Articulation Agreements

What is an articulation agreement?

Articulation (education transfer) agreements are established to help transfer and continuing students make a smooth transition between colleges and programs without duplicating coursework. ACHS articulation agreements provide guidance to prospective students who wish to understand how courses may transfer to or from American College of Healthcare Sciences.

ACHS is continually exploring new pathways for students to continue their education, so if you don’t see what you are looking for, just ask. Contact Admissions at [email protected] for more information.

ACHS has entered into articulation agreements with the following education partners:¹

American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences (Post University)
California Institute of Integral Studies
California Southern University
Maryland University of Integrative Health

More Ways to Maximize Your Knowledge:
For more information about opportunities to maximize your prior education, learn more about transfer of credit and challenge exam opportunities online here or contact the Registrar’s Office at (800) 487-8839.

Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs):

MOU agreements are established to help ACHS graduates make a smooth transition to becoming professionally recognized in their field. ACHS MOU agreements may prequalify some program graduates to be eligible for pursuing credentials.

Learn more about Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) below.

Transfer of Credit

We are committed to affordability and helping students maximize their earned credit and experience. ACHS and the following institutions are committed to maximizing eligible transfer of credit between institutions. This means we will do everything possible to assure students get credit for their educational background.

EXCEPT AS NOTED: ACHS does not offer advanced standing for applicants beyond the approval of eligible transfer of credit and successful completion of eligible challenge examinations.

¹ACHS articulation agreements have been designed, in part, to further the goals of Oregon 2012 HB 4059, specifically to increase the number of students who receive academic credit for prior learning, including academic credit that counts toward their major or earning their degree, certificate or credential, while ensuring that credit is awarded only for high-quality course-level competencies.

American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences

American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) and American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences (ASUNHS) (https://post.edu/academics/american-sentinel-college-of-nursing/) have formed an articulation agreement to expand student opportunity and educational access. (Note, ASUNHS is a division of Post University.)

This agreement offers students who are already nurses who wish to earn advanced Degrees in Nursing, expanded educational pathways:

Pre-approved transfer credit and fast-tracked admission to American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences programs:

ACHS Associates Degree graduates with an AAS in Integrative Health Sciences (formerly AAS in Complementary Alternative Medicine) or AAS in Health and Wellness will be eligible for up to 18.0 credits of transfer into approved ASU Degree programs with articulated general education and elective transfer credit towards degree completion.

Pathways for ACHS Associates degree program graduates, who are also nurses, can seek further education at ASU in the following programs:

Bachelor of Science Nursing completion program (RN to BSN)
Master of Science Nursing degree program, with five specializations (MSN)
Accelerated RN to BS/MS
Nursing degree program (RN to BSN/MSN)
Masters in Business Administration Healthcare (Course or Project Based MBA)
Doctorate of Nursing Practice, Educational Leadership degree program (DNP)
Doctorate of Nursing Practice, Executive Leadership degree program (DNP)
Doctorate of Nursing Practice, Informatics Leadership degree program (DNP)
Infection Prevention and Control Certificate (graduate level)
Business and technology degrees at the Master’s level

Both ACHS and ASU will facilitate and maximize transfer of credit between institutions. Note that transfer of graduate credit requires the equivalent of a B grade or better for credit transfer.

How this Articulation Agreement Works for You

As a nurse and an ACHS AAS graduate, you are eligible to apply for an ASU advanced nursing degree program.

California Institute of Integral Studies

American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) (www.achs.edu) and California Institute of Integral Studies (www.ciis.edu) have formed an articulation agreement to expand student opportunity and educational access.

This agreement offers students:

ACHS Associates Degree graduates with the following degrees will be eligible for 60 credits of transfer into ACTCM/ CIIS Degree programs listed above with a plan to meet general education admission requirements:
This agreement provides a pathway for ACHS Associates degree program graduates, to seek further education at CIIS in the following programs:
- Bachelor of Arts Degree Completion; Interdisciplinary studies with a minor in Psychology;
- Future Bachelor of Arts Degree Completion programs in Education Studies and Communication Studies effective Fall 2018;
- Qualified student admission to Dual Accelerated Program option (1-2 year) to complete BA and Masters in Anthropology and Social Change, Woman’s Studies, East West Psychology and Master of Fine Arts. (75 or more semester credits to transfer- to apply to both programs.)
- Fast track admissions for ACHS AAS graduates seeking transfer into the Bachelor’s degree completion program, with the intention of entering into ACTCM Masters acupuncture programs.
ACHS and ACTCM/ CIIS will facilitate and maximize transfer of credit between institutions. Note that transfer of graduate credit requires the equivalent of a B grade or better for credit transfer.

ACHS and ACTCM/ CIIS will facilitate and maximize transfer of credit between institutions. Note that transfer of graduate credit requires the equivalent of a B grade or better for credit transfer.

California Southern University

ACHS and CalSouthern – Pathways to Advanced Education Opportunity

American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) (www.achs.edu) and California Southern University (CSU) (www.calsouthern.edu) have formed an articulation agreement to expand student opportunity and educational access. [1]

This agreement offers students:

Pre-approved transfer credit and fast-tracked admission to CalSouthern Bachelor of Arts programs- for eligible ACHS Associate Degree program graduates.
Fast-tracked admission into ACHS graduate programs including Graduate Certificate and Masters Degree programs for CalSouthern BA graduates.
Eligible ACHS Masters Degree graduates will have fast-tracked admission into the CalSouthern Doctoral program in Psychology.
Maximized transfer of credit for all students at both institutions.

Guaranteed Admission for ACHS AAS Graduates:

This agreement provides a pathway for students interested in CalSouthern baccalaureate programs to transfer their ACHS Associate of Applied Science in Integrative Health Sciences (AAS in IHS) or Associate of Applied Science in Health and Wellness (AAS HW) degree to CalSouthern and earn up to 60 transfer credits as described below.

BA | Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (BA) degree program at CalSouthern introduces learners to the field of psychology and behavioral studies, and provides the foundation in psychology that allows application of psychology to bachelor-level careers in industry government, and relevant nonprofit agencies. The BA program in Psychology also provides the basic knowledge and skills that serve learners in entry-level, staff positions in mental health centers and social service agencies, as well as for those who desire to seek further, graduate-level education in psychology and related fields.

ACHS AAS HW graduates: 60 credits will transfer into California Southern University’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program.

ACHS AAS in IHS graduates: 51 credits will transfer into California Southern University’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program.

BBA | Bachelor of Business Administration

The Bachelor of Business Administration degree program is designed to provide undergraduate learners with a practical education in business administration. The core courses offer a well-rounded education in business, management, accounting, marketing, finance, international business, and information technology. Additional elective courses are selected to focus on management, accounting, human resources management, marketing or international business.

ACHS AAS HW graduates: 51 credits will transfer into California Southern University’s Bachelor of Business Administration program.

ACHS AAS in IHS graduates: 48 credits will transfer into California Southern University’s Bachelor of Business Administration program.

BSAT | Bachelor of Science in Applied Technology

The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) is a flexible, interdisciplinary degree completion program that is designed to meet the needs of Learners who wish to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree by building on the knowledge learned in their associate degree program. This program is uniquely suited for the individual who has received credit in technical areas from a community or technical college and wishes to advance to the baccalaureate degree level.

ACHS AAS HW graduates: 60 credits will transfer into California Southern University’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Technology program.

ACHS AAS in IHS graduates: 60 credits will transfer into California Southern University’s Bachelor of Science in Applied Technology program.

ACHS Master of Science degrees pathway to CSU Doctoral Programs

ACHS Master’s Degree graduates who have met all other requirements for admission to the CSU Doctoral Program in Psychology and the CSU Doctoral Program in Business Administration will be prequalified for admission. In the case where the master’s degree is not a related degree to the Doctoral degree at CalSouthern, some foundational leveling courses may be required.

CSU Bachelor’s Degree Graduates’ Pathway to ACHS Graduate Programs:

How this Articulation Agreement Works for You

As an ACHS graduate with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Integrative Health Sciences or Health and Wellness, you are eligible to apply for a CalSouthern BA Degree program.

Cal Southern BA Graduates:

CalSouthern BA Degree graduates meet all requirements for admission into ACHS graduate-level programs and will be granted priority admission to the following programs:

*Note: This is not a guarantee that all prerequisite courses will be available at ACHS.

[1] This articulation agreement has been reviewed by the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (OHECC) and has been designed to further the goals of 2012 HB 4059, specifically to increase the number of students who receive academic credit for prior learning, including academic credit that counts toward their major or earning their degree, certificate or credential, while ensuring that credit is awarded only for high-quality course-level competencies.

Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH)

American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) (www.achs.edu) and Maryland University of Integrative Health (https://www.muih.edu ) have formed an education agreement to expand student opportunity and educational access. This agreement covers students transferring to ACHS from MUIH and vice versa.

Course Transfer Guide

The following courses at MUIH and ACHS have been evaluated for equivalency and mutual acceptance of transfer of credit:

Program Transfer Guide

The following ACHS programs have been identified to meet the prerequisite requirements of the following MUIH programs. In addition to completion of a bachelor’s degree, there may be additional requirements for admission to MUIH programs.

How this Articulation Agreement Works for You

As an ACHS or MUIH student or graduate, this agreement provides you with greater access and opportunity to continue your health and wellness education and maximize your prior credit.

Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs)

What is a Memorandum of Understanding?

MOU agreements are established to help ACHS graduates make a smooth transition to becoming professionally recognized in their field.

ACHS MOU agreements may prequalify some program graduates to be eligible for pursuing credentials.

ACHS has entered into MOU agreements with the following credentialing partners:

Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA): ACHS offers programs that meet Professional Level and Advanced Practitioner Level clinical aromatherapy curriculum and practice standards.

American Clinical Board of Nutrition: Graduates of the ACHS Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition program or the Graduate Certificate in Holistic Nutrition, who also hold a clinical doctorate degree (i.e., DC, ND, MD, DO, DDS) eligible to sit for the ACBN examination leading to the Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition (DACBN).

American Herbalists Guild (AHG): Master Herbalist graduates are eligible for professional membership once they have met the AHG clinical requirement, available through the AHG mentorship program.

Aromatherapy Registration Council (ARC): Qualifying graduates are eligible to sit for the National Examination in Aromatherapy to become Registered Aromatherapists. Successful exam candidates earn the trademarked designation R.A.

International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN): Qualifying graduates are eligible to sit the Sports Nutrition Specialist (SNS) exam and Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN) exam depending on course completed.

National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA): ACHS offers NAHA-Approved Level Three aromatherapy programs.

National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP): Qualifying ACHS graduates are eligible to sit the NANP Board Exam to become, “Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition”.

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM): Qualifying graduates are eligible to sit the NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exam. Note: The CPT exam requires that students also have a CPR/AED certification.

Learn more about these opportunities and qualifying programs online here.