Anyone here a certified herbalist?

[HikingNinja, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, APRN, NP]

Quick random question,

I'm in an NP program right now and herbals are discussed oh so very briefly. These remedies are quite popular and I anticipate my future patients wanting to incorporate this approach into their care. I would like to obtain some type of reputable certification in herbals rather than just take a few CEUs and hope my lack of knowledge doesn't harm my patients. Anyone out there know of a reputable herbalist program or is a certified herbalist who can give me some guidance? I'm not looking for a $99 and here's your bogus certificate program. There are just so many listed online its hard to tell which one will actually provide the education I'm looking for.

Thanks :)

[Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN]

I poked around for a while for you.

It doesn't appear that there's truly any reputable certification. I thought I found a program for you, but the "college" is...uhhh...not so much a college as a place to waste your money.

Herbs aren't regulated by the FDA, so the relationship that exists between herbs and healthcare providers is tricky at the very least.

I think this site might help you...maybe...

The American Holistic Nurses Association - the voice of holistic nursing

[Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN]

Or you could wait for your letter from Hogwarts, and in seven years can achieve a NEWT in Herbology.

*smacks hand* bad DLHW, BAD!

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

There is a MD in my town that specializes in herbals and alternate therapies. If you PM me, I'll give you contact info if you think that will help. Perhaps he can direct you?

[dishes, BSN, RN]

I thought that since herbalists are not regulated a certification would not be valid because it is not based on an agreed set of standards, but you can clarify with others who are more informed, try searching on AN I believe there are nurses who were/are herbalists.

[klone, MSN, RN]

I used to be a professional herbalist before I became a nurse. No, there aren't any standardized recognized certifications. I took classes with a couple well-known (in the field) herbalists to learn as much as I could, and I read a LOT of books. This was back before the internet was how it is now.

[mkk99]

American College of Healthcare Sciences is accredited by DEAC; that's the most "legitimate" one I've found (I believe most employers look for accreditation if you want reimbursement). Herbalist Schools | American Herbalists Guild is a professional organization I was told was reputable during my MSN and they have a list of schools as well, most of which are not accredited but many are run by names I recognize and respect and I would take classes for personal knowledge if not professional accreditation. I would think most hospitals or even private practices would not encourage prescribing herbals.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

You could get some formal training in TCM, although that is a pretty big commitment. I just did a quick Google search and found this -- looks like it's written for pts, but gives basic info about regulation and training, and has some links which look like they could be helpful. And it's from the U of MN, so definitely reputable.

Is TCM Regulated? | Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing

[HikingNinja, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, APRN, NP]

Thanks everyone. You've given me a good starting point.

[rubyagnes, BSN]

I've heard good things about the Northeast School of Botanical Medicine and have had a few friends go through their program. It seems a little more casual and though I think you do get some level of certification, I'm not quite sure how legitimate it is... The most reputable place I know of is The National College of Natural Medicine. I would contact NCNM and see if they have any suggestions relating to your situation and your goals. National College of Natural Medicine | NCNM is the oldest accredited naturopathic medical college in North America and a leader in natural medicine education and training