Information about Ayurveda Career, Training and Education

Ayurveda, or "the science of life" in Sanskrit, is a holistic system of medicine that originated from India thousands of years a...

Ayurveda, or "the science of life" in Sanskrit, is a holistic system of medicine that originated from India thousands of years ago. Its basic approach is to balance the mind, body and spirit through traditional techniques and treatments that promote health and prevent illness.

Ayurveda Career Overview

With 38 percent of adults using complementary or alternative medicine in 2007, there's a clear market for practitioners of Ayurveda and other natural healing practices. Accordingly, a number of career opportunities are available to graduates of Ayurveda college. Some learn Ayurvedic principles as part of a pre-medical program; in that context, you might choose to work as a doctor in a clinic or private practice. Others choose to teach general Ayurvedic concepts at an Ayurveda school or wellness center, or specialize in administering therapies such as massage, yoga or panchakarma.

Ayurveda Training and Education

What You'll Study in Ayurveda School

In a typical Ayurveda college, you can expect to learn the basic concepts and philosophies of Ayurvedic tradition, as well as clinical practices and traditional treatments. Topics covered in your Ayurveda training may include:

Transcendental meditation techniques
The mind-body connection
Ayurvedic nutrition and the six tastes
Client observation and evaluation
Dietary and herbal treatment plans

Average Length of Study

If you choose to pursue a pre-med program that incorporates Ayurvedic training, then you can expect to spend about four years completing your bachelor's degree. In contrast, diploma or certificate programs at an Ayurveda college take one to two years to complete. Shorter programs may require as few as 500 hours, while comprehensive certificates usually include 1000 to 1500 hours.

Average Tuition

Most schools offering Ayurveda training programs are private institutions or learning centers, and as a result, tuition for a four-year degree can really add up. However, if the Ayurveda college is appropriately accredited, you may be eligible for federal financial aid. Diploma or certificate programs generally cost about $5,000 for a 500-hour program.

Ayurveda Certification

Currently, the United States does not specify a certification requirement for Ayurvedic practitioners, though more and more programs are being offered through state-approved institutions. Membership in a professional group such as the National Ayurvedic Medical Association can help you establish credibility in the field and demonstrate your commitment to competent and ethical Ayurvedic healing.

Ayurveda Career Outlook

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that over 200,000 American adults sought Ayurvedic treatment in 2007. As interest in natural and holistic health increases, and with the rapid growth expected in the healthcare industry as a whole—22.5 percent between 2008-18—graduates of Ayurveda college will find more career opportunities.

Ayurveda Salary

Earnings in the Ayurveda field vary widely depending on whether you're a medical doctor with Ayurveda training or an independent practitioner, and whether you work part time or full time. In 2009, physicians received a mean annual salary of $173,860. Dietitians and nutritionists earned $53,230, and health educators received $49,060 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Is an Ayurveda Career Right for You?

Unlike the approach of Western medicine, which tends to focus on treatment of symptoms, Ayurvedic health care focuses on prevention and on individual attention and evaluation. It's a truly holistic approach to wellness that promotes a healthy diet and lifestyle as well as an intense spiritual connection with our bodies, our minds and the world around us. If this approach to health appeals to you, then take some time to research Ayurveda college.

Here are some Ayurveda Pictures (click to view)