Associate of Applied Science in Health and Wellness

Overview

The mission of the AAS Health and Wellness degree program is to broaden students’ knowledge and skills with a mind-body-spirit approach to health and wellness. Students will explore various approaches to health and wellness and study the concepts, values, and applications of this exciting field of health science.

The AAS Health and Wellness program is aimed particularly at students who want to coach clients in developing healthy lifestyle habits, including: nutrition, managing daily stress, and becoming more physically active. This program is intended for anyone seeking a healthier life for themselves and their families and to help others achieve health and wellness in a non-clinical setting through education and coaching strategies.

The Associate of Applied Science in Health and Wellness program is designed to provide a solid foundation for entry-level careers in traditional health settings such as hospitals, private medical offices, and public health agencies as well as integrative health and wellness organizations and companies. Graduates can be at the forefront of the movement of collaborative and integrative health care. In addition, opportunities may exist in newly emerging preventative health services in corporate wellness centers, college health services, insurance agencies, and pharmaceutical companies.

For all graduates, this program:

  • Is approved by the National Association of Nutrition Professional (NANP)
  • Meets the education requirements for graduates to sit for the Board Exam in Holistic Nutrition certification, offered by the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board (http://nanp.org/hncb), entitling successful candidates to use the title, “Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®”, in accordance with State laws.¹

Recommended Sequence

The recommended course sequence for this program is published in the ACHS Program Catalog available to download online here.

Highlights

Meets the education requirements for graduates to sit for the Board Exam in Holistic Nutrition certification, offered by the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board*

*Please note: 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 https://achs.edu/alumni/professional-exams-registration for more information or contact https://www.nanp.org/board-exam-eligibility.

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify strategies for behavior change, empowering individuals with the knowledge to make healthy choices in nutrition and lifestyle.
  • Explore research to discover the ever-evolving landscape of integrative health and wellness.
  • Explain aspects of the human body’s structure, function, and disease to individuals of all knowledge levels.
  • Develop community wellness and health education programming to promote optimal health.
  • Distinguish when individuals require the expertise of other healthcare providers to ensure their path to optimal well-being.
  • Cultivate strong interpersonal skills to establish rapport, actively listen, and empathize with individuals seeking support.

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.

Electives or Specialization Track: To complete this program, students may select specialization tracks or 12 credits of elective study.

Introduction to Aromatherapy Online – AROMA 101

Aromatherapy I Online – AROMA 203

Aromatherapy II Online – AROMA 303

Aromatherapy III Online – AROMA 304

Aromatherapy Chemistry Online – AROMA 305

Botany & Plant Identification Online – HERB 331

Introduction to Business Online – BUS 101

Business Communications for Wellness Professionals Online – BUS 304

Entrepreneurial Marketing for Integrative Health Professionals Online – BUS 390

Introduction to Chemistry Online – CHEM 120

Introduction to Environmental Science Online – ENV 201

Basics of Herbalism Online – HERB 101

Herbal Studies Online – HERB 201

Herbal Materia Medica I Online – HERB 302

Herbal Materia Medica II Online – HERB 303

Herbal Materia Medica III Online – HERB 304

American History I Online – HIST 201

Community Health Planning Online – HLTH 410

Public Health Education Online – HLTH 416

Principles & Practices of Integrative Health Online – IHS 100

Quantitative Reasoning I – MTH 101

Quantitative Reasoning II – MTH 201

Nutrition, Bodycare & Herbalism Online – NAT 101

Energetic Modalities I: Flower Essences Online – NAT 202

Historical Modalities I: Iridology Online – NAT 203

Energetic Modalities II: Homeopathy Online – NAT 204

Healthcare Terminology Online – NAT 307

Introduction to Nutrition Online – NUT 101

Evolution of Food and Culture Online – NUT 210

Advanced Nutrition Principles I Online – NUT 301

Advanced Nutrition Principles II Online – NUT 302

Nutrition Across the Lifespan Online – NUT 303

Sports Nutrition Online – NUT 304

Holistic Nutrition Online – NUT 308

Topics in Holistic Nutrition Online – NUT 309

Food Production & Healthy Cooking Online – NUT 311

Nutrition Profession and Practice Online – NUT 312

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements Online – NUT 401

Nutrition Coaching & Communication Skills Online – NUT 415

Special Topics in Nutrition – Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Diets Online – NUT 499

Personal Fitness Training Online – PFT 101

Applied Ethics Online – PHL 202

Health Psychology Online – PSY 303

Introduction to Research Methods Online – RES 301

Introduction to Sociology Online – SOC 101

Career Goals:

  • Health and Wellness Consultant, Educator,² Writer, or Speaker
  • Health and Wellness Consultant within Community, Government, Business, or Residential Care Facilities
  • Health and Wellness Practitioner
  • Health and Wellness Coach
  • Health Care Industry Assistant - Day Spa, Holistic Retreat, Spa facility
  • Holistic Health Practitioner
  • Certified Nutrition Therapy Practitioner
  • Nutritional Therapy Practitioner
  • Nutritional Therapy Consultant
  • Wellness or Lifestyle Coach or Consultant
  • Support roles including: Administrative or support role in any company in the healthcare industry, Customer service role within the healthcare industry, Sales associate role within the healthcare industry
  • Medical professionals wishing to increase their knowledge of this exciting field and integrate it into a new or existing practice, including Medical Doctors, Psychologists, Pharmacists, Naturopaths, Nurses, Veterinarians, Respiratory Therapists, or Social Workers who are not looking for undergraduate level study
  • Consumers looking to integrate holistic health principles into their life for their personal health and wellbeing.

Current Instructors:

View all ACHS instructors, including bios, photos, and courses taught.

Admissions Requirements:

Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalency and recommendation for admission by the ACHS Admissions Committee.

Tuition and Fees:

To estimate the program tuition and fees, click on the required course name to view each Total Course Price. Information is also provided in the Program Fact Sheet.

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