State Licensing Requirements

ACHS prepares students to apply their integrative health and wellness education in diverse roles within the integrative health and wellness industry.

ACHS is a proud member and supporter of professional organizations working to advance evidence-based and sustainable practices in integrative health and wellness, including the Alliance of International Aromatherapists, American Herbalists Guild, American Nutrition Association, National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, and the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, among others.

Completing an education in health and wellness and achieving industry-recognized credentials may lead to roles in education, consulting, wellness coaching, and natural product formulation and manufacturing, for example. Click here to learn more about professional pathways.

Licensure is not required for employment within the fields and scope of practice for which ACHS provides training. ACHS programs are not designed to meet educational requirements for a specific state license or certification or to qualify a student to sit for a specific state exam in any state or jurisdiction. Please note that ACHS graduates may not claim to treat, diagnose, cure, or prescribe, unless otherwise licensed to do so.

ACHS’s career support services are available to provide coaching, resources, and services to help you put your education into practice. Connect with services here.

Following is additional information and industry resources to support access to integrative health and wellness professionals:

Aromatherapy Professionals

Currently, there are no licensing requirements for aromatherapists in the United States. There are membership and registration options in the industry, including:

Herbal Medicine Professionals

Currently, there are no licensing requirements for herbalists in the United States.

There are membership and registration options in the industry, including:

American Herbalists Guild

Nutrition Professionals

ACHS provides training aligned with professional standards to prepare graduates as holistic nutrition professionals (HNPs), such as nutrition coaches, educators, and Certified Nutrition Specialists® (CNS). HNPs do not practice Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) which is the provision of nutrition care services for the treatment or management of a disease or medical condition, unless otherwise licensed to do so. Please note that the definition of MNT may differ from state to state. The National Association of Nutrition Professionals provides state resources for HNPs. The American Nutrition Association provides resources for those who may be interested in seeking licensure pathways as a Certified Nutrition Specialist®.

Industry-Recognized Professional Examinations and Registration

ACHS graduates qualify for several nationally recognized industry certifications and registration opportunities that validate the practitioner’s training, experience, and commitment to consumer and client safety. These organizations also provide resources that will help you in your research and provide support for holistic nutrition credentialing and access to benefits like practitioner liability insurance.

Depending on your ACHS program, you may qualify for the following credentials offered by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP):

Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® Exam
Certified Nutrition Professional
Certified Dietary Supplement Professional™

Learn more about professional nutrition pathways with ACHS online here.

Holistic Nutrition Advocacy Resources

Many organizations are committed to advocacy and ensuring access to holistic nutrition and other integrative health professionals. The following organizations provide additional information on current nutrition practice requirements and opportunities to get involved in advocacy in your state.