Online Natural Health Education Programs

American College of Healthcare Sciences:
Based in Portland, Oregon, American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) is a dedicated online education institution that provides a range of Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs in Natural Health Education fields such as Alternative Medicine, Aromatherapy, Wellness Consulting, and more. ACHS blends the support and learning advantage of a traditional semester schedule with the flexibility of online distance education.

Online Healthcare Certificate, Diploma & Degree Programs

Complementary Alternative Medicine (Certificate, Masters & Associate Degree options available)
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 (Certificate & Diploma options available)
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 (Certificate & Diploma Options)
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).

Dynamic Phytotherapy (Diploma Program)
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 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.