INSTITUTE
IMMERSE IN THE SCIENCE OF LIFE
at Mount Madonna, California
Ayurvedic Practitioner
Online & In-Person
Certification & Training
In candidacy for accreditation with the Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission (AAC) MMI’s Ayurvedic Practitioner Program (AP) significantly builds on the foundational Ayurvedic Health Counselor Program.
The AP is an exploration into classical texts, traditional clinical treatments, practices, and formulations, guiding the student to a deeper understanding of the 5,000 year old art and science of Ayurvedic medicine and philosophy.
Experience a full and rich immersion into the “science of life,” with extensive training, clinical experience, and a scope of practice well beyond what is first studied in the Ayurvedic Health Counselor Program.
If you have a BA or BS degree, you may instead apply for the Master of Arts in Ayurveda and earn an Ayurvedic Practitioner’s certificate concurrently.
Students enjoy a rich and stimulating educational environment while receiving in-depth academic instruction in disease management, herbal medicine, mother and child care, geriatric health, rejuvenative therapies, subtle healing modalities and counseling skills and research literacy. Yoga and Sanskrit study are integral components of the curriculum.
The program design allows the student to enjoy Mount Madonna’s 380 acre mountaintop campus. However, a student may decide to attend up to three monthly modules remotely.
Why study at Mount Madonna Institute?
- Accredited by WASC
- Sharing the Science of Ayurveda since 1978
- BAMS & MA-Ayurveda trained faculty
- Convenient meeting schedule
- Small class sizes allow students to interact with faculty
- Payment plans to facilitate tuition
What you will learn
Classical Ayurvedic Knowledge
- Preventive healthcare
- Health promotion through diet and lifestyle management
- Pathophysiology and disease management
- Advanced herbology
- Hands-on clinical practice, supervised by qualified practitioners
What you can do
The next generation of ayurveda in the usa
- Start a clinical practice (California residents may work independently under the California Health Freedom Act)
- Join an integrative healthcare practice as an Ayurvedic Practitioner
- Join the staff of medical clinics or hospitals
- Offer Ayurvedic treatments as allowed by your State Laws
- Integrate Ayurveda into your healthcare profession
- Develop Ayurveda-inspired products
- Write articles and books on Ayurveda
More Information
Contact the Admissions Counselor for questions and enrollment assistance via email or phone.
Ayurvedic Practitioner
Sample Monthly Schedule (Subject to Change)
| Thursday | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Course | 3 hr |
| 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Course | 2 hr |
| Friday | ||
| 7:00 am - 8:30 am | Yoga | 1.5 hr |
| 9:30 am - 12:30 pm | Course | 3 hr |
| 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm | Course | 4 hr |
| 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Integration | 2 hr |
| Saturday | ||
| 7:30 am - 9:30 am | Yoga | 2 hr |
| 11:00 am - 2:00 pm | Course | 3 hr |
| 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm | Course | 2.5 hr |
| 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm | Course | 2.5 hr |
| Sunday | ||
| 7:00 am - 8:30 am | Yoga | 1.5 hr |
| 9:30 am - 12:30 pm | Course | 3 hr |
| 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm | Integration | 3.5 hr |
| *Pacific Time Zone |
Prerequisites
- Successful completion of the Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) program required. If the student completed their AHC elsewhere, they must successfully pass the AAC Board Exam or the MMI AHC final exam
- 6 College Credits of Anatomy and Physiology (2 additional credits above the AHC level)
Professional Information
- If you have a BA or BS degree, you may instead apply for the Master of Arts in Ayurveda and earn an Ayurvedic Practitioner Certificate concurrently
- The NAMA recognized format is required to take the AAC AP Board Exam and to continue into an Ayurvedic Doctor (AD) Program
- Graduates qualify for the AAC Board Certification Exam
- Upon passage of the Board Exam, you qualify for professional membership in the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) as an Ayurvedic Practitioner
Content Delivery
- Over 900 hours of academic excellence and clinical practicum delivered over 17 months
- 15 modules, one extended weekend a month, Thursday – Sunday offered hybrid (in-person requirement for 12 modules; up to 3 modules remotely)
- Online Wednesday nights weekly
- Online two Friday mornings per month (Sanskrit)
Other Requirements
- Self-study asynchronous learning: ~15 hours per month
- Homework: ~ 80 hours per month
AP Tuition & Fees
Academic Year 2024-2025
Estimated total does not include meals and lodging. Your meals and lodging cost is based upon your housing selection and length of stay.
Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP)
Tuition Cost Only
$18,950
Application Fee (New Student)*
$150
Application Fee (Continuing Student)*
$50
Estimated Textbooks
$500
Total Estimated Academic Charges
$19,600
Meals & Lodging per night
Commuting
$73
Own tent or vehicle
$86
Dormitory (4 per room)
$123
Triple (3 per room)
$138
Double (2 per room)
$171
Double room with bathroom
$204
Single
$226
Single room with bathroom
$281
Studying Affordably
Financial Aid opportunities for your education
- Scholarship: Check the scholarship box on your application.
- Payment Plans: Available to all students. Talk to an admissions counselor for more information!
Ayurveda Faculty & Staff
Rucha Kelkar,
B.A.M.S., D.P.T.
Suhas Kshirsagar,
M.D.
Krista Farey,
M.D., M.A.
Course Descriptions
Yoga for Health and Disease Management
Course No. AYP 300, AYP 400, AYP 500, AYP 600
This course deepens the practice of yoga. Students perform yoga postures, breathing practices and meditation. Students explore the science of yoga within the context of the Shad Darshana. Using the Ashtanga Yoga, Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga systems, the course investigates and applies the appropriate limb and practice of yoga to disease management. This course is studied throughout the 5 trimesters of the program.
Manovaha Srotasa - Ayurvedic Psychology
Course No. AYP 306
This course investigates the knowledge of the Mind, its functions, causative factors for pathological change, stages of pathology and various diseases presenting with psychological and physical symptoms. It assesses various psychological disorders from an Ayurvedic perspective. Students explore the predominance of the three gunas (Sattwa, Rajas, Tamas) in specific conditions and learn which Ayurvedic therapies (diet, lifestyle, and herbal) can be recommended. Spiritual and subtle therapies of the sister sciences are considered as well.
Brhattrayi & Laghutrayi - Classical Texts, History & Philosophy
Course No. AYP 307
This course more deeply examines the basic principles of Ayurvedic medicine, the eight branches, medical ethics and aims through the classical texts. Students investigate the historical and philosophical foundations of Ayurvedic medicine and the history of scientific studies in Ayurveda. Students will explore and expand their knowledge and use of these ancient texts in a modern clinical practice. Both the major and minor texts will be included.
Sanskrit
Course No. AYP301, AYP401, AYP501
This course continues the study of Sanskrit, the language of Ayurveda. Students learn to read, write, and chant Sanskrit slokas relating to health, wellness and each disease system studied. This course is studied throughout the 5 trimesters of the program.
Ayurvedic Foundational Integration
Course No. AYP 302, AYP 402, AYP 502, AYP 602
This course provides the basic framework for integrating the Ayurvedic concepts of health, wellness, disease prevention and disease management as presented throughout the program. Students review the principles of each system presented and contextualize it with the methods of treatments being offered. Students integrate reading of classical texts with modern terminology and traditional approaches. Students create self-study (svadhyaya) goals and frame the discussion of becoming a practitioner through the Ayurvedic concept of self-healing. They explore a variety of counseling modalities appropriate to an Ayurvedic clinical practice. Students continue to explore ethical and legal issues in Ayurveda and are introduced to business management techniques, job opportunities, and referral procedures. This course is studied throughout the 5 trimesters of the program.
Dravyaguna Vijñana - Herbology 2
Course No. APM 403
This course continues the exploration of the Ayurvedic principles of Herbology, functions, indications and contraindications of various medicinal herbs, use of single and compounded herbs, and various methods of combining herbs into formulas to restore physio/mental equilibrium and management of various imbalances.
Allopathy, Functional Medicine and Collaboration 1
Course No. AYP 404
This course will review commonly used tools in allopathic medicine and common allopathic diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular, endocrine, infectious and gastrointestinal disease including lab analysis, imaging, pharmaceuticals, and surgery. The course will also examine the relationship between Ayurveda and allopathy as systems, exploring ways to work collaboratively. Basic principles of Functional Medicine and how it can complement Ayurveda will also be explored.
Srotamsi 1: Mahavaha, Pranavaha, Rasavaha & Jwara
Course No. AYP 405
This course explores in detail the major systems via srotamsi (channels) as explained in the classical texts of Ayurvedic Medicine including various disorders, assessment, and treatment. Students learn the causes, signs and symptoms, and pathogenesis of the disorders, as well as treatments through diet, lifestyle, herbal formulas and other therapies. The srotamsi explored are: Mahavaha (GI tract) Pranavaha (respiratory), Rasavaha (cardiovascular) and Jwara (infectious disease).
Srotamsi 2: Raktavaha (kustha), Shukravaha, Mutravaha & Shalakya Tantra
Course No. AYP 406
This course explores in detail the cardiovascular system in Ayurvedic Medicine including various disorders, assessment and treatment. It also examines infectious disease. Students learn the causes, signs and symptoms, and pathogenesis of the disorders, as well as treatments through diet, lifestyle, herbal formulas, and other therapies. The srotamsi explored are: Raktavaha (blood disorders & skin), Shukravaha (men’s health), Mutravaha (genito-urinary) and Shalakya Tantra (ENT/ head/ neck).
Allopathy, Functional Medicine and Collaboration 2
Course No. AYP 503
This course will review commonly used tools in allopathic medicine and common allopathic diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular, endocrine, infectious and gastrointestinal disease including lab analysis, imaging, pharmaceuticals, and surgery. The course will also examine the relationship between Ayurveda and allopathy as systems, exploring ways to work collaboratively. Basic principles of Functional Medicine and how it can complement Ayurveda will also be explored.
Introduction to Scientific Research
Course No. AYP 504
This course provides the students a basic understanding of the scientific research process and an introduction to steps involved in scientific research models, methods, and analysis. Students will learn how to critically understand and evaluate scientific research presentations and literature and begin to practice the methodology.
Srotamsi 3: Majjia, Mamsa, Meda & Ashti Vah
Course No. AYP 505
This course explores in detail the nervous system in Ayurvedic Medicine including the disorders, assessment, and treatment. Students learn the causes, signs and symptoms, and pathogenesis, as well as diet, lifestyle, herbal formulas, and other therapies. Srotamsi explored are: Majjavaha/Mamsavaha (neuromuscular system), Medavaha (metabolic disorders) and Astivaha (bone).
Srotamsi 4: Aartavavaha Srotasa - Stree Roga Prasuti & Kaumarabhritaya
Course No. AYP 506
This course explores in detail women’s health in Ayurvedic Medicine including the Ayurvedic approach to promoting fertility, a healthy pregnancy, and the imbalances of menopause. Students learn the causes, signs and symptoms, and pathogenesis of the disorders, as well as diet, lifestyle, herbal formulas, and other therapies. Assessment and appropriate intervention for children is examined per different age groups from infants to adolescence. Diet and lifestyle to promote health as well as herbs suitable for children are presented. Students explore: Aartavavaha (women’s health), Stree Roga Prasuti (pre & postnatal) and Kaumarabhritya (pediatrics).
Clinical Practicum
Course No. AYP 310, AYP 410, AYP 510
This course introduces students to advanced consultation practices and protocols for consultations. Students continue to develop their skills as Ayurvedic Practitioners through consultations and clinical discussions in the classroom under the supervision of experienced Ayurvedic Practitioners. Students are required to prepare case papers for each client. (This course runs over 5 trimesters for a total of 90 client encounters).
Dravyaguna Vijñana - Herbology 3
Course No. AYP 603
This course explores in detail the Ayurvedic principles of Herbology, functions, indications and contraindications of various medicinal herbs, use of single and compounded herbs, and various methods of combining herbs into formulas to restore physio/mental equilibrium and management of various imbalances. Students will learn how to make individual formulas, calculate dosages, and recommend herbal interventions for each of the disease systems investigated.
Pancha Karma & Indriya Chikitsa - Ayurvedic Therapies & Sense Therapies
Course No. AYP 604
This course is a hands-on experiential demonstration of various Ayurvedic bodywork techniques including abhyanga, Ayurvedic massage, shirodhara, basti, Marma Therapy, and herbal swedana. Students learn the techniques and put them into practice in the classroom. Students explore and practice various Sense Therapies. Because this is a survey course and does not provide in- depth training in these therapies, students will generally apply the knowledge to refer clients out to qualified practitioners.
Jara & Rasayana - Aging & Rejuvenating Therapies
Course No. AYP 605
Students will examine health issues that are of particular concern for the aging including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, high blood pressure. The course explores in detail the concept of rasayana or rejuvenation in Ayurvedic Medicine. Students learn dietary measures, herbal formulas, external therapies, and daily routines used as rejuvenatives to promote nourishment and tonification, strengthen the immune system and build strength.
Clinical Case Study Presentations & Closing
Course No. AYP 607
This seminar provides a forum for students to present their cases and to engage in rigorous discussion about the cases and case management with a panel of professors. Students are required to write and present a minimum of two case studies through a visual presentation enhanced through peer review and class discussion.
Populi
Secure and Intuitive
Populi is a web-based learning management system (LMS). It covers academics, admissions, billing, people, reporting, library, integrated email and calendar. MMI uses Populi as its student information and learning management system, where all student and classroom activity is recorded. Application, enrollment, course work, lessons, assignments, quizzes, grades, transcripts, and financial balances are all located in Populi.
Open House & Info Sessions
Join us for an In-Person Open House or an Online Information Session to learn about upcoming Yoga & Ayurveda Programs.
More Information
Schedule a Call
Schedule a conversation with us, plan a personalized visit, or call our Admissions Counselor directly at (408) 846-4060.
FAQS AYURVEDA
Frequently asked questions about our Ayurveda programs.
