Diploma in Holistic Health Practice (HHP)

The Diploma in Holistic Health Practice is a professional training program for individuals seeking a comprehensive, recognized credential, either to establish a holistic health practice or to enhance an existing healthcare practice.

Industry-recognized standards

built into the curriculum, meeting ISSN and NASM standards

The Components of Your Holistic Health Practice

This diploma guides the growth of your wellness business from the ground up, covering effective record keeping, insurance, scope of practice, ethics, legal considerations, marketing, networking, and state and federal regulations.

Identify Opportunities

Discover opportunities for community agencies and organizations to promote health, education, and holistic wellness initiatives.

Flexible pathways

to meet anatomy and physiology prerequisites, with undergraduate or graduate-level options available.

Comprehensive resources

with access to ACHS’s extensive library and research materials to support your studies.

Professional Pathways & Credentialing

Meets the curriculum requirements of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists’ Advanced Practitioner Aromatherapy education standards for students selecting the Aromatherapy specialization electives

National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP)

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.

Meets the education requirements for graduates to sit the Board Certification in Holistic Nutrition exam offered by the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board

Free Aromatherapy eBook: Essential Oils for Everyday Wellness

Download our free Aromatherapy eBook to learn the best oils for everyday use, safety tips, and how to start using aromatherapy in your wellness routine.

Required Courses

Foundational Courses for Mastering Holistic Health

Electives: To complete this program, students may select a specialization track or nine credits of elective study. Students may choose from all undergraduate courses; prerequisites must be met where applicable.

AROMA 101 – Introduction to Aromatherapy Online
AROMA 203 – Aromatherapy I Online
AROMA 303 – Aromatherapy II Online
AROMA 304 – Aromatherapy III Online
AROMA 305 – Essential Oil Chemistry for Integrative Health Professionals Online
BIO 111 – Introduction to Biology Online
BUS 101 – Introduction to Business and Entrepreneurship Online
BUS 304 – Business Communications for Wellness Professionals Online
BUS 390 – Entrepreneurial Marketing for Integrative Health Professionals Online
CHEM 120 – Chemistry for Health Sciences Online
ENG 101 – Writing for Integrative Health Communication I Online
ENG 201 – Writing for Integrative Health Communication II Online
ENV 201 – Introduction to Environmental Science Online
HED 303 – Stress Management and Emotional Health Online
HERB 101 – Foundations of Herbal Studies I Online
HERB 201 – Foundations of Herbal Studies II Online
HERB 302 – Herbal Materia Medica I Online
HERB 303 – Herbal Materia Medica II Online
HERB 304 – Herbal Materia Medica III Online
HERB 331 – Botany & Plant Identification Online
HLTH 101 – Personal & Community Health Online
HLTH 201 – Physical Activity & Wellness Online
HLTH 202 – History of Health and Healing Online
HLTH 410 – Community Health Planning Online
HLTH 416 – Public Health Education Online
IHS 100 – Principles & Practices of Integrative Health Online
IHS 101 – Integrative Health Approaches for Wellness Online
MTH 101 – Quantitative Reasoning I
MTH 201 – Quantitative Reasoning II
NAT 101 – Nutrition, Bodycare & Herbalism Online
NAT 202 – Energetic Modalities I: Flower Essences Online
NAT 203 – Historical Modalities I: Iridology Online
NAT 204 – Energetic Modalities II: Homeopathy Online
NAT 305 – Wellness Coaching & Communication Skills Online
NUT 101 – Introduction to Nutrition Online
NUT 210 – Evolution of Food and Culture Online
NUT 301 – Advanced Nutrition Principles I Online
NUT 302 – Advanced Nutrition Principles II Online
NUT 303 – Nutrition Across the Lifespan Online
NUT 304 – Sports Nutrition Online
NUT 309 – Topics in Holistic Nutrition Online
NUT 311 – Food Production & Healthy Cooking Online
NUT 312 – Nutrition Profession and Practice Online
NUT 401 – Nutrition and Dietary Supplements Online
NUT 415 – Nutrition Coaching & Communication Skills Online
Special Topics in Nutrition – Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Diets Online – NUT 499
PFT 101 – Personal Fitness Training Online
PHL 101 – Think Smarter! Strengthening Reasoning and Writing Skills Online
PHL 202 – Applied Ethics Online
PSY 101 – Introduction to Psychology Online
PSY 303 – Health Psychology
RES 301 – Introduction to Research Methods Online
SOC 101 – Introduction to Sociology Online

Learning Outcomes

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.

Complete and submit your application online to begin the admissions process. 

A recommendation by the Admissions Committee is required. Review and sign your Academic Plan and Enrollment Agreement once accepted.

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.

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.

Apply Your Education in Real-World Settings

Students often pursue career goals that lead them to roles such as:

Holistic Health Practitioner

Natural Health Consultant or Coach

Holistic Health Counselor

Nutritional Therapy Practitioner

Plan Your Future in Health & Wellness 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.

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. Learn more about funding your education.

$22,201

Estimated Total

$200

Registration Fee

$15,300

Tuition

$6,651

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.

The Value of Accreditation

ACHS is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). This ensures that your aromatherapy education meets rigorous academic and industry standards — adding value to your credentials and advancing your ability to support others with confidence.

Program Disclosures

Please note: In addition to completing this program, students must document 500 hours of professional experience in holistic nutrition. This includes a minimum of 250 direct contact hours and up to 250 indirect contact hours. The National Association of Nutrition Professionals offers an exception for new graduates, allowing these experience requirements to be deferred for up to two years if the certification exam is taken within 12 months of graduation. For more information, please visit https://achs.edu/alumni/professional-exams-registration or contact NANP directly at https://nanp.org/board-certification/

ACHS Partnerships & Affiliations

FAQs

What professional skills will I develop in the Holistic Health Practice diploma?

In this program, you’ll develop a broad, integrative skill set focused on whole-person wellness. You’ll develop foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, nutrition, and integrative health concepts, along with practical skills in client communication, wellness planning, and ethical practice. Coursework also introduces business fundamentals such as recordkeeping, scope of practice, and establishing your own business.

A license or certification is not required to practice holistic health, and requirements vary by employer, role, and location. This diploma provides professional education aligned with industry standards and may support eligibility for certain voluntary professional credentials, depending on the electives you choose and any additional experience required. An ACHS certificate or diploma does not constitute a license to practice medicine or treat, diagnose, cure, or prescribe unless otherwise licensed to do so.
ACHS’s curriculum is aligned with educational standards recognized by industry organizations, including the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP). Graduates may be academically eligible to sit for the Board Certification in Holistic Nutrition exam, subject to additional professional experience requirements set by the credentialing body such as clinical hours. ACHS advisors can assist with more information about optional credentialing pathways based on your goals and interests.
Yes. In addition to the core curriculum, you will work with your advisor to select electives that align with your interests, such as aromatherapy, herbal studies, holistic nutrition, or wellness coaching.

Yes. While employer expectations vary, this program is designed for individuals seeking to establish an independent holistic health practice or integrate holistic wellness education into an existing professional role. The focus is on education, client support, ethical practice, and wellness planning that can be applied in a variety of organizational and community settings.

Ready To Turn Your Passion Into a Profession?

Apply now, or speak to one of our expert advisors.