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Register a School with Yoga Alliance

Learn how to register your yoga school with Yoga Alliance USA in this comprehensive guide. Follow the step-by-step process for recognition and accreditation.

Register a School with Yoga Alliance

Congratulations! You have taken the first step towards becoming certified yoga bosses! According to recent estimates, about 300 million people practice yoga regularly. This number is expected to grow in the coming years. That makes the yoga industry more competitive than ever. Are you wondering why Yoga Alliance USA accreditation is necessary for your yoga school? Then you have come to the right place.

Think of Yoga Alliance USA as the official stamp of approval for yoga schools. It's like having a prestigious badge. It shows students and the yoga community that your school meets certain standards of quality and professionalism. There are about 7,000 yoga studios and 100,000 yoga teachers registered in the US. Think of it as a way to build credibility and trust. It is much like how a degree from a respected university can strengthen your resume.

Don't worry, I'll explain.

Yoga Alliance USA is a well-known and respected organization. It sets standards for yoga teacher training programs. Once your school is accredited, it shows you have met its standards. These cover curriculum, training hours, and teaching methods.

Simply put, Yoga Alliance USA gives official stamps or logos to Registered Yoga Schools (RYS) and Teachers (RYT).

Benefits of Becoming a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School (RYS):

  • Credibility and trust: Being an RYS gives your yoga center legitimacy and trust. Future students may see that you are registered with Yoga Alliance. Then they know you have met certain teacher training standards. It shows that your school upholds moral standards and offers high-quality teaching.
  • International Recognition: Yoga Alliance is well-known worldwide. So having your school registered with them boosts its standing there. This may attract students from all over the world who trust the Yoga Alliance brand. Such students want to learn from an accredited school.
  • Networking Possibilities: As a Yoga Alliance member, you have access to networking opportunities. You can build links with other RYSs, seasoned teachers, and yoga devotees. This creates chances for teamwork, sharing skills, and personal growth.
  • Promotion and Exposure: Yoga Alliance's website has a list of accredited colleges and instructors. Your school will be listed there, so you will have more online exposure. Future students can find you easily. This improves your chances of being noticed and drawing in new students.

RYS 200 and RYS 500

RYS 200 is the first step on your yoga path. It refers to a 200-hour teacher training program. It is ideal for those who want to broaden their practice while sharing yoga's gift with others. This training covers all the basic facets of yoga. These include asanas (poses), pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation, and the art of teaching. It lays the base for yoga teacher certification.

RYS 500 is an advanced training program. It builds on RYS 200 concepts. As the name implies, this program involves 500 hours of training. It covers advanced yoga techniques, philosophy, anatomy, and teaching methods. By completing RYS 500, you will grow your skills. You will become a more distinctive yoga instructor.

Preparing Your Yoga School for Registration

  • Before applying, check that your yoga school meets Yoga Alliance's eligibility requirements.
  • The specific requirements vary by the type of school you have. Examples are 200-hour, 300-hour, or 500-hour teacher training programs.
  • Yoga Alliance has listed topics not allowed in their accredited yoga teacher training programs.
  • These subjects include herbalism, facial yoga, goat or pet yoga, acupressure, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, craniosacral therapy, creative arts and crafts, crystals, essential oils, and others.
  • The focus is on keeping yoga teachings traditional and authentic. This ensures the highest standards of yoga education for aspiring teachers.
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Yoga Teacher Training Staff

Say a trainee has successfully completed the requirements of your yoga teacher training program. As the owner of an RYS, you must then issue them a completion certificate. With this certificate, they can register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYTs). It serves as proof of their success. The certificate will be uploaded to your trainees' RYT accounts when they apply to register. A trainee may ask to confirm that they completed the program. The school owner will then be notified via email and their RYS dashboard. By following this process, you help your students grow. You also ensure they gain the respect they deserve as qualified yoga instructors.

Preparing Your Application

  • The application process is designed for schools with an organized program. So it is best not to apply until you have a full syllabus, outline, and curriculum in place.
  • The application process requires a one-time payment of $400 USD per training program. This fee covers a thorough review of your school's application. The review checks that it meets Yoga Alliance's high standards and requirements. If your application is accepted and you join, you will be charged $240 USD in annual registration fees.
  • Once you submit your application, a panel of peers will review it. The process may take 6–8 weeks, depending on the number of applicants.
  • Do you have questions about the application requirements? Then it is advised to set up a pre-application consultation call with a credential specialist. All applicants are encouraged to join these calls. They give useful information and insights into the application process.

RYS DIRECTORY

First, Yoga Alliance must approve your yoga school as a Registered Yoga School (RYS). Once it does, your school will be listed in the RYS directory. However, the directory listing will be general. It will not contain specific details about your RYS program.

Fill out your profile completely to make your school more visible in the directory. This will draw in potential trainees. If you give detailed information, future learners can review your school and training program before enrolling.

Maintain Your RYS Status

You must meet five key requirements to keep your status as a Registered Yoga School (RYS) with Yoga Alliance. This also lets you receive membership benefits.

First, all members must adhere to Yoga Alliance's Code of Conduct, Scope of Practice, and Ethical Commitment. This helps to maintain the yoga community's integrity and professionalism. Likewise, be aware of the Yoga Alliance's Policy on Yoga Therapy Terms. Following this policy ensures that yoga therapy terms are used properly and responsibly in your school's curriculum. Second, remember Yoga Alliance's guidelines for the use of yoga therapy terms.

Keeping your credentials up-to-date shows your dedication to lifelong learning and growth. This is critical to keeping high standards of yoga instruction. You must also take part in the Re-Credentialing Process every three years. Through this process, you can check and update your credentials. You can also make sure you're up to date with Yoga Instruction standards.

Remember to pay your annual renewal fees to keep your RYS status. These dues fund Yoga Alliance's efforts to improve credentialing systems and develop standards. They also help it offer useful services and benefits to the yoga community.

Takeaway

Yoga Alliance certification will help you gain respect from your peers and customers. There are over 100,000 yoga teachers and schools certified by the Yoga Alliance. This opens up more opportunities to grow and expand your school. Finally, it shows your commitment to high-quality teaching and professional standards. Aspiring yoga school owners, take the needed steps. Embrace this chance to create a positive impact on the yoga community.

Watch: Graduating as a Certified Yoga Teacher

A new graduate with her certificate by the Ganges. A short clip from our school to go with “How to Register Your Yoga School with Yoga Alliance USA: A Comprehensive Guide”.

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