We are excited that you are exploring a career in Ayurveda. Ayurveda is growing throughout the world as societies look for holistic, natural ways to stay healthy and manage chronic diseases. The California College of Ayurveda was the first college (since 1995) to offer a professional training program in Ayurvedic medicine.

About Us

The California College of Ayurveda (CCA) offers the most comprehensive curriculum in the field of Ayurvedic Medicine in the United States. The first established, and longest-running, state-approved Ayurvedic educational program in California, CCA is the premier educator for individuals seeking to make a difference in the world through a career restoring the natural balance of body, mind and spirit with the wisdom of Ayurveda.

Quality education is the foundation of preparation. Our founder, Dr. Marc Halpern, is a Western pioneer of Ayurvedic Medicine. He is also a Founding Director of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association and the California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine.

CCA brings the healing wisdom of Ayurveda to the West. In addition to providing students with training in the fundamental principles and practices of Ayurveda, our students study disease management and receive the clinical training necessary to become successful in practice. In order to achieve these goals, our training program is offered in three levels at several locations – plus live internet and distance learning in the convenience of your own home. When you are ready to make Ayurveda your life’s work, CCA can help you turn your Ayurvedic passion into a successful profession.

Live Internet

All classes (weekend and full time) held in Grass Valley are broadcast live over the internet using Vedaweb ™ technology. This format enables students to be fully participating members of the class – to see and be seen by the instructor, to ask questions, to view class materials, to participate in class discussions – all in real time. This format is ideal for students who live at a distance but who still want to be a part of the classroom community. [Frequently Asked Questions]

Available for our Weekend class starting 2011

Distance Learning Program The College's Distance Learning Program is a revolutionary program that integrates home schooling, classroom education and a one-to-one relationship with a Master Teacher who guides the students’ education. Distance Learning is available up to the beginning of internship and continues at that time in the form of field-internship and live-internet classes. At that time, the student joins with interns from the classroom program.
The Level I (Ayurvedic Health Educator program) may be completed in approximately one year meeting one weekend each month. The Level 2 (Clinical Ayurvedic Theory program) may be completed in approximately one additional year. Level-three internships are completed in 6 months each. Thus, it takes approximately 3 years to attain the highest level of certification and become a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist
At the end of the academic studies for the first two levels of the program distance learning students also spend one week (5 days) in Grass Valley at the College with an instructor in a small group study session in order to gain hands-on experience in diagnostics and participate in group discussions. The College can assist students in making local housing arrangements. The fees and credits for each level of the training program are the same as in the classroom programs.
The College's Distance Learning Program is the preferred format for our international students.