Herbal Medicine Schools and Careers Guide
| | Herbal medicine is the use of plants and medicinal herbs to help prevent and treat disease. This practice promotes health and offers an alternative to prescription drugs. |
General Herbal Medicine Information
- What is herbal medicine?
- What is the history of herbal medicine?
- What is an herbalist?
- Can an herbalist practice medicine?
- So what is a "medical herbalist"?
Careers in Herbal Medicine
- What career opportunities are available for herbal school graduates?
- How much money will I make as an herbalist?
Herbal Medicine Laws and Licensure
Herbal Medicine Prerequisites
Herbal Medicine Tuition and Financial Aid
Herbal Medicine Accreditation
Choosing an Herbal Medicine School
- How long does it take to graduate?
- How can a student become certified or recognized as a professional herbalist?
Answers provided by the author of Educational and Career Opportunities in Alternative Medicine, Rosemary Jones.
What is herbal medicine?
Many different types of natural medicine use herbs as part of their practice. In the United States, herbal medicine generally refers to a system of medicine that uses European or North American plants. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) uses plants native to China or Asia, while Ayurvedic herbal medicine uses plants native to India. Modern herbalists often use plants from many different regions of the world, and they do not restrict their practice only to those plants classified as an herb (a seed plant whose stem withers away annually). Instead, in medicine, an herb can be a root, a piece of tree bark, a mushroom, or anything else which grows naturally and falls into the plant kingdom.
Phytopharmaceutical literally means "plant medicine" and has become a popular term for some types of herbal medicine, especially those practices that treat the herb or the herbal extract as a drug.
What is the history of herbal medicine?
There is literally no culture, ancient or modern, that did not use plants as part of their medical system. Many herbalists are working today to recover information that we've lost since the invention of synthetic drugs. A great quick history of herbal medicine is "Green Pharmacy" by Barbara Griggs, published by Inner Traditions.
What is an herbalist?
In the United States, an herbalist is a self-defined professional. There is no national or state system of licensure or certification for herbalists. Professional groups may grant certification to members that have reached a certain level of training as an herbalist. Some herbalists concentrate on growing or wildcrafting (picking) herbs. Others manufacture herbal products. Still others teach or counsel people about the use of herbs as medicine.
One branch of anthropology, called ethnobotany, studies the use of plants in other cultures, particularly their use as medicine. Ethnobotanists, who receive their training through the standard university system, have classified a number of medicinal herbs. Their work helps preserve the traditional folk medicine of indigenous people around the world. The American Botanical Council web site lists some current ethnobotanical expeditions.
Can an herbalist practice medicine?
Legally, in the United States, the practice of medicine is restricted to those professionals who have a license. Practice is generally defined as both diagnosis and prescription, with a focus on the treatment of disease (the laws vary from state to state). There are no restrictions, however, on teaching people how to take better care of themselves. Most herbalists define themselves as teachers, healers or counselors rather than as medical practitioners.
Several natural medicine professions are licensed and do use herbal medicine as part of their practice. So herbalists who want to practice medicine generally choose to do so under the license of another profession such as acupuncturist or naturopathic doctor.
So what is a "medical herbalist"?
In the United Kingdom, there is a legal recognition of herbalists as members of the medical profession dating back to the reign of Henry VIII. A number of herbalists that have gone through British training or its equivalent will use this designation. There's been some talk among the professional organizations about establishing a "medical herbalist" license in the United States, but it does not exist at this time.
What career opportunities are available for herbal school graduates?
At this point in time, most herbologists or herbalists are self-employed. They may run small manufacturing companies making herbal products; grow herbs for sale to manufacturers; own retail stores; or counsel others about herbal products. There are a few teaching positions available through the alternative medicine colleges. Some herbalists do go to work for other herbalists at the type of businesses listed above. To find these jobs, the most effective way is to network by attending the conferences of the various professional groups or by getting to know herbalists in your area. Very few of these positions are advertised through the standard means (classifieds, the web, etc.).
There is a branch of anthropology called ethnobotany. Ethnobotanists study the use of plants in native cultures for both medicinal and religious use. Like any form of academic research, there are a wide variety of jobs in this field -- teaching, field research and so on. Most of the work in this field comes through university and a few private foundations. They are generally looking for undergraduate or graduate students in this field.
How much money will I make as an herbalist?
A large number of working herbalists were interviewed and asked this question. The most common answer was 'as much as you want.' Some choose to live very spartan lives, 'off the grid' and away from civilization. Others make comfortable wages as counselors, teachers, manufacturers, or writers. Many herbalists have more than one job -- it's not unusual to see someone running an herb farm and writing books and teaching classes. Herbalists enjoy the variety and independence that of being self-employed.
How do states regulate the practice of herbal medicine?
In general, the "practice of medicine" is regulated according to the state's licensing laws. The "scope" of the license dictates how you can use herbal medicine. For example, a licensed midwife may be allowed to use herbs in her practice, but only as they relate to a woman's health, pregnancy or childbirth.
Herbalists generally fall under the state regulations governing a small business owner rather than under the laws concerned with the practice of medicine. If an herbalist is growing herbs for other people's use, or manufacturing a product from raw herbs, regulations pertaining to the safe production of foods or food supplements may apply. Some states do restrict the sale of certain herbs considered potentially harmful, such as ephedra (ma huang). Professional organizations such as the American Herbal Products Association help members conform with these types of regulation.
What are the eligibility requirements to begin school?
Many herbalists started their training by taking correspondence courses and then going onto more "one-on-one" training with other professionals. There's a wide variety of correspondence courses offered, and very few have any eligibility requirements.
Independent teachers offer a more "hands on" approach to learning herbal medicine through apprenticeships, field trips, and weekend classes. You can find them by contacting one of the professional associations or by checking your local resources such as an herb shop or health food store. Some courses address herbal medicine in the same manner as a drug therapy (how much to prescribe and when); others teach botany, fieldwork, and the actual preparation of raw herbs. As one herbalist put it: "I expect my students to get their shoes muddy!" If you want classes that offer "muddy shoes," look for such terms as "wildcrafting" (identifying and picking herbs in the wild), or ask if the herbalist has a garden you will be using.
Some workshops and retreats are structured as continuing education for practitioners. If you belong to a health profession that requires continuing education, check with your organization to see if they are offering or sanctioning any herbal classes.
Acupuncture schools, chiropractic colleges, and naturopathic colleges often give summer classes or special workshops focusing on a particular branch of herbal medicine. Sometimes you have to be a currently enrolled student or a member of the profession to attend, but others are open to outside students. There are even a few medical colleges in the United States that offer herbal classes for their students as an elective.
What kind of tuition can I expect?
There is a wide range of courses available, from weekend seminars for a few hundred dollars to year-long certification programs that can run up to $4,000.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid is probably not available, unless the course is being offered as part of a larger institution that grants financial aid. For example, some community colleges now have herbal classes.
What organizations accredit herbal schools?
Currently there is no formal system of accreditation for herbal schools. Generally, when picking a school, the student wants to look at the experience of the teacher. Both the American Herbalists Guild and the American Botanical Council provide information on schools.
How long does it take to graduate?
Most courses are structured to take less than a year. The School of Phytotherapy in the United Kingdom offers a four-year degree program that can be completed through a combination of distance learning and on-site training.
How can a student become certified or recognized as a professional herbalist?
The American Herbalists Guild (AHG) offers a professional membership. The list of professional members is available through their web site. The AHG grants a professional membership following a peer-review by the admissions committee. Applicants must submit a personal and professional biography outlining their experience and training, have at least three to four years experience in herbal medicine, provide three letters of reference from other professional herbalists, complete an AHG questionnaire, and pay an application fee. Licensed practitioners are granted membership upon submitting proof of their training and license as well as a short personal and professional biography and curriculum vitae.
Many highly respected herbalists in this country have no professional certification or licensing. Their reputations come through the quality of their work -- whether as teachers, manufacturers of products, or writers. This is a profession where the ability to carve your own niche can be the most important factor in professional success.
Where can I get training?
- Alabama
Clayton College of Natural Health - Distance Learning Programs
- Alaska
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Arizona
- Southwest Institute of Healing Arts - Tempe
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Arkansas
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- California
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Canada - Alberta
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Canada - British Columbia
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Canada - Manitoba
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Canada - New Brunswick
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Canada - Newfoundland
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Canada - Nova Scotia
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Canada - Ontario
- Toronto School of TCM - Toronto
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Canada - PE Island
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Canada - Quebec
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Canada - Saskatchewan
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Colorado
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Connecticut
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Delaware
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- District of Columbia
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Florida
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Georgia
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Hawaii
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Idaho
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Illinois
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Indiana
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Iowa
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Kansas
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Kentucky
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Louisiana
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Maine
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Maryland
- Tai Sophia Institute - Master of Science in Herbal Medicine - Laurel
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Massachusetts
- Herbal Bear - School of Botanical Medicine - Training in NY
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Michigan
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Minnesota
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Mississippi
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Missouri
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Montana
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Nebraska
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Nevada
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- New Hampshire
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- New Jersey
- Herbal Bear - School of Botanical Medicine - Training in NY
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- New Mexico
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- New York
- Herbal Bear - School of Botanical Medicine - New York
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- North Carolina
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- North Dakota
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Ohio
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Oklahoma
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Oregon
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Pennsylvania
- Herbal Bear - School of Botanical Medicine - Training in NY
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Rhode Island
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- South Carolina
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- South Dakota
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Tennessee
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Texas
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Utah
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Vermont
- Herbal Bear - School of Botanical Medicine - Training in NY
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Virginia
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Washington
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- West Virginia
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Wisconsin
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
- Wyoming
- Clayton College of Natural Health - With Distance Learning Programs
Search our directory and find more: Massage Therapy Schools, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, and more.