If you are interested in studying herbalism, choosing the right herbal medicine school begins with thoroughly assessing your professional goals. Once you have determined what you wish to do with your herbalism education as well as the branch of herbal medicine that interests you, you can evaluate schools based on their location, accreditation, and cost. It is also a good idea to ask other herbalists and natural health practitioners for recommendations and warnings about the schools you consider in your search.
Many people are interested in herbalism for personal knowledge and so that they can create herbal remedies for themselves and their families, while others wish to pursue a career in herbalism either as a formulator, a consultant, or as an employee of an herbal remedy manufacturer or retailer. If you fall into the first group, you may wish to choose an herbal medicine school that offers a short course for laypeople. On the other hand, if you wish to pursue training in herbalism so that you can make your living as an herbal medicine professional, you will want to find a more in-depth program. Determining whether an herbal medicine school caters to laypeople or professionals is an important early step in the choosing process. You should also find out the type or types of herbalism taught by the school, as some schools specialize in traditional Chinese herbalism, while others offer coursework primarily in Western herbalism.
The accreditation of an herbal medicine school may be important if you want to secure financial aid to help pay for your education or if you decide to seek some form of professional licensure or certification. It's important to ask the school whether it is accredited and to find out which accreditation body it is recognized by. Contact the licensing or certification board of the agency or organization with whom you wish to be affiliated with to find out if the school's program is recognized. The agency or organization should also be able to provide you with a list of approved or recommended schools.
If you plan to incorporate your herbal knowledge into your practice of another health care profession, look for an herbal medicine school that offers coursework compatible with these goals. For example, if you are interested in pursuing work as a dietitian or nutritionist, you may want to consider herbal medicine schools that offer a degree in nutrition or dietetics along with herbalism training. Some alternative medicine schools offer programs that allow students to train as naturopathic physicians while also receiving extensive training in herbalism. If you already have a degree in another health care field, find out if the herbal medicine school of your choice allows you to earn a certificate or diploma rather than having to complete another degree.
