Yoga Instructors / Practitioners

Program Description

This course series instructs students in the art and science of Yoga and teaches them the skills needed to become a Yoga Instructor. Yoga Instructors and Yoga Practitioners coach or instruct individuals or groups in beginner or intermediate yoga postures. They demonstrate the basic fundamentals of classical yoga practices and Asana techniques, observe participants, and explain corrective measures needed for participants to improve their skills and avoid injuries. Students will deepen their vinyasa yoga practice with 3-5 practices/week, learn the anatomy of yoga, learn alignment and modifications for 40+ postures, learn yoga teaching skills including effective cuing, hands-on assists and classroom management. ​

This comprehensive 200-hour course series provides students with the knowledge and tools needed to teach beginner and intermediate Yoga classes. Training includes: classical Yoga practices and theories; hands-on experience in Asana technique; anatomical awareness; philosophy; teaching methodology; breathing; postural sequencing; observation; verbal instructions; physical support; meditation; and Yoga as a business.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:

1. function more effectively as a yoga instructor working with individuals or small groups;
2. assist individuals or small groups in modifying yoga postures (asanas) and sequences to make yoga accessible for everyone;
3. design practices for individuals and small groups to cultivate discernment, awareness, self-regulation, and higher consciousness through yoga;
4. assist individuals to build strength and avoid injury through a series of yoga asanas positions that build flexibility, physical balance, and endurance;
5. provide instruction in breathing techniques and meditation to improve health and wellness, increase mental clarity, and reduce stress;
6. meet the eligibility requirements to be a certified yoga instructor through Yoga Alliance;
7. continue employment as a certified yoga instructor and pursue options to maintain Yoga Alliance RYT200 certification; and
8. assume responsibility for continued professional and personal development through lifelong learning/continuing education. 

Program Credential

Successful Completion:

CCBC Credential: Students will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).

External Credential: Students will receive a Yoga Teacher Certificate.

Students will be eligible to apply for the RYT200 registration with Yoga Alliance; www.yogaalliance.org

Certifying Organization: MaKa Movement;  www.makamovement.com

Financial Aid and Payment Options

CCBC currently offers Continuing Education (CE) financial aid to those who qualify. We package public and private funding options to benefit students which include COVID-19 relief funding, the Maryland Sequence Scholarship, CCBC Opportunity Grant funding, Maryland Promise, and Baltimore County College Promise. Financial aid funding is available for select CE courses and programs. 

Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition,  the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development. 

For more information about funding resources and how to apply for them, please contact the CCBC Continuing Education Information Center at 443-840-4700.

Program Length

4 months; Courses are held two evenings and on Saturdays.

Program Requirements

Current CPR, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid certifications.

Prior yoga experience preferred.

Application Process

Provisional Entry – Verification of required certifications

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has no options for obtaining course waiver(s) for prior learning.

Program Course Sequence

Additional Courses:

FIT 118 Yoga Asanas and the Eight Limbs, $239, T-$72/F-$167

​Intuitive Yoga Assisting, $89, T$27/F$62    
 

Additional Information

Additional Expenses:
Instructional tools and materials: $75.  

Skills for Success:
Prior work-related skills, knowledge, and/or experience in health and fitness is required for yoga occupations. Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training that includes both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced yoga teacher trainers and yoga practitioners.

Detail-oriented; dependability; self-control; ability to follow safety rules; ability to follow directions; cooperative attitude; integrity; persistence; manual dexterity; mechanical aptitude; mathematical aptitude; ability to stand for long periods of time; ability to lift 35 lbs.; good balance; physically strong; excellent communication skills;  and excellent customer service skills.

Career Opportunities:
Potential positions include: Adaptive Yoga Instructor; Chair Yoga Instructor; Private Yoga Instructor; RYT200 Yoga Instructor; RYT300 Yoga Instructor; RYT800 Yoga Instructor; Yoga Instructor; Yoga Practitioner; and Yoga Therapist.

Career Coach

Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more.  View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at: https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA .  Explore career and training opportunities at: https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.

Program Contact Information

Coordinator: LaVerne Robertson | lrobertson@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-1253 | Essex | BESS | 124

Director: Michelle McCallum | mmccallum@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-1925 | Essex | BESS | 117