Diploma in Herbal Medicine
The Diploma is a 3 year full-time programme of in depth study in herbal medicine. The course is available by distance learning.
Enrolments are open for our 2011 February intake!
Contact us here at the Centre for enrolment forms, prospectus or any further information you require.
Course Content :
YEAR 1
Anatomy and Physiology
Botany and plant identification
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Field trips
Plant Language
Philosophy of Herbal Medicine including the Wise Woman tradition.
Nutrition and diet
Materia Medica - the in depth study of at least 150 medicinal plants including identification, habitat, availaibility, misconceptions, physical qualities, pharmacology, therapeutic actions, the use of local plants and weeds.
Herbal preparations
Practical work
YEAR 2
Anatomy and Physiology
Bach Flowers
History and Philosophy of Herbal Medicine
Materia Medica - more herbs including Chinese and Ayurvedic herbs commonly used in Western Herbal Medicine.
Herbal Therapeutics - understanding disease processes and prevention, treatment strategies and appropriate herbal use.
Traditional Maori Medicine - includes field trips.
Pharmacology - the study of effects of drugs and plant constituents on the body. Includes both pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
Manufacturing Herbal Medicines using both the scientific and traditional methods.
Practical work.
YEAR 3
Herbal Therapeutics. By the end of the third year all the systems of the body are covered.
Case taking
Differential Diagnosis and Clinical Examination
Clinical practice
Ayurvedic Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Selected Study(Thesis) Clinical Practice (theory and practical)
Clinical discussion groups
Review of Differential Diagnosis and Clinical Examination
Law and ethics
Business and marketing skills
Iridology
The Diploma of Herbal Medicine is completed predominently by Distance Learning (self-directed study at home)with approximately ten block courses at the Centre held over the duration of the course (3 years), for local students and those able to travel to the Centre we also offer tutorial days each term for the main subjects being studied. Tutors for all courses are available via internet for questions as they arise.
The aim is for each student to establish their own Herbal Medicine practice under the supervision of a Medical Herbalist.
AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE THIRD YEAR GRADUATES ARE ABLE TO REGISTER AS A MEDICAL HERBALIST WITH THE NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL HERBALISTS.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
* Self-employment in private practice
* Community education and teaching
* Working in herbal dispensaries or health food shops
* Consultancy/ Professional advisory role for manufacturing companies.
* In clinical practice with other natural health practitioners, in hospitals, alongside physiotherapists or doctors.
* Growing herbs or manufacturing herbal medicine.
* Sales or marketing for herbal manufacturing companies.
Demand for qualified Medical Herbalists is increasing all the time.
