Menu
This innovative online degree in integrative health is designed to help guide the evolution of healthcare by creating, educating, and actively supporting a community of professionals who embody the philosophy and practice of integrative health. This terminal professional degree allows students to work toward a specialization in Aromatherapy or Herbal Medicine, or to complete a general degree by completing electives to satisfy the degree requirements.
Emphasis is placed on the science and philosophy of holistic health using a variety of techniques that are in harmony with nature and the individual. The varied techniques that a member of the holistic health industry employs are covered, focusing on the desired outcome to increase the natural vitality of the individual and bring the body systems back into balance. We examine the belief fundamental to natural healing that the human body contains a strong power to heal itself. While examining this belief we also look at how the individual is able to stimulate this power by educating others how to maintain health once it is achieved, increasing vitality and building up one’s resistance through improved nutrition and a harmonious, balanced lifestyle.
Students will integrate their learning across a wide variety of integrative health disciplines through these concepts, which emerge in each subject area. The use of these concepts also provides faculty and students with a vehicle to pursue intellectual integration, similarities and differences, and engage in dialogue and debate across the modalities studied. This online integrative health degree provides a foundation for personal wellness, tools and strategies to support community health, and professional pathways based on students’ goals and interests.
Note: This program was formerly called the Associate of Applied Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine.
This program is designed to meet all requirements of an undergraduate associate of applied science degree. Credits are completed in the following areas:
Request more information to learn more and chat with one of our advisors.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in nutrition or dietetics, you should consult with the appropriate state board to assure that your credentials will allow you to achieve your professional goals. Many states have enacted laws that regulate the practice of dietetics and nutrition services. You can also view more information online here.
For all graduates, this program:
For Aromatherapy Specialization graduates, this program:
For Herbal Specialization graduates, this program:
ACHS Aromatherapy graduates have a five-year (2016-2020) success rate of 95% on the Aromatherapy Registration Council National Exam leading to registration as a Registered Aromatherapist.
Learn more about professional credentialing pathways with this degree.
Your advisor will work with you prior to enrollment to prepare your academic plan for this program including your eligible transfer of credit and opportunities to challenge courses by exam. Our guided pathways are developed by ACHS faculty, subject matter experts, and your advisor and are designed with your success in mind! Chat with an advisor today and learn more!
1Please 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.
Approved by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) – http://www.nanp.org
Meets the education requirements for graduates to sit for the Board Exam in Holistic Nutrition certification, offered by the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board (https://www.nanp.org/board-exam-eligibility) [1]
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 21 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 30 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 a specialization track or nine credits of elective study.
Specialized Track Option: Aromatherapy
Specialized Track Option: Herbal Studies
View all ACHS instructors, including bios, photos, and courses taught.
Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalency and recommendation for admission by the ACHS Admissions Committee.
Already have a Bachelors degree? View the Master of Science in Integrative Health Sciences and expand your education and training with a graduate degree!
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.
