Yoga Instructor Certification

Hybrid Course Format and Part-Time Options Available

Group Yoga Pose

The Yoga Instructor Certification program at Bellevue College offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes 12-credits of classes and a practicum, all designed to prepare students for a successful career as qualified yoga instructors. The program adheres to the Yoga Alliance’s 200-hour approved teaching standard curriculum, ensuring students are well-equipped to teach yoga in various settings. Bellevue College is the premier National Yoga Alliance-approved Yoga Instructor Certificate Program in the Northwest. Certificate of Registration

Students receive a solid foundation in anatomical kinesiology and yoga instructor techniques, immersing themselves in the art and science of yoga instruction. Upon completing the program, graduates will be eligible to register as a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), a credential highly valued by employers in the fitness and wellness industry.

I enjoyed the program as it provided me with varied materials that helped me understand the philosophy, history and theory of YOGA practice. Having instructors present in their area of specialties also added value to what we learned including getting first hand insight from an instructor’s perspective. Having a cohort that was equally engaged provided a healthy environment of discussion.

-Peri Gilani, Yoga Instructor Certification Graduate

Program Features

  • Strong focus on anatomy makes this program applicable for coaching individuals or teaching classes.
  • Upon completion of the certificate, graduates can become a Registered Yoga Teacher through the National Yoga Alliance.
  • Set in an academic environment, this program offers a cohort experience, allowing students to explore various aspects of yoga with knowledgeable instructors who are experts in their fields.
  • Yoga Instructor Certificate Info & Requirements

Recommended Course Sequence

FallWinterSpring
PE 148: Yoga Instructor Techniques – 3 creditsPE 149: Yoga Instructor Techniques II - 3 creditsPE 280: Yoga Instruction Practicum - 1 credit
PE 236: Anatomical Kinesiology
– 3 credits
Elective from list belowElective from list below

During the course of the program, you will need to earn two credits from a Health & PE elective. Choose from the following options:

  • HLTH 224: Wellness Coaching – 2 credits
  • PE 114: Beginning Rock Climbing – 1 credit
  • PE 115: Hiking and Orienteering – 2 credits
  • PE 116: Snowshoeing – 2 credits
  • PE 124: Intermediate Rock Climbing – 1 credit
  • PE 128: Sea Kayaking & Navigation – 1 credit
  • PE 255: Ski Instructor Training – 2 credits
  • PE 256: Introduction to Mountain Bike Instruction – 2 credits

How to Apply

Apply Now

Bellevue College’s Yoga Instructor Certificate program is a selective admissions program. All students are required to apply to Bellevue College before completing the online Yoga Instructor application. Specific instructions have been provided for this program.

FAQ for Yoga Instructor Certificate Program

Anyone interested in learning how to teach yoga effectively, or learn more about the essentials of yoga foundations and philosophy.

A minimum of 1 year yoga experience is helpful

  1. Bellevue College Yoga Instructor Certificate (13 credits) with an emphasis on professional and safety standards of yoga instruction for individual and group settings.
  2. National Yoga Alliance 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) certification

This program is designed to give you an in-depth immersive experience of learning methods to teach yoga effectively. It can be completed over a longer or shorter period of time. It is a cohort program with 5 classes. Two classes are required to be taken in the same school year (PE 148 and PE 149) as a cohort, Fall and Winter quarter. Spring quarter is your practicum/teaching quarter (PE 280).  Two other courses support the individual coaching and teaching experience, and anatomical and kinesiology emphasis.  Many students will take the recommended course sequence to complete the certificate in 3 quarters (Fall, Winter, Spring). However, if students would like to take more time they could take it over 5 quarters.

Tuition rates and more detailed information can be found on the Bellevue College Tuition & Fees website.

There may be financial aid options available for students such as grants, loans, and scholarships. you can learn more on the Financial Aid website.

There are no course requirements that need to be completed before you can apply to the program.

There is no English requirement but it is recommended that students have a level of English that would allow them to grasp the concepts and communicate with others in the program. In the PE 280: Yoga Instructor Practicum course, students will gain experience leading a yoga class and communicating yoga concepts to others.

If you are looking for additional resources to increase your level of English before applying, you can explore our Basic and Transitional Studies (BATS) department that offers English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. Please see additional information on their website.

Please visit our application instructions page for more details.

If you are already an active Bellevue College student with a Student ctcLink ID Number, you can skip to Step 2, which outlines all of the components of our application.

For questions, please email: wellness@bellevuecollege.edu

Last Updated July 18, 2024