At the heart of the American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) is a foundational belief: Every individual is unique—inside and out—and deserves an education that reflects that individuality. This philosophy has shaped ACHS since its inception and continues to guide its mission of making holistic health and wellness education accessible across the globe.
Recently, ACHS Founding President Dorene Petersen shared her personal story and the inspiration behind the College’s origins, its enduring values, and the incredible journey of building a global leader in holistic health education.
A Vision Rooted in Compassion
“When I think about what inspired me to establish ACHS,” Dorene reflects, “my childhood and my upbringing really heavily influenced those two things.”
Before launching ACHS, Dorene worked as a medical social worker. It was there that she saw firsthand how deeply chronic stress, unresolved trauma, and lack of access to preventive care could impact a person’s long-term health. This experience led her to study naturopathic medicine and ultimately inspired the creation of an institution dedicated to wellness education and empowerment.
From the beginning, Dorene’s vision was to create a place where students were seen and supported as individuals, not statistics. “Our approach from the very beginning has been to see each student as a unique and exceptional individual and meet everyone where they’re at.”
Bringing Holistic Education to the U.S.
ACHS has come a long way since its early years. In May 2009, the College officially changed its name from the Australasian College of Health Sciences to the American College of Healthcare Sciences to reflect its growing impact in the United States and celebrate 20 years of U.S. operations. The new name also aligned with the College’s long-term goals as an Institute of Higher Learning.
By 2018, ACHS celebrated a remarkable milestone—four decades of excellence in holistic health distance education, serving students around the world.
A Global Community with a Local Heart
Today, ACHS is based in Portland, Oregon, but its reach is global. “We have students in 80 different countries,” Dorene shares. “The internet has been wonderful for reaching a really broad, interesting group of people.”
Dorene emphasizes the importance of creating a space where students feel heard and supported, even in an online format. “It’s not always easy to throw yourself out into the internet and be who you are and ask the questions that you need to ask,” she explains. “I think we’ve managed to recreate that support within an online classroom.”
ACHS also maintains a strong commitment to its graduates, offering continued education through webinars, micro-credentials, and expert-led trainings.
Pioneering in Distance Education
Bringing ACHS to the United States wasn’t without challenges. As Dorene recounts, “When compliance required that we became licensed in every state, it seemed like an insurmountable requirement. Rather than be daunted by that, we decided to achieve it.”
Through determination and innovation, ACHS became one of the first accredited distance education colleges to meet these nationwide standards, setting a precedent for online learning in the wellness space.
A Lasting Legacy
Dorene Petersen’s legacy lives on in the students and alumni who are making meaningful contributions in their communities and around the world. “I’m proud of all of the students and graduates of ACHS that have forged their own path… to achieve incredible success and to really continue to make a difference when the world needs it most.”
Rooted in a strong belief in the power of integrative health, Dorene envisions a world where wellness education is available to all who seek it. “The students and graduates of ACHS will continue to make a huge impact on the world and really ensure that integrative health and a wellness lifestyle are accessible to everybody.”
Turn Your Passion into Purpose
If Dorene Petersen’s story and the mission of ACHS resonate with you, we invite you to learn more about how our programs can help you turn your passion into purpose.
Request more information today and discover how ACHS can support your path in holistic health and wellness.
Watch the full interview with Dorene below!
