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The mission of the MS in Herbal Medicine degree program is to develop a practical and theoretical understanding of clinical herbalism and professionally apply this knowledge to educate clients and consumers about a mind-body-spirit approach to health and wellness.
Clinical herbalism consulting along with health and wellness coaching has become one of the fastest-growing areas of healthcare. Clinical herbalists play an integral role in the health and wellness industry. Recent research supports the use of herbal protocols for a number of clients including use for pain management for military service-related chronic pain,1 allergy management,2 a holistic approach to anxiety and depression related to PTSD,3 prehypertension,4 and integration at wellness clinics and as part of employee wellness programs.5
Integrate herbal medicine and wellness principles for personal health & wellness
Diversify a new or existing healthcare practice with an emphasis in herbal medicine and holistic protocols
1 Denneson LM, Corson K, Dobscha SK. (2011). Complementary and alternative medicine use among veterans with chronic noncancer pain. J Rehabil Res Dev.;48(9):1119-28.
2 Wisniewski JA, Li XM. (2012). Alternative and complementary treatment for food allergy. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2012 Feb;32(1):135-50. Epub 2011 Dec 17.
3 Williams JW , Gierisch JM, McDuffie J, Strauss JL, Nagi A. (2011). An Overview of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies for Anxiety and Depressive Disorders: Supplement to Efficacy of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder [Internet]. Washington (DC): Department of Veterans Affairs; 2011 Aug. VA Evidence-based Synthesis Program Reports.
4 Greenway F, Liu Z, Yu Y, Gupta A. (2011). A Clinical Trial Testing the Safety and Efficacy of a Standardized Eucommia ulmoides Oliver Bark Extract to Treat Hypertension. Altern Med Rev. 2011 Dec;16(4):338-47.
5 Note that graduation from this degree does not confer a license to practice medicine. ACHS graduates serve as holistic health consultants and educators and do not claim to treat, diagnose, cure or prescribe.
6 Registered Herbalist designation requires professional membership in AHG. The ACHS MS in Herbal Medicine provides the comprehensive academic training. Upon graduation further training is required which is a minimum of two years of clinical training (through independent practice, formal mentorship, or clinical supervision or a combination thereof) and clinical experience totaling at least 400 hours, with at least 100 different clients in a two year period, and with a minimum caseload of four clients per week. ACHS can assist graduates to locate a suitable mentor. More information is available online here.
Required Courses
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View all ACHS instructors, including bios, photos, and courses taught.
Candidates must possess a baccalaureate degree or higher from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education. Candidates must submit official transcripts directly from the issuing institution along with one professional letter of recommendation. All applicants must be recommended for admission by the ACHS Admissions Committee.
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.
