Back when the Ayurvedic Institute was originally founded in 1984 by Dr. Lad, there were only two levels of education offered in the Ayurvedic Studies Program; ASP1 and ASP2. Now, as the Ayurvedic Institute has evolved, expanded and moved locations a third level of the Ayurvedic Studies Program has become available: ASP 3.

Before enrolling in the ASP3 program, a possible applicant will have to make sure they have enough Ayurvedic educational background and qualification. 

Where You Will be After ASP2

Once a student has graduated from ASP 2, they will have to take an entry exam to prove their proficiency. Upon passing, they will receive certification as an Ayurvedic Practitioner and therefore be recognized as a professional in the Ayurvedic field. This certification will be proof that they possess skills of full clinical evaluation specifically on the pathology of disease as it manifests through an Ayurvedic lense. Additionally, certified Ayurvedic practitioners will possess the skill to formulate customized healing plans and protocols, providing hands-on therapeutics and treatments and support their clients with dietary and lifestyle recommendations. 

Many who graduate and receive their certification will then go on to start their careers or return to an existing practice in the holistic healing arts. This is an equally educational path to choose, which encourages the growth and evolution of a practitioner through the daily application of everything they learned in ASP 1 & 2. There are those however, who wish to continue further on their journey of Ayurvedic learning, and it is these individuals who continue on to ASP 3.

The difference between ASP3 and ASP 1&2 

It is important to note that the ASP 1&2 programs are primarily foundational. A person can enroll in the level 1 program with no previous Ayurvedic knowledge and still succeed greatly within the program. Similarly, many individuals from programs outside of the Ayurvedic Institute will apply to transfer into ASP2. Since many foundational courses are consistently taught among the different Ayurvedic schools in the country, this process is fairly simple and common. 

Pre-requisites

ASP 3 is different. This immersive level of education is one of the few NAMA recognized Doctorate programs for Ayurveda. As listed on NAMA’s website, “ASP3 is a full-time, in-person program where applicants will need to have completed ASP2.” Additionally, this program is two years, whereas ASP 1 & 2 are each one year. There is also lots of traveling involved in the program; ASP 3 students will deepen their herbology study hands on at the 20-acre certified organic Banyan Botanicals farm located in Williams, Oregon. ASP3 will also provide students with a massage license, and they learn this ancient trade to facilitate their legal hands-on practices.

Beyond the Classroom

ASP3 students will also travel to Vasant Lad’s home town in Pune, India to study Ayurveda at the root source. This immersive pilgrimage will bring students to the birthplace of this ancient science as well as their instructor Dr. Lad. Seeing clients in the Pune clinic, Observing and offering Panchakarma therapies as well as participating in clinic at Dr. Lads Pune office, are just some of the amazing experiences these students will receive in this 3 Level, 2 year program. 

What to Expect in ASP3

NAMA defines this level of education as a more specialized form of certification, where the union of Ayurvedic medicine and western allopathic medicine provide Ayurvedic Doctors with the skill and knowledge to approach each case with integrative medical skill and understanding. Students who enroll in ASP 3 are not only required to be ASP 2 graduates, but also require 6 credits of college level anatomy & physiology or equivalent Contact Hours, and must undergo a minimum of 4,000 hours of training.

Two Worlds Combine

Students can expect a main focus on the integration of holistic and allopathic medicine. This will also be an incredible personalized educational experience, with only a very small number of applicants accepted each year. Students will also learn to select and propose research thesis projects within their personal field of Ayurvedic interest, design and lead medical group studies and eventually organize and present the evidence in a professional presentation.

Sourced Cited

Ayurvedic doctor programs. National Ayurvedic Medical Association. (n.d.). Retrieved July 11, 2022, from https://www.ayurvedanama.org/ayurvedic-doctor-programs