Herbal Schools
The following is a list of schools and some of the programs that they offer. You may also find this helpful in understanding some of the alphabet soup that you see after herbalists names on their business cards etc.
Australia
Australian College of Phytotherapy
Practical Herbal Therapy
This course, from the Australian College of Phytotherapy, is aimed at “qualified health care professionals”.
Master of Health Science (Herbal Medicine)
A 3 year course aimed at existing health care professionals, provided by the Australian College of Phytotherapy.
Australian College of Phytotherapy Website
Canada
Dominion Herbal College
Chartered Herbalist
These practitioners usually have the letters CH after their name. Education is through Dominion Herbal College. This is a home study course.
Clinical Herbal Therapist
These practitioners usually have the letters CHT after their name. Education is through Dominion Herbal College. A 4 year full-time program that includes a minimum of 500 hours of clinical training. There used to be a full-time in-class program, but I understand it is now only the program that involves both in-class and home study. They also have a 2 year program “Specially Structured for Health Care Professionals at the Physician Level”.
Herbal Consulting
HC – This 1 year course, provided by Dominion Herbal College, is designed for those employed or wanting employment in the herbal industry.
Master Herbalist
MH – 1-year course through Dominion Herbal College, or Emerson College of Herbology (Emerson now closed). Both are home study courses.
Dominion Herbal College Website
Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technologies
Herbal Technician
These practitioners usually have the letters HT after their name. Education is through Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technologies, Institute of Applied Health Sciences (no longer taking students). An 800 hour in-class program
Diploma in Phytotherapy
These practitioners usually have this term, Dip. Phyto., after their name. Education is through Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technologies, Institute of Applied Health Sciences (no longer taking students). This is a 2100 hour in-class program with 300 hours of clinical training.
Mohawk College Website
Wild Rose College
Clinical Herbalist
These practitioners usually have the letters Cl.H. after their name. education is through Wild Rose College of Natural Healing. This program is 3 years and includes 300 hours of clinical training.
Wholistic Therapist
W.T. – educated at Wild Rose College of Natural Healing. this is a diverse program and is best described on their own website.
Master Herbalist
M.H. – educated at Wild Rose College of Natural Healing. This is a 2 year program that includes 100 hours of clinical training.
Practical Herbalist
P.H. – educated at Wild Rose College of Natural Healing. This consists of the first year course of Wild Rose College’s Master Herbalist program.
Wild Rose College Website
United Kingdom
University of Wales
Master of Science Degree in Herbal Medicine
MSc in Herbal Medicine – educated at the University of Wales. this is a 2 1/2 year part-time in-class program. No longer seem to be offering this course.
University of Wales Website
United States of America
Maryland University of Integrative Health
Master of Science in Therapeutic Herbalism
Offering a master’s degree in herbal therapeutics from an accredited university.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Herbal Studies
A program “Designed for individuals who have a keen interest in herbs and wellness”
Master of Science in Therapeutic Herbalism
A 19 month program, offered by Tai Sophia Institute, conducted on weekends, which “builds upon training in herbal graduate certificate programs”.
Formerly Tai Sophia Institute; Maryland University Website.
Southwest School of Botanical Medicine
Offering downloadable courses of the last classes that Michael Moore taught at the school before he departed from this world. They are taught as individual modules to increase flexibility of choice for the herbal student.
Southwest School of Botanical Medicines Website
