are important learning tools — and you’ll submit them when you’re ready to graduate.

Here’s how to keep track and prepare:

1. Create a simple tracking system
We suggest using a spreadsheet (like Excel or Google Sheets) with the following info:

• Date of each encounter

• Whether you were an Observer (you observed someone else’s case being presented) or Presenter (you brought the case to discuss).

• Case study number

• If you worked with a preceptor, include their name and contact info

• How you submitted it: through the PE Submission Module for 1:1 encounters, or via the link inside “Start Here” of the Clinical Internship class if you are observing cases in that class.

2. Save all your Client Encounters in one folder
We recommend using a cloud storage service like Google Drive, so your files are backed up and safe. Yoga Veda Institute doesn’t store or track your case study submissions for you — so please keep everything organized until you graduate.

3. Submit everything at once when you’re ready to graduate
Once you’ve met the required number of encounters (as listed in your welcome letter), gather your numbered case studies and email the full folder to us. That’s when your client work will be reviewed and credited.

4. A gentle reminder:
Your Client Encounters won’t show up on your dashboard, and you won’t receive credit for them until you submit the final bundle. So keep everything safe, well-organized, and easy to access when that day comes.

We’re here to help if you’re unsure or need support along the way. Just reach out anytime.

Client Encounters are a meaningful part of your Ayurvedic journey — they help bring your learning to life through experience and practice.

To make sure you feel calm and confident when it’s time to graduate, here are a few best practices we recommend:

Start early, go gently
It’s a good idea to begin your Client Encounters in your first trimester. Spreading them out over your studies makes the process feel much more easeful and supportive — instead of rushed at the end.

Use your resources
We’ve created tools to support you, including the Online Clinical Internship and the Client Encounter Submission Portal. These are available to you from the very beginning of your program, and using them early on can help everything flow smoothly.

Stay connected
Your Student Advisor is here for you. They can help you create a simple plan (a “major map”) with milestones to guide your progress. You can reach out anytime for support or to check in on how you’re doing.

Keep your own record
You are in charge of tracking your own Client Encounters — how many you’ve completed, when, and with whom. Keeping this organized from the beginning helps you feel prepared and supported when you’re ready to graduate.

Give yourself time
Students who delay starting their case studies often find themselves with extra work near the end of their program. While that’s still okay — and support is always available — it may require extra mentorship or time. Starting early can help prevent that added pressure.

In short: You are in the driver’s seat of your journey, and we’re here to walk beside you. The sooner you start gently integrating case study practice into your rhythm, the more steady and joyful your progress will feel.

If you’re not sure where to begin, just ask. We’re always happy to help.

• To graduate from your program and receive your certificate of completion, you’ll need to fulfill a few key requirements. These ensure you’re fully prepared, confident, and qualified in your field of study.

  Here’s what’s needed:

  1. Successfully Complete All Required Courses
     You must pass all classes listed on your Graduation Checklist.

  2. Meet Your Program’s Prerequisite or Corequisite Requirements

     • AHC & AP students: 6 college-level credits (or equivalent) in Human Anatomy & Physiology

     • AYT students: Proof of a completed 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT)

  3. Complete the Hands-On Component for Your Program

     • AHC & AP: Submit all required Client Encounter records and in-person training transcripts (if applicable). (See the Client Encounters & Internships sections of this FAQ page for full details)

     • AYT: Complete the Giving Yoga Therapy requirements
       

  4. Tuition Paid in Full
     All tuition and applicable fees must be settled before graduation.

  5. Submit Your Case Studies in a Single Folder

     • This can be a shared Google Drive folder or a zipped file

     • All case studies should be clearly numbered and organized

     • You are responsible for keeping your own detailed records and ensuring your casework is ready to submit when you apply to graduate

  If you’re unsure where you stand or what’s still pending, your Graduation Checklist and Student Advisor are your best allies. We’re here to help you walk across the finish line with clarity and ease.

Once you’ve completed everything on your graduation checklist, and have submitted your graduation application, we’ll navigate the process of reviewing your records at the end of that trimester. Our team takes time to lovingly verify everything you’ve submitted — and once that’s done, you’ll receive a digital certificate of completion.

Here’s what to expect:

• Confirmation First: Within 30 days of submitting your graduation application, we’ll email you a confirmation that everything is in order (or let you know what still needs to be completed).

• Certificate Delivery: Your digital certificate will be sent within 6 weeks after that confirmation — free of charge.

We process all graduation documents — including specialization, single module, and full program certificates — during specific windows each trimester. That means certificates are not issued on-demand, but follow a thoughtful rhythm that helps us ensure accuracy and fairness for all students.

A Few Gentle Reminders:

• We’re able to expedite certificates, if an unexpected opportunity comes up and you need it urgently. There is a small fee, but all you need to do is send us an email and we’ll walk you through the process.

• If you’re applying for a job or program, we recommend letting them know that your certificate will arrive within a set timeline after the trimester ends.

• Please plan ahead and allow time for the full process — it’s steady and loving, not rushed.

And as always, if you’re unsure about anything, we’re here. Just reach out.

We understand that life shifts — and with it, sometimes your goals or direction might shift too.

While all enrollments are considered final (including dual certification enrollments offered at special rates), we’re here to support you in navigating any changes you may feel called to make.

If you’re considering a program change, here’s what you need to know:

• No automatic changes are made, but you are welcome to submit a formal request by scheduling a call with your student adviser. We’ll document everything for your records and review it with care.

• Tuition remains as originally agreed. If you choose to step away from your current program or request a change, there are no refunds or pro-rated adjustments, and the tuition commitment still applies.

• Switching to a different program may be possible, but you might need to withdraw from your current program and re-enroll in the new one at the current tuition rate.

• Seats are limited, and program availability is reviewed at the time of your request. Downgrades or transfers are not guaranteed and are considered on a case-by-case basis by our Dean of Education.

• Timelines: If your request is approved, you’ll be credited for past payments and modules completed. As long as your annual Admin & Tech fee are paid up to date, you decide the pace at which you complete the modules included in your program.

If you’re on a scholarship, please note: scholarship offers are attached to your original enrollment and cannot be carried over to a different program.

We’re committed to creating space for your growth while also honoring the resources and support structure dedicated to each program. If you’re unsure about your path or considering a change, reach out — we’ll listen, support, and walk with you toward clarity.

We know that life doesn’t always follow a tidy timeline, and sometimes a payment might be missed. Here’s what to expect and how to get back on track with ease:

If you’re on a Scholarship or Tuition Payment Plan, and your account goes into default (meaning a payment hasn’t been received):

• If your account is in default, your access to the student portal will be temporarily paused until the outstanding payment is received.

• A $200 USD account reinstatement fee will be added to your balance to help cover admin and tech processing if a second payment is missed.

To regain access:

• You’ll need to bring your account current and set up a new payment plan, if necessary.

• Access is restored within 5 business days of your successful payment. This is a manual process – you will not rgain instant access if you miss a payment.

If more than two billing cycles pass without resolution, your account will be withdrawn automatically. If that happens, you’re always welcome to re-apply and re-enroll when you’re ready, though re-enrollment will be at the current tuition rate and policies.

Our intention is not to penalize, but to help you stay on track with your goals. If you’re struggling or need help, please reach out — we’re here to support you with kindness and understanding.

If you need to take a short break, you’re welcome to pause your studies for up to one trimester each year with no penalty. To stay in good standing, simply continue with your monthly tuition payments during your break. This way, your enrollment remains active and you can resume your studies when you’re ready — no disruption to your access or progress.

Pausing Payments or Taking an Extended Break

If you need to pause payments or stop payments entirely, your account will be formally withdrawn from the program. Should you decide to return later:

• You’ll receive credit for all previously completed classes.

• All past tuition payments will be applied toward your account.

• You’ll be re-enrolled under the current tuition rate and graduation requirements, which may differ from when you first joined.

• A $108 re-enrollment fee applies.

• Students who previously defaulted on payment plans will be required to pay tuition in full upon re-enrollment — payment plans won’t be available again.

Please note that Yoga Veda Institute is not liable for refunds of tuition in the case of withdrawal or payment default.

How to Withdraw

If you’re sure you need to withdraw, we respect that decision. Here’s how to do it:

• Submit a Withdrawal Request Form 

• Requests sent via email cannot be accepted on their own.

• Withdrawals are processed on the last day of the calendar month. (So if your request comes on the 5th, your withdrawal will take effect on the 30th or 31st.) Please keep in mind that dashboard access is discontinued immediately upon receipt of a withdrawal form as all content is digital.

• If a payment is scheduled before the withdrawal is finalized on the last day of that calendar month, it will still be processed and is non-refundable.

• Scheduled payments cannot be manually overridden. It is not possible to “pause” a payment, or “move it to a later date” and maintain dashboard access. If you need to permanently change your scheduled payment date, this can be done and will be effective for the next billing cycle. The system will automatically retry missed payments for 30 days and your dashboard will be manually reactivated once your payment is successful.

Rejoining the Program

You’re always welcome back. Should you return, we’ll honor your previous effort and payments — you’ll simply pick up from where you left off, using the new program structure as your guide.