Written by John Immel, Asheville, NCA certificate of completion is given to those graduates who successfully complete our programs. Without any additional exams, testing or certification, you can legally start your clinical practice providing Ayurveda consultations once you graduate from our professional certification programs in the United States. You can practice Ayurveda without joining any third-party association. This is because Ayurveda is an unlicensed profession in the USA, which means you can legally practice Ayurveda here without certification from any board. Joyful Belly offers all of our students a fully functioning online clinic after graduation. Read more about the
legal status of Ayurveda.
However, some students may wish to join one or more of the Ayurvedic clubs or associations. These associations are groups of private individuals serving a particular vision or interest in the field of Ayurveda. They do not add any legal scope to your practice and, so, joining them is not a necessity. If you are curious, here are some of the US-based groups that recognize or accredit our courses:
- State of North Carolina. We are licensed to teach Ayurveda by the state of North Carolina.
- Association of American Biocharacteristics Clinicians (AABC). AABC offers credentials in Biocharacteristics, Ayurveda, Unani Tibb, and Greek medicine that are suitable for integration with modern healthcare providers.
- Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America (AAPNA). Our online Ayurvedic certification is recognized by the Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America. This is the largest association of Ayurvedic schools and practitioners in the USA and graduates our Fundamentals program can apply to become a Registered Ayurveda Health Counselor at AAPNA. Graduates of our digestion class can apply 500 hours to their training as an Ayurveda Food Consultant.
- American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP). Joyful Belly is accredited with the AADP and our graduates can apply to become a Certified Health Coach with the Association after passing their board certification exam.
Joyful Belly is also recognized by the following organization:
- National Association of Ayurvedic Schools & Colleges. John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly School of Ayurveda, is the current president of the NAASC and Joyful Belly School is a current member of the Association.