Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

The program

This year-long program builds upon the 200-hour Ayurvedic Yoga Health Advisor program and consists of four, 75-hour courses (one course/term). When a student has completed all modules they can be a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance as long as they stay current with continuing education requirements and fees.

This program prepares yoga teachers to train other teachers! Based on the Rama Jyoti Vernon style of yoga, this course features a combination of didactic and experiential teachings closely woven with an understanding of the Samkhya philosophy.

This program covers Teaching Methodology, Techniques, Training and Practice, Anatomy and Physiology, Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle, Ethics, and Practicum.

Throughout each term, students will take live-streamed, online classes on Wednesdays from 6-8:30pm. Students will also attend two 18-hour weekend immersions (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning).

Areas of focus

Summer – yogic management of gastro-intestinal system

• Differentiate yoga postures for the upper, middle, and lower digestive tract.
• Advanced study of backbends, forward folds, and twists.
• Analyze the adverse effects of obstacles (Kleshas) on proper digestion. Besides the gut/brain connection, experience the benefits of a healthy lung/brain connection.

Fall – yoga and body balance

• Correlate functions of organs with respect to yogic theory
• Understand core texts of Yoga Sutras by Patanjali on the practices of yoga
• Explain Yogic perspectives of health and balance of mind, body, consciousness

Winter – yoga and asana for mental focus

• In-depth understanding of yoga sequencing for mental relaxation, focus, and yoga nidra.
• Explain the role of the mind in the management of health and balance.
• Understand Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras on the Mind (chapter one). Plan referral management.

Spring – daily lifestyle, yoga, and ethics

• Able to sequence yoga classes, and incorporate adjustment techniques. Able to teach breathing practices, mudra and bandha.
• Apply concepts of Kleshas to current concepts of equity, inclusion, social justice, and conflict resolution.
• Understand Koshas and individual approach to understand Parush and Prakriti.

Who should enroll?

Current or aspiring healthcare practitioners, including massage therapists, nurses and nurse practitioners, nutritionists, homeopaths, naturopaths, chiropractors, medical doctors, acupuncturists, physician assistants, medical assistants, craniosacral practitioners, fitness professionals, and others. *Practitioners who need PACE credits from the National Ayurvedic Medical Association to maintain their credentials.

The investment

Prerequisite

Completion of 200-hour Yoga Alliance program at PCC or submit certificate/proof of completion of a 200-hour Yoga Alliance program elsewhere.

Time

• Program: 1 year (4 terms), consisting of 4 modules (1 module per 11-week term)
• Meets live, online Wednesdays, 6-8:30pm Pacific time (join from anywhere!)
• Meets two weekends/term online on Fridays (2-6:30pm), Saturdays (8am-6pm), and Sundays (9am to 11:30)
• A minimum of 5.5 hours of out-of-class preparation and practice each term
• Each term students will earn 75 hours of credit toward the 300-hour program
• Additionally, the program will have two weekend workshops scheduled as follows:
  • Friday:
    • 2-3pm: Pre-recorded weekend overview
    • 3:15-4:15pm: Pre-recorded guest lecture
    • 4:30-5:30pm: Live Yoga
    • 5:30-6:30pm: Live Lecture
  • Saturday:
    • 8-9am: Pre-recorded session
    • 9-10am: Live yoga and meditation
    • 10-11:30am: Live guest lecture
    • 11:45am-1:45pm: Lunch assignment (seasonal, outdoor walk, journaling)
    • 2-3pm: Live lecture
    • 3-4:30pm: Pre-recorded session
    • 4:30-6pm: Pre-recorded session
  • Sunday:
    • 9-10:15am: Live Yoga
    • 10:30-11:30am: Live Lecture Conclusion

Tuition

• $1099 per module/term
• Does not include required books, supplies, and fees (fees range approx. $50 per term)
• Because the program is a non-credit college program (not a for-credit degree or certificate), no scholarships or financial aid are available. Upon registration, a student can make arrangements for payments through the Student Accounts Office.

Lab fees

$20 towards supplies, including food, tea, herbs, oils, etc. that are utilized throughout the course. (Note: no lab fee for the remote program)

Books

Books specific to the 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program are:

• Yoga: The Practice of Myth & Sacred Geometry by Rama Vernon
• Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff
• Anatomy & Asana by Susi Hately
• Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras*: Chapter 1 & 2 Recommended (not required) for 300-Hour Yoga Program: Anatomy of Hatha Yoga by H. David Coulter
  • *We recommend the Yoga Sutras translated by Rama Vernon, but if students can use any version that they may already have.

The instructors