Question: How many hours of study are required each week?
Answer: This can vary widely, but usually is no less than 12 hours per week. It depends on the speed of memorization, reading, comprehension and research skills. Additional time for review and synthesis of knowledge only strengthens the student's grasp of the science. In previous years, students over the age of 50 required 25+ hours per week.

Question: I completed Ayurvedic education at another school. Does that count towards the SA program?
Answer: Education from non-BAMS Ayurveda programs is often insufficient to count towards the SA program. Candidates who have thoroughly studied and memorized classical foundations and theory so they are confident to apply them clinically will likely be at a similar level as an SA.

Question: After completing the SA program, will I be able to practice? If so, how?
Answer: The SA program prepares graduates to practice competently and confidently in the scope of diet and lifestyle interventions for healthy and unhealthy individuals with a single, predominant diagnosis. Cases with multiple, chronic pathologies are best supported by an SA in collaborative practice under a PC or AA. Graduates are able to practice according to their local laws and regulations.

Question: Does the SA program cover how to practice Ayurveda legally?
Answer: The SA program introduces students to common regulatory and legal issues in the practice of Ayurveda in the United States. International students are encouraged to research and learn about regulations affecting practice outside of the US as part of this portion of the program. In both cases, students learn clear boundaries for scope of practice and expectations at this level of practice. AYU Academy is the only professional training institution with advanced definitions for professional Ayurveda and scopes of practice based on classical standards.

Question: Does the SA program include training to setup my own business, business taxes, liability and insurance?
Answer: Yes, the SA program does include basic training on establishing, developing and running a business. Additionally, students should seek professional advice for this in their local area. During the SA program, students research business requirements and create an actionable business plan.

Question: I want to include classical herbal formulations in my Ayurvedic practice. What training do I need to do that competently and ethically?
Answer: Classical herbal formulations are introduced in Level 2: Paricharaka (Ayurvedic Doctor's Assistant) for use in shamana management only. At the SA level, students learn the mechanics of therapeutic substances and major examples in common foods which often overlap as common single herbs. The goal of the SA program is to be competent and confident with scientific dietary and lifestyle interventions in any geographical area and culture.

Question: Can I train to work at a Panchakarma center? If so, where?
Answer: At the SA level, all clinical training during the program is currently online. This training prepares students to work in clinical environments, including Panchakarma centers, Integrative healthcare facilities, and other healthcare settings. Students who have the ability to travel and live at a Panchakarma center can request special arrangements for onsite study during the Clinical Term of the SA program.

Question: Does the SA program train students to do Nadi Pariksha (pulse diagnosis), Jihva Pariksha (tongue diagnosis) or any other specialty form of assessment?
Answer: The SA program does not focus on advanced, specialized assessment methods like pulse and tongue diagnosis. These are not primary, classical assessment methods, but are supplementary to the foundations of symptomatology through direct assessment of doshas, dhatus, malas, agni and other factors. The SA program focuses on mastering the fundamentals so graduates have a solid foundation for advanced training.