Career description:
Herbalist is one who studies the benefits of plants in curing illnesses and diseases. It is a traditional form of study that acts as a good natural alternative to the modern ways of treatment. Some properties of plants can even heal diseases incurable by modern scientific advancements in medicine. Career as an herbalist is exciting and ever growing one.
How to become a Herbalist:
An herbalist does not need any prerequisite educational requirements. However a degree in medicine would help in understanding the technicalities of the properties of plants. They need to have knack in teaching herbal characteristics as this is a field that need to be propagated to increase its scope and medicinal benefits. An herbalist also needs to keep track of new findings in the field of medicine and be aware of new plants that can cure diseases.
Herbalist Career Courses, Training, Programs:
Although no formal training is necessary to become an herbalist, a Bachelor’s degree in medicine and certificate course to become an herbalist could prove to be extremely beneficial. There are various short-term training courses offered to polish your skills as an herbalist. Know the current developments in medicine to increase your expertise in this area.
Herbalist Career Schools/colleges, education:
There are many herbal medicine schools all across the US providing you with courses in medicine and healthcare. You just need to add the extra skills of teaching and keeping track of current affairs in the health care sector.
Top 5 colleges/universities:
- Southwest Institute of Healing Arts
- Bastyr University
- Northwestern Health Sciences University
- Pacific College of Oriental Medicine
- American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Herbalist Career Job opportunities, salaries, recruitment:
Since this is an evolving career, there is no standard compensation of an herbalist. Studies conducted by PayScale have shown that on an average the annual compensation ranges from $24,000 to $55,000. By improving your skills and increasing your expertise, you can earn up to $120,000 per year. You can work as an herbalist on a part-time or freelance basis too.