Academy of Scottish Herbalism

Clinical Practise Apprenticeship

September 30th - November 19th 2006

 100% attendance is required
with exceptions only for emergencies

This apprenticeship gives the Herbalist an opportunity to hone their skills and prepare for a career in Herbalism. Gaining a score of 90% or better on testing is required to enter this apprenticeship, as well as verifiable completion of approximately 400 hours of herbal studies, two professional references and an enrollment interview. Comprising 121 hours of apprenticeship with the Academy Director, completion qualifies the Herbalist to teach classes, author articles, consult with clients on suspected or doctors diagnosis and to develop an herbal business.

Curriculum includes:

CLIENT CONSULTATION PROTOCOL
Protocol for client intake history taking and body systems analysis, detective work and research, acute observation and consultation techniques. Case study clinics and building of a case study. Internship in the Academy's free clinic which includes observation of client intakes with cases covering all body systems. Hands-on experience collecting information, researching, formulating a health plan and client follow-up.

DIAGNOSTICS & TECHNICAL SKILLS
Herbalists methods for evaluating clients condition by way of tongue, hair, skin, ear, eye and nail diagnostics. Defining medical terms of diagnosis and reading charts. Age and body weight ‘dosages’ for herbal preparations.

GAELIC MEDICINE
Maintenance Herbalism for chronic and life threatening conditions, acquired and hereditary disease states, accidents and injury.

CAM—COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Myths and facts; drug-herb interactions and health condition contraindications. Botanicals to avoid before surgery, herbs for surgical recovery and the needs and concerns of clients who have been surgically altered or in convalescence. Working with the conventional medical system and complementary medicine.

MAINTAINING A CLINICAL PHARMACY
Harvesting and drying herbs, product formulation and dispensing herbal remedies. Inventory organization.

THEORY & PRACTISE Teaching techniques; structure and communication styles and independent herb class development assignment. Independent writing assignment and presentation. Creating a business budget, promotions, advertising, marketing tools and resources for the Herbalist.

CAREER COUNSELING
Refining your path and developing expertise.

ETHICS Ethically managing this new profession, including appropriate levels of compassion, empathy and client relationship boundaries. Legalities of words used in Herbalism. Recognizing and protecting intellectual property rights.