Diploma of Yogatherapy

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You are here » Home / Faculties & Programs / School of Yogatherapy / Diploma of Yogatherapy

The Diploma of Yogatherapy (DYT) is an in-depth, 1270-hour course of study in the theory and practice of Yogatherapy. This program trains students in the philosophy, therapeutic principles and techniques of yoga and provides them with Yoga Teacher Training certification as well as in-depth, advanced training in Yogatherapy. This program is recognized by the Yoga Alliance at the 500-hour level.

The practices of breath, cultivating focus and awareness through meditation and lifestyle, and the application of the eastern understandings of health, well-being and disease all work together to create a model of yoga that is both therapeutic as well as enriching. Students integrate Yogic practice and philosophy with study and application of somatic and transpersonal psychology and applied counselling skills. Additionally, students gain in-depth skills in Eastern and Western anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, and movement rehabilitation. Four elective workshops taught by a faculty with international experience allow students to specialize in particular therapeutic approaches and to gain exposure to various areas of Yogatherapy.

Yogatherapy is the application of the techniques and philosophy of yoga to support the healing and well-being of clients on all levels. Traditionally, yoga practice was based on individuals and tailored to the well-being and circumstances of each person (which is the approach of the majority of the course). A 40-hour teaching intensive at the end of the first semester and on-going practicum provide skills in group facilitation and class implementation.

Program Director, Nikki Manzie

The Diploma of Yogatherapy is for students who have an interest in using all aspects of yoga in a therapeutic context. Students gain comprehensive knowledge and practical skill in the 8 limbs of yoga. They know how to identify various imbalances in the systems (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and energetic), determine the causes of imbalances according to the yogic model, and treat these imbalances through the application of techniques and principles of Yogatherapy.

The Diploma of Yogatherapy meets the newly proposed standards for Yogatherapist training set forth by the International Association of Yoga Therapy (IAYT). IAYT recommendations are as follows: 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training as the admissions requirement, with a recommended (though not required) additional 300-hour advanced teacher training. Thereafter students qualify to take an 800-hour Yogatherapy training. Of the 800-hours, students must complete 600 hours of supervised classroom work with an additional 200 hours of non-supervised work. The Diploma of Yogatherapy program includes all trainings as one cohesive package to ensure consistency of training, and to open the doors to the concepts and practices of Yogatherapy from the onset. Yoga Teacher Training is offered in tandem with foundational Yogatherapy training in the first semester, followed by advanced and clinical Yogatherapy training. All 1270-hours are fully supervised.

This program is recognized by the Yoga Alliance at the 500-hour level. Graduates are able to apply for recognition with the International Association of Yogatherapists, as well as the Yoga Alliance, both of which are the professional organizations for these practices in North America. Graduates use the knowledge and experience gained to work in community health centres, fitness studios and clinical settings. They may pursue work within the fields of sports medicine/therapy, trauma recovery and general rehabilitation for injuries, surgery, illness and diseases. Yogatherapy complements therapies used by physiotherapists, chiropractors, and counsellors, doctors, traditional medical practitioners/doctors and naturopaths.

This program is delivered over 4 semesters of 3-4 months each in length. At the onset, students may enrol in the independent Foundations of Yogatherapy certificate program or may apply for admission into the full Diploma of Yogatherapy.

The following courses comprise the Diploma of Yogatherapy. All courses must be completed for a student to be eligible for graduation with a Diploma of Yogatherapy.

General Introduction		Total Requirements
Foundations in Eastern Therapies and Bodywork		1.2 credits	18 hours
	During this course, students learn the general background and cultural context for Eastern Therapies and Bodywork with specific attention to Indian, Chinese and T'ai indigenous medicines. This course offers an introduction to the theoretical principles and the history of spirituality and medicine. Both energy medicine and healing are defined, and basic energetic anatomy is explored, all through a comparative approach of Yogic, Ayurvedic, Thai and basic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) systems.


Total		1.2 credits	18 hours

Foundations of Yogatherapy		Total Requirements
Yogatherapy Foundations		0.6 credit	9 hours
	In this course, students learn the general background and cultural context for Yogatherapy as they explore the history of yoga and therapeutic yoga and delve deeply into yogic philosophy (e.g. Classical vs. Tantric, 8 Limbs in Yogatherapy, Yanumoja, and journeywork and themes).




The Yogic Body, East and West		3 credits	45 hours
	Students learn Eastern and Western anatomy as it relates to Yogatherapy. They integrate anatomy, indications and contraindications through experiential learning strategies and explore theory and application of alignment principles, hands-on corrections, modifications, restorative postures and chair yoga. Equal weight is given to Yogic Energetic anatomy and Western anatomical perspectives.
Breath and Meditation: Theory and Techniques		1.2 credits	18 hours
	In this course, students explore theory and practice techniques of breath and meditation. They learn diagnosis and therapeutics as they relate to breath and meditation, integrating knowledge of energetic systems, brain functions, and physiological affects of various techniques.
Yogatherapy: Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Facilitation		8 credits	120 hours
	This course gives students an in-depth opportunity to develop practical skills of facilitation, diagnosis, and therapeutic application and planning through peer practice, case studies and public clinic.
Technique Hours		4 credits	60 hours
	Students of yoga and Yogatherapy continually deepen their skill development through regular practice and application of the various techniques and principles. Throughout the duration of the program, students maintain both a documented weekly yoga practice in classes and at home.
Yoga Teacher Training: Group Facilitation Skills		2.7 credits	40 hours
	This intensive course translates skills of one-on-one facilitation with clients/students into a group setting. The course covers theory and skills in group facilitation, applied techniques, sequencing, class development, modifications, special needs, and multi-level classes.
Total		19.5 credits	292 hours

Advanced Yogatherapy (AYT)		Total Requirements
Anatomy and Physiology		3 credit	45 hours
	Working with greater detail, students explore Western anatomy and physiology, both structural and systemic.




Pathophysiology and Rehabilitation		3 credits	45 hours
	Students gain an understanding of the causes and process of disease, imbalance, and injury, as well as process of recovery. They will explore range of motion as a means to diagnose structural issues and determine treatment plans. They will learn deeper theory of yogatherapy as it relates to rehabilitation.
Philosophy (i)		3 credits	45 hours
	During this course, students will deepen their textual and experiential knowledge of Tantra by exploring 3 key texts associated with Kashmir Shaivism, noting the impact of philosophy on diagnosis as well as treatment as a paradigm that guides the practitioner and client.
Somatic and Transpersonal Psychology		3 credits	45 hours
	This course offers an exploration of mind and emotions and their expression through the body, as well as through relationships. Particular focus on resource states, developmental psychology, trauma, communication styles, family of origin, family rules (open and closed systems), relationship dynamics, active listening, transpersonal psychology (interconnected experiences), empowerment, and guidelines to being a therapist.
Technique Hours		8 credits	120 hours
	Throughout the duration of the program, students partake in regular yoga practice to deepen and advance their integration of alignment and practical techniques as well as teaching principles. This semester brings more focus to the use of props, restoratives, sequencing and movement principles.
Clinic		10 credits	150 hours
	This course is a clinical application of theory as a means of integration and practice. Students engage in case studies, peer studies and supervised clinical practice with clients.
Total		30 credits	450 hours

Electives		Total Requirements
Electives		4 credit	60 hours
	Various electives offered in workshop and intensive formats. Students are to take a total of 4 (15 hours each) electives through the semester and/or a total of 60 hours of electives. Focus of electives is on specific conditions and therapeutic approaches in yogatherapy. Through these courses, students specialize their studies and broaden their knowledge and exposure to approaches in yogatherapy.
Total		4 credits	60 hours

Clinical Yogatherapy (CYT)		Total Requirements
Applied Yogatherapy and Rehabilitation Skills		3 credit	45 hours
	Students work with greater depth and breadth to integrate anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and rehabilitation skills through the application of yogatherapy via case studies, group discussion and problem solving, and peer studies.




Applied Yogatherapy and Counselling Skills		3 credits	45 hours
	In this course, students work with greater depth and breadth to integrate psychology and counselling skills through case studies, group discussion and problem solving, and peer studies.
Final Community Project		6 credits	90 hours
	In this course, students research a particular condition and/or special-needs community, make a liaison with a service organization, out-reach group, or client, develop and deliver an 8 week-class or clinic for the chosen population/ clientele, and receive documented feedback. The student will then write a final project, including all research findings, relevant diagnostic and treatment protocols, feedback summaries and final conclusion. The project culminates in a final presentation and defence of project before peers, staff, and invited guests. Research, development, delivery and final summarization and presentation of work take place in supervision on-campus.
Technique Hours		8 credits	120 hours
	Throughout the duration of the program, students partake in regular yoga practice to deepen and advance their integration of alignment and practical techniques as well as teaching principles. This semester brings more focus to progressing a practice while attending to special needs of individuals within a multi-need and multi-level setting.
Clinic		10 credits	150 hours
	This course is a clinical application of theory as a means of integration and practice. Students engage in case studies, peer studies and supervised clinical practice with clients.
Total		30 credits	450 hours

The Diploma of Yogatherapy is 4 semesters in length. New student intakes are in September, and all new students must complete the one-week General Introduction. The first semester, Foundations of Yogatherapy (FYT) is a stand-alone certificate program that may be taken independently, and then applied toward the Diploma of Yogatherapy, or students may apply to the Diploma of Yogatherapy from the beginning of their studies at PRC. Students matriculating into the Diploma program from FYT will be required to pay $6700 for their final semester. Students applying to the Diploma of Yogatherapy from the onset will pay $6300 for their final semester, assuming they have not deferred at any time. Please see Admissions, below, for further details.

Students of the Diploma of Yogatherapy complete clinical training in PRC's on-campus Student Clinic.

Please click here for more information on Clinical Training at PRC.

The Diploma of Yogatherapy equips students with an understanding of the meaning of "healing" and the sources of disease/illness/imbalance within the framework of yogic philosophy and energy medicine, integrated with western psychology, anatomy and physiology. Graduates of the DYT program have a multitude of skills to draw on as practitioners, helping to create work opportunities in a variety of settings. Graduates may find work in the fields of sports injury/recovery, rehabilitation for injuries and post-surgical conditions, and general support for trauma, illness and disease recovery on physical, mental and emotional levels. Occupational settings may include spas and retreat centres, professional clinics, community health centres, sports and injury recovery centres and more.

Admission into the Diploma of Yogatherapy at Pacific Rim College is on a competitive basis. Entering students must be at least 19 years of age, have a high school diploma or an equivalency test and all non-native English speaking applicants must demonstrate a mastery of written and spoken English. Any foreign applicant may be required to submit an official score report from an English proficiency exam such as TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Test System). Applicants must be physically able to complete the movements taught in the program, have a minimum of one year of yoga practice in any style, and while not required, it is useful to already have a recognised yoga teacher training certificate with teaching experience.

Pacific Rim College is determined to produce only the highest quality health practitioners. As a result, we reserve the right to admit and to retain only students who demonstrate the potential to achieve at the upper-most level. Applicants will be evaluated based on merits such as high academic achievement, emotional maturity, humanitarian activities, morality, community involvement and health-related experience.

To apply for admission into the Diploma of Yogatherapy, please click on the button below and complete an online or paper application. Applicants are encouraged to apply by November 15 for January enrolment and July 15 for the September enrolment. Applications will still be considered after these dates, but enrolment space will be limited. Upon favourable review of your application by our admissions committee, you may be contacted for an interview, which can be carried out via telephone if a person-to-person interview is not possible.

All successful applicants must submit a non-refundable enrolment deposit of $500 within 2 weeks of acceptance or by the 15th of the month preceding enrolment, whichever comes first. Enrolment space will not be reserved without this deposit. This deposit is credited toward tuition fees for the fourth and final semester of the DYT diploma program only. Should a student decide not to enrol in the fourth semester or be dismissed prior to the semester, the enrolment deposit will be forfeited and cannot be used to offset any charges the student may have on account. Should a student decide to defer studies at any time, the deposit will be held until the student resumes studies provided that it is within one calendar year of the deferral. The returning student will, however, lose the reduced tuition fee of $6300 for the final DYT semester and will instead be required to pay a tuition fee of $6700. If a deferred student does not return within one calendar year, the enrolment deposit will be forfeited.

International students are welcome to attend Pacific Rim College and are encouraged to apply. Canadian law requires foreign students to have a valid study permit to study in Canada. Pacific Rim College provides international students with the necessary documentation to receive a valid study permit. In some cases students can apply for and obtain a permit upon entering Canada.

The general program schedule for each component of the Diploma of Yogatherapy is as follows. Please note, a minimum of 6 students is required for the diploma program to be offered.

Fall 2012 Intake
Foundations of Yogatherapy (FYT): September 2012 - December 2012
Advanced Yogatherapy (AYT): January 2013 - April 2013
DYT Electives (DYT): Summer 2013
Clincal Yogatherapy (CYT) (final semester of Diploma Program): September 2013 - December 2013

Fall 2013 Intake
Foundations of Yogatherapy (FYT): September 2013 - December 2013
Advanced Yogatherapy (AYT): January 2014 - April 2014
DYT Electives (DYT): Summer 2014
Clincal Yogatherapy (CYT) (final semester of Diploma Program): September 2014 - December 2014

	Winter 2012 - FYT	Fall 2012 - FYT	Winter 2013 - AYT	Weekly Schedule
Orientation	January 3	TBA	NA	FYT classes are held Tuesdays, Thursdays (8:30am-5:30pm) and and Friday afternoons (1:30- 5:30pm). AYT and CYT classes are held Monday through Thursday 8:30am-5:30pm. Electives TBA.
General Introduction	January 3-5	TBA	NA
First Class Day	January 10	TBA	TBA
Holidays	February 27-March 2 (Reading Break) April 6	TBA	TBA
Last Day of Class	April 17	TBA	TBA
YTT	January 6, February 7, March 13, March 27, April 18	TBA	NA

Please click below for the class schedule for the first semester, Foundation of Yogatherapy.

The total tuition per component is as follows. Full tuition payment is due by the end of the day of the "First Class Day" as indicated in the Academic Calendar above.

General Introduction	$280

Foundations of Yogatherapy (FYT)	$4500

Advanced Yotherapy (AYT)	$6700

DYT Electives	$1000

Clinical Yogatherapy (CYT)	$6300*

Total (DYT)	$18780

*CYT tuition is $6700 for students who defer their studies at any point in time for any reason, and for students who matriculate into DYT from FYT without originally enrolling in the full program.

Please click here for a description of Academic Fees.

Diploma of Yogatherapy

Total Requirements

General Introduction
Foundations of Yogatherapy (FYT)
Advanced Yogatherapy (AYT)
Electives
Clinical Yogatherapy

1.2 credits
19.5 credits
30 credits
4 credits
30 credits

18 hours
292 hours
450 hours
60 hours
450 hours

84.7 credits

This program is approved for Canada Student Loans. British Columbia residents can apply for student loans online through StudentAid BC by clicking here. Students can also pick up a paper application from PRC or any other academic institution registered with Canada Student Loans. For non-British Columbia residents, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca for information about Canada Student Loans.

For a list of all financial aid programs available to PRC students, please visit our Financial Aid page.