Are you ready to help and support others thorugh yoga?

The coursework is divided into 4 educational units. It begins with a 300-hour foundational studies program, and this is followed by three 102-hour yoga therapy concentrations taken in any order. A practicum provides real-life experience and preparation for a career.

Step 1: Foundational studies We offer many formats for learning. We have our Immersion program that is 14 - 16 days of training in person. There is a fully online format that includes 50 hours of in-person Zoom sessions combined with prerecorded content you can do at your own pace, or a hybrid program with online distance learning (that also includes online Zoom practicum sessions to comprehend and practice the material) combined with a 7-day live immersion at Heartwood. Our 300-hour foundational program is a part of the IAYT competencies, but also is registered with Yoga Alliance, so students can choose to register with Yoga Alliance to become an RYT-500 after this portion of the training is complete while still applying these hours to the 800- hour IAYT program. Our program is progressive and the information builds in a linear way, so we cannot offer transfer credits from any other 300 program.  All students must take our foundational program as prep for the YT concentrations to be IAYT 800-hour certified. 

Steps 2-4: YT Concentrations. After completing the 300 hours of foundational studies there are 3 yoga therapy concentrations which are offered either live in 8-day immersions or an online format as live Zoom session meetings (these meetings occur at the same time)   

Commitment: It typically takes two years to complete all the coursework but it can be spread out up to 4 years. Please be aware that IAYT recommends that no one graduates a yoga therapy program in less than two years, in order to process and fully digest the comprehensive material, and for continuity, we require the work to be completed in 4 years or less. While the coursework is usually completed in 18 months, it is often the practicum that requires additional time.

Step 5: A mentored 205-hour practicum after completing the coursework is required for C-IAYT certification which is pursued on your own with mentorship.  Students often do their practicum in professional settings or in private sessions where they live, with distance learning guidance from their assigned mentor as well as group practicum sessions on zoom held once a month for support and ongoing inspiration. The practicum can be started anytime after completing the foundational course and one concentration series of coursework and the online praticium courses. The practicum hours are defined and varied to get the most out of the experience and include some group setting classes, one on one sessions with the general public, a service project, and working several sessions with a fellow yoga therapist student.

After completion of all 800 hours of study and mentorship, students must take a 3-hour formal exam offered through IAYT to become certified. (No worries - we will have you prepared and confident when the time comes and we have study sessions to help you prepare.)

At Heartwood we strive to make every learning experience, online or in person, dynamic and successful with the aim of preparing our students for viable careers in yoga. In-person studies at Heartwood offer an enriching experience where students get hands-on experience with plenty of space and opportunity for conversations with fellow students and staff to build connections and practice with guidance and feedback. Heartwood is a beautiful retreat property that always delivers an expansive, inspirational yoga experience that feeds the soul while also expanding your awareness.

That said, finding the time and resources to attend an in-person program for a full 800 hours is not always possible or affordable, and we now offer online coursework that provides new opportunities for everyone to get the highest quality of education in a way that fits their lifestyle and needs for lower tuition.   

Students can do the full 800-hour program online, combine in-person hybrid immersions with online segments, or join us for the full program in person. All paths receive the same high-quality IAYT certified yoga therapy education.