Online Natural Health / Holistic Medicine College

American College of Healthcare Sciences:
Founded in 1978, and based in Portland, Oregon, American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) is recognized as an industry leader in holistic health education worldwide. Our flexible, online programs, highly qualified faculty, diverse student body, and commitment to exceptional online education make ACHS the perfect choice. Your education is accredited and recognized throughout the holistic medicine community.

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Associate of Applied Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine Degree Online:The AAS program’s mission is to help guide the evolution of healthcare by creating, educating, and actively supporting a community of professionals who embody the philosophy and practice of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).

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 about how to maintain health once it is achieved, increase vitality and build up one’s resistance through improved nutrition and a harmonious balanced lifestyle.

Aromatherapy:Graduates of the Certificate in Aromatherapy will be able to discuss aromatherapy including its history and current research as well as be able to identify, discuss, and safely use the 40 organic or wildcrafted essential oils studied. Students will study the anatomy and physiology of the related body systems and will be able to identify and discuss the olfactory, skin, and muscular systems as well as the affect of aromatic molecules including how essential oils interact on both the physical and emotional levels.

Students also learn to assess the quality of essential oils and understand the primary production methods. Graduates will understand the chemistry of essential oils and the physiological effect and pathway of individual chemical components.

The Certificate in Aromatherapy provides training in how to create lifestyle plans and aromatherapy programs to support optimal health. Graduates will be able to successfully operate a consultancy by implementing clinic management tools, including case taking, ethics (including A.R.C ethics), and informed consent as well as be able to conduct aromatherapy research. Graduates are also able to formulate aromatherapy blends for therapeutic and perfumery purposes, cosmetics and soap-making.

Herbal Medicine:Herb 201 is designed for students interested in increasing their knowledge of natural health, herbal medicine, and nutrition to improve their health and that of their family as well as move forward with advanced herbal training and choose a career in the natural health industry if desired. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to use and understand the language of herbal therapeutic actions from alteratives to vulneraries. Graduates will be able to use forty medicinal plants with confidence, including chamomile, dandelion, echinacea, evening primrose, garlic, ginger, gingko, red clover, and St. John's wort.

Herb 201 grants credit towards the Master Herbalist Diploma and the Herbal Medicine major for the Associate of Applied Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM).

Master Herbalist:Herb 402 is an extensive program designed for the serious student seeking a professional working knowledge of herbal medicine.

This program is ideal for medical professionals wishing to increase their knowledge of this exciting field and integrate it into a new or existing practice, including MDs, Psychologists, Pharmacists, Naturopaths, Aromatherapists, Nurses, Veterinarians, Respiratory Therapists, or Social Workers.

Dynamic Phytotherapy:Dynamic phytotherapy is a blended modality, a careful balance between herbalism and homeopathy that draws upon and combines the benefits of both fields. Developed in New Zealand nearly 20 years ago, ACHS has exclusive rights to teach this exciting new modality in the USA. Homeobotanical remedies are low-potency, palatable remedies designed to selectively support the body in the natural restoration of health by improving nutrition, opening drainage, and stimulating healing.

Dynamic phytotherapy has the power to enhance the healing abilities of even the most experienced natural health practitioner.

The Dynamic Phytotherapy Department at ACHS consists of primarily two programs: the certificate program, which trains those of you looking to add an exciting and effective modality to your natural health practice; and the professional Diploma program, which incorporates Herb 401 and is an ideal program for medical professionals who wish to integrate complementary alternative medicine into their current practice.

Whatever your goals, we hope to see you join our Department of Dynamic Phytotherapy.

Certificate in Wellness Consulting:In the latest Entrepreneur Magazine, Wellness Coaching was named one of the hottest careers for 2009! Train today to become a Certified Wellness Coach with this comprehensive professional wellness certificate program!

Holistic medicine comprises a wide range of modalities. The Certificate in Wellness Consulting covers a diverse selection of holistic modalities enabling graduates to select the modalities that will best assist clients in achieving optimal health.

First, holistic nutrition is the foundation to any natural health lifestyle plan for optimal health. Rapid advances in science have enabled a much more detailed understanding of nutrition in recent years. The Center for Disease Control has expressed concern at the increasing levels of deficiencies in the USA. Obesity is at the highest levels in history. Chronic diseases are at an all time high and threaten to cripple our health care systems with the high cost of care. This program integrates core nutrition training as the foundation for wellness.

Students in this program also focus on pathophysiology and holistic protocols for clients experiencing acute and chronic problems. Graduates of this program are able to understand and explain the basic principles of pathophysiology as well as the mechanical and biochemical changes caused by a variety of diseases or imbalances.

Graduates of this program are also trained in the fundamental principles of natural therapeutics. Emphasis is placed on the science and philosophy of healing using a variety of techniques that are in harmony with nature and the individual client.

In addition the Certificate in Wellness Coaching also provides training in how to legally and successfully operate a consulting practice including how to create lifestyle plans to support optimal health. Graduates will be able to successfully operate a consultancy by implementing clinic management tools, including case taking, ethics, and informed consent.

Certificate in Natural Products Manufacturing™ Online:Graduates of the Certificate in Natural Products Manufacturing will be able to use herbs and essential oils to manufacture natural products including lotions, creams, salves, bath and bodycare products and formulate natural perfume blends.

Graduates will have an in-depth understanding of the history and uses of essential oils including basic methods of administration and therapeutic actions of each of the oils studied. Graduates will be able to discuss aromatherapy including its history and development as well as identify and safely use 19 essential oils, from Bergamot Citrus aurantium var. bergamia to Ylang Ylang Cananga odorata.

Graduates will also have an in-depth understanding of the history and uses of herbs including basic methods of administration and therapeutic actions of each of the botanicals studied. Students learn to recognize and confidently use fifteen common herbs, including Borage, Dandelion, Chamomile, Sage, Horehound, and Lavender.

Students also learn how to grow herbs organically, gather wild herbs ethically, and dry and store herbs as well as create and use herbal remedies for personal health and wellness and to help family and friends.

Master of Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine [MS] Degree Online:Consumer use of Complementary and Alternative Modalities (CAM) continues to increase, fueled by a number of factors, including increasing research of efficacy, dissatisfaction with allopathic models (particularly for chronic health problems), and an aging population.

The challenge to the industry will be to integrate CAM to most benefit the consumer, focusing on the complementary rather than the alternative nature of the wide variety of modalities available and leading the way forward to a wellness based concept of healthcare.

Those who would play a part in leading the industry to successful integration must be able to facilitate change in a holistic and encompassing manner in the context of rapid change in the health care industry.

ACHS has developed a unique and innovative approach to the degree of Master of Science in CAM, with a clear mission to educate outstanding men and women to provide leadership in the industry.

Certificate in Holistic Nutrition Consulting™ Online:Graduates of the Certificate in Holistic Nutrition Consulting will be able to implement tools for increased health and well-being and a more natural, balanced way of life. Students also learn how to implement principles of nutrition, nutritional biochemistry, acid alkaline balance, fasting, food combining, transitional daily diet, wheat grass therapy, and sprouting as well as additional lifestyle modifications and holistic health protocols.

The Certificate in Holistic Nutrition Consulting provides training in how to legally and successfully operate a nutritional consulting practice including how to create lifestyle plans to support optimal health. Graduates will be able to successfully operate a consultancy by implementing clinic management tools, including case taking, ethics, and informed consent.