- Associate Degree
Prepare to empower individuals and families to build healthier lives through education and coaching. With ACHS’ online Associate of Applied Science in Health and Wellness, you’ll gain practical skills to guide others in nutrition, stress management, and physical activity, using a supportive, coaching approach.
Hands-on coaching skills
to help people build healthy habits through balanced eating, effective stress relief, and regular movement.
Lead with care
as you step into in-demand roles in healthcare, wellness, and preventative health.
A professional foundation
for entry-level roles in hospitals, clinics, corporate wellness programs, and more.
Industry-recognized credentials
that meet education requirements to sit for the Board Exam in Holistic Nutrition.
Whole-person approach
to achieve a mind-body-spirit perspective.
Professional Pathways & Credentialing
National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA)
Approved by NANP to prove that graduates have completed a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare them for professional practice and eligibility to sit for the Holistic Nutrition Board Exam.
Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA)
Recognized by AIA for advancing aromatherapy education that meets professional standards and supports graduates in pursuing careers as skilled, ethical practitioners.
American Herbalist Guild
Qualifies graduates to sit for the national registration exam with the Aromatherapy Registration Council to become a Registered Aromatherapist (RA).
Free eBook: Top Tips for Funding Your Wellness Education
We’re here to help you navigate your investment in education, starting with this free resource.
Apply Your Education in Real-World Settings
Become a leader in healthy living with expertise in nutrition, stress management, and physical activity. You’ll gain skills to design effective wellness programs, clearly communicate health information, and collaborate with healthcare professionals.
Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles in hospitals, clinics, and integrative health settings, as well as opportunities in corporate wellness, education, insurance, and pharmaceuticals.
Earn titles such as:
Educator, Writer, Speaker
Community Health Consultant
Holistic Health Practitioner
Nutritional Therapy Practitioner or Consultant
Admission Requirements
Here’s what you’ll need to do to get started:
Step 1: Request your transcripts.
Provide high school or self-certification of completion with College transcripts.
Step 2: Apply Online
Complete and submit your application online to begin the admissions process.
Step 3: Achieve Acceptance for Admission
A recommendation by the Admissions Committee is required. Review and sign your Academic Plan and Enrollment Agreement once accepted.
Step 4: Confirm Your Funding
Work with the ACHS team to finalize your funding, including payment plans, tuition assistance or military benefits, or financial aid for those who qualify. Learn more.
Step 5: Complete Orientation
Discover ACHS’s learning and support resources to guide you throughout your studies.
*Applicable for all programs except the following certificates: Nature’s Remedies: Crafting Aromatherapy, Herbal, and Nutritional Solutions for a Healthier Family and Community and Holistic Approaches to Mental Health: Essential Oils, Herbs, and Nutrition.
Required Courses
Experience a comprehensive range of courses, from English composition and general education to core health, wellness, nutrition, and integrative studies, designed to give you the knowledge and skills it takes to thrive in the field.
English Composition:
Students must complete at least 6 semester credit hours of English composition or equivalent OR Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC)-approved writing courses; testing options also available.
General Education:
ACHS students complete a total of 24 credits of general education. HECC requires students to complete at least 15 semester credit hours in general education courses including the undergraduate English composition requirement.
Core Requirements:
ACHS students complete 24 credits of core requirements in this program. HECC requires students to complete at least 24 semester credit hours in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences, or in closely related non-vocational courses.
Electives or Specialization Track:
To complete this program, students may select specialization tracks or 12 credits of elective study.
Learning Outcomes
Behavior Change Strategies
Identify strategies for behavior change, empowering individuals with the knowledge to make healthy choices in nutrition and lifestyle.
Research in Integrative Health
Explore research to discover the ever-evolving landscape of integrative health and wellness.
Human Body Education
Explain aspects of the human body’s structure, function, and disease to individuals of all knowledge levels.
Community Wellness Programming
Develop community wellness and health education programming to promote optimal health.
Collaborative Healthcare Guidance
Distinguish when individuals require the expertise of other healthcare providers to ensure their path to optimal well-being.
Interpersonal & Empathy Skills
Plan Your Health and Wellness Path With an Advisor
Connect with an academic advisor to talk through your goals, get personalized guidance, and explore your path forward in health and wellness.
The Value of Accreditation
ACHS is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
This status ensures that your education meets high academic and professional standards, giving you confidence in the quality and credibility of your training.
Tuition and Financial Aid
You can estimate your total tuition and fees by clicking on each required course below to view its total course price. Tuition and fees are subject to change. Explore options to reduce costs through credit transfers, challenge exams, and eBook textbooks here. Financial aid opportunities are also available.
$30,153
Estimated Total
$200
Registration Fee
$22,680
Tuition
$7,223
Books and Supplies
$50
Graduation Fee
* This estimate includes all required textbooks, materials, and the online ACHS eTextbook. It reflects the courses with the greatest out-of-pocket costs and is based on 2024–2025 tuition rates. Actual cost may be lower if you qualify for transfer of credit, pass a challenge exam, or opt for eBook options.
Program Disclosures
In addition to completing this program, documentation of 500 hours (includes a minimum of 250 direct contact hours and up to 250 indirect contact hours) of professional experience in holistic nutrition is also required. NANP also offers an exception for new graduates that defers these requirements for two years if the exam is taken within 12 months of graduation. Please visit Professional Exams and Registration for more information or contact https://www.nanp.org/board-exam-eligibility.
FAQs
What do graduates of the Associate of Applied Science in Health and Wellness apply their education professionally?
Graduates step into a variety of entry-level roles in hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, and integrative health organizations. Earn titles such as educator, writer, or speaker; community health consultation; holistic health practitioner; nutritional therapy practitioner or consultant.
How long does it take to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Health and Wellness?
The timeline depends on a few factors, such as how many credits you transfer in and how much time you can dedicate to studying. If you’re full time (12 semester credits) and need the full 60 credits, you can finish in about two years with year-round study. ACHS offers flexible scheduling so you can study full time or part time, whatever fits your lifestyle. Your advisor will also help you create a plan that works best for you.
What will the program teach me?
This online program gives you the knowledge and skills to guide individuals toward healthier lifestyles, covering nutrition, stress management, physical activity, and behavior change strategies. You’ll also learn to design wellness programs, communicate health concepts clearly, and develop strong interpersonal skills to support and motivate others.
What kind of support is available for career planning after graduation?
ACHS offers robust career support after graduation, including one-on-one coaching to help you strengthen your resume, interview skills, LinkedIn profile, and networking. You’ll also have access to mentorship programs through Career & Alumni Services, plus a job and internship board, regular webinars, virtual career events, and the Employer Summit — all designed to connect you with employers and keep you up to date on industry trends.
ACHS Partnerships & Affiliations
Ready To Turn Your Passion Into a Profession?
Apply now, or speak to one of our expert advisors.