Complementary Health Care—Yoga Teacher Training Degree (CHY)

An innovative opportunity to study complementary/holistic approaches to maintaining health and supporting recovery from injury or illness, orienting students to complementary health care theories, principles, and practices. This two-year degree program provides a comprehensive background in various modalities and prepares students to become A 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher. Students will be eligible to become Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT) with Yoga Alliance ©.

Campus/format: This program can be completed during the day or evening at the Gardner Campus.

Application deadline: Academic & career advising sessions with the complementary healthcare advisors is recommended.

Special requirements: Students must meet technical standards with or without accommodations and additional requirements including immunizations, CPR certification, liability insurance, and a Criminal/Sexual Offender Records Information (CORI/SORI) (see pages 34-35 of the college catalog). Students must score 72 or greater on the Algebra CPT or score 31 or greater on the College Math CPT or have completed a math course equal to MAT126 or higher with a C+ or better. All BIO credits must have been taken within five years. Students will be required to purchase professional liability insurance privately prior to participation in Yoga III due to practicum participation. Please see program faculty for details.

Transfer options: Some CHC courses may transfer to Fitchburg State College. Check with the transfer advisor. Transfer agreements exist with Charter Oak State College and the University of Phoenix.

Visit the MWCC Transfer Services website at http://transfer.mwcc.edu.

3 Plus ONE eligible–go to: www.mwcc.edu/3PlusONE

Career options: Yoga teachers may work in fitness centers, wellness centers, spas, hospitals, retirement communities, doctor and chiropractic offices, assisted-living centers, yoga centers, and group/individual practices.

Earning potential: Varies by position.

Elective courses by abbreviation

Program Competencies

Upon graduation from this program students shall have demonstrated the ability to:

1. Attain the practical skills necessary to work as a yoga instructor.
2. Communicate effectively and accurately through oral, written and electronic means.
3. Identify the steps and meet the criteria to become registered as a yoga instructor.

Technical Standards*

*general information about technical standards and accommodation.

Students entering one of these programs must be able to demonstrate the ability to:

1. Comprehend textbook material at the 11th grade level.
2. Communicate and assimilate information either in spoken, printed, signed, or computer voice format.
3. Gather, analyze, and draw conclusions from data.
4. Continuously (2-4 hours) stand in place, twist, scoop, bend at the waist, pinch or grasp with hands, reach with arms overhead.
5. Lift, handle and carry massage therapy equipment including table, chair which can weigh up to 50 pounds.
6. Manipulate clients for positioning requiring lifting up to 40 lbs.
7. Demonstrate tactile ability commensurate with assessing muscle tonicity. In addition, tactile sensitivity to hotness/coldness, wetness/dryness, hardness/softness.
8. Demonstrate fine and gross motor skills commensurate with sustained pressure using thumbs, wrist and hands for up to 60 minutes.
9. Respond to spoken verbal communication, as well as sounds that indicate changes in the patient’s physiological condition (i.e. breath sounds, slurred speech).
10. Identify behaviors that would endanger a person’s life or safety, and intervene quickly in a crisis situation with an appropriate solution.
11. Remain calm, rational, decisive, and in control at all times, especially during emergency situations.
12. Exhibit behavioral and ethical skills appropriate to professional interactions.
13. Maintain cleanliness and personal grooming consistent with close personal contact.
14. Function without causing harm to self or others if under the influence of prescription or over-the-counter medications.