Associate of Applied Science in Integrative Health Sciences

Overview

This innovative online degree in integrative health is designed to help guide the evolution of healthcare by creating, educating, and actively supporting a community of professionals who embody the philosophy and practice of integrative health. This terminal professional degree allows students to work toward a specialization in Aromatherapy or Herbal Medicine or to complete a general degree by completing electives to satisfy the degree requirements.

Emphasis is placed on the science and philosophy of holistic health using diverse wellness tools and techniques that are in harmony with nature and the individual. In this online degree in integrative health, students learn holistic health protocols employed in the industry and and designed to focus on individual needs to achieve personalized outcomes.

Students will be able to integrate their learning from this online degree in integrative health across various sectors of the healthcare industry or in private practice. Throughout this online degree in integrative health, students will learn alongside classmates with diverse experiences and interests, consider their similarities and differences, and engage in dialogue and debate across the modalities studied. This online integrative health degree provides a foundation for personal wellness, tools and strategies to support community health, and professional pathways based on students’ goals and interests.

Note: This program was formerly called the Associate of Applied Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine.

Completing This Degree

This program is designed to meet all requirements of an undergraduate associate of applied science degree. Credits are completed in the following areas:

Chart indicating 6 credits of English required, 15 general education credits required, 30 core requirement credits required, and 9 specialization or elective credits required.

Request more information to learn more and chat with one of our advisors.

Nutrition Practice Information (State Law Disclosures)

If you are interested in pursuing a career in nutrition or dietetics, you should consult with the appropriate state board to assure that your credentials will allow you to achieve your professional goals. Many states have enacted laws that regulate the practice of dietetics and nutrition services. You can also view more information online here.

Industry Recognition & Credentialing

For all graduates, this program:

  • Is approved by the National Association of Nutrition Professional (NANP)
  • Meets the education requirements for graduates to sit for the Board Exam in Holistic Nutrition certification, offered by the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board (http://nanp.org/hncb), entitling successful candidates to use the title, “Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®”, in accordance with State laws.1

For Aromatherapy Specialization graduates, this program:

  • Exceeds the curriculum requirements of the NAHA Level III education standards
  • Meets the curriculum requirements of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists’ Level III Advanced Practitioner Aromatherapy education standards
  • Qualifies graduates to sit the national registration exam with the Aromatherapy Registration Council (http://www.aromatherapycouncil.org) to become a Registered Aromatherapist (RA)

For Herbal Specialization graduates, this program:

Industry Success

ACHS Aromatherapy graduates have a five-year (2016-2020) success rate of 95% on the Aromatherapy Registration Council National Exam leading to registration as a Registered Aromatherapist.

Learn more about professional credentialing pathways with this degree.

Recommended Sequence

Your advisor will work with you prior to enrollment to prepare your academic plan for this program including your eligible transfer of credit and opportunities to challenge courses by exam. Our guided pathways are developed by ACHS faculty, subject matter experts, and your advisor and are designed with your success in mind! Chat with an advisor today and learn more!

 

1Please note: In addition to completing this program, documentation of 500 hours (includes a minimum of 250 direct contact hours and up to 250 indirect contact hours) of professional experience in holistic nutrition is also required. NANP also offers an exception for new graduates that defers these requirements for two years if the exam is taken within 12 months of graduation. Please visit https://achs.edu/alumni/professional-exams-registration for more information or contact https://www.nanp.org/board-exam-eligibility.

Highlights

Approved by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) – http://www.nanp.org

Meets the education requirements for graduates to sit for the Board Exam in Holistic Nutrition certification, offered by the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board (https://www.nanp.org/board-exam-eligibility) [1]

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain aspects of the human body’s structure, function, and disease to individuals of all knowledge levels.
  • Compare allopathic and holistic treatment protocols to provide options for optimal client wellness.
  • Explain human anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology in the professional practice of integrative health modalities.
  • Apply knowledge of safe and effective use of integrative health and wellness modalities in the creation of personalized wellness plans.
  • Develop professional skills and business standards in a health and wellness setting or role, including record keeping, required insurance, scope of practice, ethics, legal considerations, marketing, and networking.

English Composition: Students must complete at least 6 semester credit hours of English composition or equivalent OR Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC)-approved writing courses; testing options also available.

General Education: ACHS students complete a total of 21 credits of general education. HECC requires students to complete at least 15 semester credit hours in general education courses including the undergraduate English composition requirement.

Electives or Specialization Track: To complete this program, students may select a specialization track or nine credits of elective study.

Aromatherapy II Online – AROMA 303

Aromatherapy III Online – AROMA 304

Aromatherapy Chemistry Online – AROMA 305

Introduction to Biology Online – BIO 111

Introduction to Business Online – BUS 101

Business Communications for Wellness Professionals Online – BUS 304

Entrepreneurial Marketing for Integrative Health Professionals Online – BUS 390

Introduction to Chemistry Online – CHEM 120

Introduction to Environmental Science Online – ENV 201

Stress Management and Emotional Health Online – HED 303

Herbal Materia Medica I Online – HERB 302

Herbal Materia Medica II Online – HERB 303

Herbal Materia Medica III Online – HERB 304

Botany & Plant Identification Online – HERB 331

American History I Online – HIST 201

Personal & Community Health Online – HLTH 101

Physical Activity & Wellness Online – HLTH 201

Community Health Planning Online – HLTH 410

Public Health Education Online – HLTH 416

Principles & Practices of Integrative Health Online – IHS 100

Integrative Health Approaches for Wellness Online – IHS 101

Quantitative Reasoning I – MTH 101

Quantitative Reasoning II – MTH 201

Nutrition, Bodycare & Herbalism Online – NAT 101

Energetic Modalities I: Flower Essences Online – NAT 202

Historical Modalities I: Iridology Online – NAT 203

Energetic Modalities II: Homeopathy Online – NAT 204

Wellness Coaching & Communication Skills Online – NAT 305

Introduction to Nutrition Online – NUT 101

Nutrition Online – NUT 210

Advanced Nutrition Principles I Online – NUT 301

Advanced Nutrition Principles II Online – NUT 302

Nutrition Across the Lifespan Online – NUT 303

Sports Nutrition Online – NUT 304

Topics in Holistic Nutrition Online – NUT 309

Food Production & Healthy Cooking Online – NUT 311

Nutrition Profession and Practice Online – NUT 312

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements Online – NUT 401

Nutrition Coaching & Communication Skills Online – NUT 415

Special Topics in Nutrition – Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Diets Online – NUT 499

Personal Fitness Training Online – PFT 101

Applied Ethics Online – PHL 202

Health Psychology Online – PSY 303

Introduction to Research Methods Online – RES 301

Introduction to Sociology Online – SOC 101

Career Goals:

  • Aromatherapist, Aromatherapy Consultant, or Aromatologist
  • Aromatherapy Educator, Author, or Speaker
  • Aromatherapy Product Formulator and Manufacturer
  • Aromatherapy Retailer
  • Healthcare Industry Assistant - Day Spa, Holistic Retreat, or Spa Facility
  • Herbal Educator, Consultant, Retailer, Writer
  • Holistic Health Practitioner
  • Holistic Health Educator,1 Writer, or Speaker
  • Master Herbalist
  • Certified Nutrition Therapy Practicioner
  • Nutritional Therapy Consultant
  • Support roles including: Administrative support or support role in any company in the healthcare industry, customer service role within the healthcare industry, sales associate within the healthcare industry
  • Wellness or Lifestyle Coach or Consultant
  • Registered Herbalist (AHG)
  • Registered Aromatherapist (RA)
  • Clinical Herbalist
  • Clinical Aromatherapist
  • Herbal Products Manufacturer
  • Herbal Products Formulator
  • Aromatherapy Product Formulator and Manufacturer
  • Perfumer
  • Healthcare Industry Assistant - Day Spa, Holistic Retreat, or Spa Facility
  • Massage Therapist Specializing in Aromatherapy
  • Esthetician Specializing in Aromatherapy
  • Spa Manager
  • Medical Assistant, Administrator, Reception, or other support role in a licensed naturopathic clinic or other health clinic

Current Instructors:

View all ACHS instructors, including bios, photos, and courses taught.

Admissions Requirements:

Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalency and recommendation for admission by the ACHS Admissions Committee.

Already have a Bachelors degree? View the Master of Science in Integrative Health Sciences and expand your education and training with a graduate degree!

Tuition and Fees:

To estimate the program tuition and fees, click on the required course name to view each Total Course Price. Information is also provided in the Program Fact Sheet.

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