Western Herbal Medicine

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Advanced Diploma of Clinical Western Herbal Medicine


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The Course Brochure has detailed information about the course program including frequently asked questions, course recognition & payment options.

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Transition into a Career you Love.....

Advanced Diploma of Clinical Western Herbal Medicine

Practice as a Herbalist

A herbalist provides their clients with a more natural solution to health care by using the medicinal properties of plants to treat disease and enhance health and wellbeing.

Herbal medicine has its origins in ancient cultures and the World Health Organisation estimates that more than 75% of the world’s population use herbal remedies as part of their primary health care. Herbal remedies aim to strengthen the body systems, help prevent disease and support the body in its ability to heal itself by restoring balance and vitality.

Herbal remedies can take the form of liquid herbal extracts, tinctures, tablets, capsules, and other preparations, which have been sourced from various parts of the plants, from bark to leaves, flowers to roots. All have different properties and can be used in a variety of ways.

“Nature itself is the best physician” – Hippocrates

As herbalist you will;

  • Take a detailed case history of your client
  • Discuss the clients  habits and assess their health needs
  • Prepare  & dispense tailored herbal remedies specific to your clients’ health needs
  • Monitor client progress and make changes to treatment plans as required

The Advance Diploma of Clinical Western Herbal Medicine is a work ready qualification; developed with a core holistic focus underpinned with the right balance of science.

 

A Practitioner course that delivers study/life balance

Course Duration: You have the choice of a 3, 4 or 5 year study plan with a well-balanced study load

Course Frequency: Annual Intake – Enrolments for the 2025 intake opened in July. To avoid disappointment, we recommend you enrol early. You can enrol online with a small deposit  

Commences: 5 March

 

How to Get started

The Advanced Diploma Courses have an annual intake commencing from 5 March.

If you miss the annual intake, you can study subjects as standalone short courses throughout the year. Completion of these subjects will give you credit towards the Advanced Diploma should you formally enrol in the following year intake. See Course Outline for further information.

 

Study anywhere, any time! – In our virtual classroom

Making learning accessible for everyone is the key to all our course programs. Nature Care’s virtual classroom is accessed through the colleges secure online Student Portal which you can access day and night 7 days a week. 

Learning Options - All subjects have a scheduled duration & an online scheduled class time.

Enjoy the ease of watching the class live in our virtual classroom or watch the recording at your leisure.

You can choose to:

  • Attend the scheduled class lesson live in real-time online via the Nature Care Student Portal OR
  • Review the live recording and course content at your leisure in-line with your own weekly study schedule
  • You can attend the live class and watch the recording as revision.

Each class recording is available for the whole duration of term to optimise your learning experience.

 

Recognition of Course

Nature Care College is an approved Education Provider for the Advanced Diploma of Clinical Nutrition with the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS).

Enrolled Nature Care College students get free student membership with ATMS. By joining ATMS you become a member of Australia’s leading natural medicine Association and will be supported on your journey to becoming an Accredited Professional Practitioner.

Once you graduate with your qualification you can upgrade your student membership to ATMS Accredited Membership with access to professional indemnity insurance cover offered exclusively to ATMS members as well as many other membership benefits.

ATMS is the only natural medicine practitioner association appointed to two Commonwealth statutory committees, where it represents the interests if the entire natural medicine profession.

Visit: www.atms.com.au

 

The Nature Care Benefit

  • Training Practitioners since 1973 – learn from experienced, passionate educators
  • Flexible study options
  • 50% of Clinical Practice training can be completed in our virtual clinic and the remaining 50% can be completed externally
  • Quality Practitioner training at an affordable cost
  • A range of payment options

The college’s quality education is complemented with great value courses to support people in transitioning into work they love! Our Advance Diploma Practitioner courses get you started in the industry at an accessible course cost compared to a Bachelor Degree level course.

 

Course Enrolment

You are welcome to enrol if you are 18 years and over. Nature Care’s wide demographic of students makes learning with likeminded people an enriching and fulfilling experience

Testimonial

Nature Care has always been a student focused college, providing support for students and excellence in their choice of lecturers. I've loved studying here, and whilst it has been a lot of hard work, the learning curved is phenomenal and content excellent. - Junia Kerr

 

Disclaimer: The Advanced Diploma of Clinical Western Herbal Medicine is not a nationally recognised qualification under the Australian Qualification Framework and does not lead to issuance of AQF documentation.

For course accreditation details please refer to the Course Recognition Information.

To find out more, see what you’ll be learning and have frequently asked questions answered download the Course Outline.

 

UNITS OF STUDY

Anatomy & Physiology Body Structure

Description: A fundamental component of all major modalities, this subject will teach you an overview of the fundamental Anatomy of Body Structures. This course will focus on the anatomy of the external body structures including the skin and accessory structures, bones of the skeleton, joints and the skeletal muscles.

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this subject. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.

Assessment

This unit is assessed by:

  • Two on-line quizzes

Pre-requisites: Nil


Anatomy & Physiology Body Systems

Description: A fundamental component of all major modalities, this subject continues on from Anatomy and Physiology of Body Structures and will focus on the anatomy and physiological functioning of each Body System. The final component of this course will focus on processes of pregnancy, labour and lactation and the impact of each body system on Homeostasis and in ageing.

Assessment
This subject is assessed by:

  • Two on-line quizzes


Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this subject. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.

Pre-requisites: Nil


Body Chemistry A

Description: An introduction to organic chemistry, this subject is essential in helping you understand the human condition at a cellular level. The structure of chemical substances and interactions of these substances as they relate to biochemical processes within the human body will be explored.

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this subject. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.

Assessment
This subject is assessed by:

  • Two on-line quizzes

Pre-requisites: Anatomy & Physiology Body Structure

Co-requisites: Anatomy & Physiology Body Systems


Body Chemistry B

Description: An introduction to organic chemistry, this subject is essential in helping you understand the human condition at a cellular level. The structure of chemical substances and interactions of these substances as they relate to biochemical processes within the human body will be explored.

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this subject. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.

Assessment
This subject is assessed by:

  • Two on-line quizzes

Pre-requisites: Anatomy & Physiology Body Structure, Anatomy & Physiology Body Systems

Co-requisites: Integrative Anatomy & Physiology


Botany

Description: An introduction to basic plant botany and plant morphology, as well as the process of plant identification.

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this subject. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.

Assessment
This subject is assessed by:

  • One written assignment
  • Two on-line quizzes

Pre-requisites: Nil

Co-requisites: Herbal Medicine 1A


Building Your Successful Practice

Description: This subject will describe the skills and knowledge required to work effectively in a healthcare setting with clients, staff, visitors, suppliers and others. You will acquire skills and knowledge to implement and monitor compliance with legal and ethical requirements, skills and knowledge required to arrange referrals to other health care professionals and to provide administration for a clinical health practice.

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this subject. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.

Assessment
This subject is assessed by:

  • One written assignment

Pre-requisites: Nil


Clinical Assessment Techniques

Description: This subject is designed to equip students with the skills required to take an in depth client history, to perform basic physical examination techniques (including observing and recording vital signs). Students will also be introduced to holistic assessment techniques such as iridology, skin, hair, tongue & nail examination as part of the client consultation- all techniques which form an integral part of the modern Natural Therapies Clinic.

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this subject. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.

Assessment
This subject is assessed by:

  • One on-line quiz

Pre-requisites: Nil


Clinical Case Studies A (Nat/Herbs)

Description: These lectures will enable you to consolidate your knowledge of medical sciences and naturopathic protocols; aiming to assist you in solving problems, emulating the methods used by naturopaths and herbalists in their own clinics. Focusing on those health complaints commonly encountered in early practice. This subject involves a considerable amount of home study.

 

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this subject. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.

 

Assessment
This subject is assessed by:

  • Case study assignment work
  • Ongoing class work, class participation and self directed learning (homework)

 

Pre-requisites: Anatomy & Physiology Body Structure; Anatomy & Physiology Body Systems; Integrative Anatomy & Physiology;  Communicate with Clients; Herbal Medicine A, B & C Materia Medica; Naturopathic Diagnosis; Symptomatology, Diagnosis & Pathology ;Herbal Therapeutics 

 

Co-requisites: Clinical Practice Training


Clinical Case Studies B (Nat/Herbs)

Description: These lectures will enable you to consolidate your knowledge of medical sciences and naturopathic protocols; aiming to assist you in solving problems, emulating the methods used by naturopaths and herbalists in their own clinics. Focusing on those health complaints commonly encountered in early practice. This subject involves a considerable amount of home study.

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this subject. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.

Assessment
This subject is assessed by:

  • One case study assignment
  • Ongoing class work, class participation and self directed learning (homework)

Pre-requisites: Anatomy & Physiology Body Structure; Anatomy & Physiology Body Systems; Integrative Anatomy & Physiology; ; Communicate with Clients; Herbal Medicine A, B & C Materia Medica; Herbal Therapeutics; Symptomatology, Diagnosis & Pathology

Co-requisites: Clinical Practice Training 


Clinical Practice Training Herbal Medicine - 200 hours

Description: This class is the culmination of your studies, applying all that has been learned into actual case taking, management and treatment plans.

Assessment
This unit is assessed by:

  • Ongoing practical assessment tasks

Pre-requisites: Anatomy & Physiology Body Structure; Anatomy & Physiology Body Systems; Integrative Anatomy & Physiology; Herbal Medicine A, B & C; Botany; Herbal Manufacturing; Herbal Therapeutics A, B & C; Symptomatology Diagnosis & Pathology; Communicate with Clients; Communicate in Health; Safe Practices
 

Co-requisites: Clinical Case Studies A Nat/Herbs 


Communicate In Health

This unit of study is designed to develop skills and knowledge required gather information, maintain effective working relationships and networks, with particular regard to communication and representation.


Communicate With Clients

Description: This unit of study covers the skills required by practitioners to establish and maintain effective communication with clients throughout all interactions and provide basic counselling as required and as appropriate to facilitate the treatment or health service being provided. The skills apply to work in a range of health settings where health services are provided with direct client contact involved.

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this unit of study. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.

Assessment
This unit is assessed by:

  • One written assignment
  • One on-line quiz

Pre-requisites: Nil

Co-requisites: Nil

 


Develop Professional Expertise

In this unit of study you will learn how complementary therapies is part of the overallhealth system and how to continue your professional development and keep up to datewith the latest industry news. The unit will also provide you with the knowledge and skills required to establish andmanage a successful complementary health care practice with emphasis on operationaland marketing strategies


Evidence Based Practice

Description: This unit of study will enhance your critical thinking skills and will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to source and evaluate relevant information and then apply those findings to clinical practice.

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this subject. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.

Assessment
This subject is assessed by:

  • Online Exam

Pre-requisites: Develop Professional Expertise

Co-requisites: Nil


Herbal Manufacturing

Description: Methods of herbal manufacturing are covered in this course, including harvesting, drying and storing as well as extraction methods. You will learn how to identify legal restrictions on manufacturing and dispensing herbs.

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this unit of study. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.

Assessment
This unit is assessed by:

  • One end of term exam

Pre-requisites: Herbal Medicine 1A - Materia Medica

Co-requisites: Herbal Medicine 1B - Materia Medica

 


Herbal Medicine A - Materia Medica

Description: Welcome to the wonderful world of Herbal Medicine! This one-year Unit of Study introduces the philosophy and science of herbalism in its historical perspective. You will explore the materia medica, learn about the therapeutic effects, constituents,
preparation and usage of plants as medicine.

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this unit of study. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.

Assessment
This unit is assessed by:

  • One written assignment
  • One mid-term exam
  • One end of term exam

Pre-requisites: Nil

Co-requisites: Nil

 


Herbal Medicine B - Materia Medica

Description: This unit of of study builds on the knowledge covered in Herbal Medicine 1A.

Assessment
This unit is assessed by:

  • One written assignment
  • One mid-term exam
  • One end of term exam

Pre-requisites: Herbal Medicine 1A - Materia Medica

Co-requisites: Nil

 


Herbal Medicine C - Materia Medica

Description: This unit of of study builds on the knowledge covered in Herbal Medicine 1A & 1B.

Assessment
This unit is assessed by:

  • One written assignment
  • One mid-term exam
  • One end of term exam

Pre-requisites: Herbal Medicine 1A & 1B - Materia Medica.

Co-requisites: Nil


Herbal Therapeutics A

Description: You will learn how to diagnose, manage, prescribe and dispense herbal medicines for disease/dysfunction of the digestive system.

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this unit of study. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.

Assessment
This unit is assessed by:

  • One Case Study Assignment
  • One end of term exam

Pre-requisites: Herbal Medicine A, B & C (Materia Medica); Anatomy & Physiology Body Systems, Body Structure, Integrative Anatomy & Physiology 

Co-requisites: Nil


Herbal Therapeutics B

Description: You will learn to diagnose, manage and prescribe herbal medicine for disease and dysfunction of the female and male reproductive systems and key conditions of the endocrine system.

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this unit of study. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.

Assessment
This unit is assessed by:

  • One Case Study Assignment
  • One end of term exam

Pre-requisites: Herbal Medicine A, B & C (Materia Medica); Herbal Therapeutics A; Anatomy & Physiology Body Systems, Body Structure, Integrative Anatomy & Physiology 

Co-requisites: Nil


Herbal Therapeutics C

Description: You will learn to diagnose, manage and prescribe herbal medicine for disease and dysfunction of the respiratory, musculoskeletal and integumentary systems.

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this unit of study. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.

Assessment
This unit is assessed by:

  • One Case Study Assignment
  • One end of term exam

Pre-requisites: Herbal Medicine A, B & C (Materia Medica); Herbal Therapeutics A & B; Anatomy & Physiology Body Systems, Body Structure, Integrative Anatomy & Physiology 

Co-requisites: Nil


Integrative Anatomy & Physiology

Description: This unit of study integrates your knowledge of Anatomy & Physiology Body Systems and Body Structure, increasing your understanding of a wide range of body functions. Subjects studied include the anatomy and physiology of stress, sleep, consciousness, memory, emotions and behaviour.

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this unit of study. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.

Assessment
This unit is assessed by:

  • Weekly on-line quizzes
  • One end-of-term exam

Pre-requisites: Anatomy & Physiology Body Structure; Anatomy & Physiology Body Systems
Co-requisites: Nil

 


Introduction to Natural Medicine

Description: This inspiring and foundational subject will provide you with an understanding of the history, philosophy and fundamental principles of natural medicine.

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this unit of study. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.

Assessment
This unit is assessed by:

  • One written assignment
  • Food diary
  • Compulsory clinic consultation at the Nature Care Student Clinic or an external professional practitioner

Pre-requisites: Nil.

Co-requisites: Nil.

 


Medicinal Weeds

Description: Being able to make use of the plants growing in our own backyard is an essential component of herbalism. This unit of study will teach students to differentiate between the toxic and medicinal native plants and weeds in Australia.

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this subject. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.

Assessment 
This unit is assessed by:

  • Exam

Pre-requisites: Herbal Medicine A Materia Medica; Botany

Co-requisites: Herbal Medicine B Materia Medica


Naturopathic Diagnosis

Description:  A fascinating and relevant unit of study designed specifically for students and holistic practitioners who wish to learn about naturopathic diagnostic skills and tests.

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this unit of study. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.

Assessment
This unit is assessed by:

  • One written assignment

Pre-requisites: Anatomy & Physiology Body Structure; Anatomy & Physiology Body Systems.

Co-requisites: Integrative Anatomy & Physiology


Pharmacology

Description: Pharmacology familiarises the student with pharmacological terminology, introduces the classification of commonly used drugs according to their pharmacological actions and investigates drug side effects and interactions.

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this subject. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.

Assessment:

This subject is assessed by:

  • End of term examination

Pre-requisites: Anatomy & Physiology Body Structure, Anatomy & Physiology Body Systems, Integrative Anatomy & Physiology, Body Chemistry
Co-requisites: Symptomatology, Diagnosis & Pathology

 


Safe Practices

Description:  This unit incorporates the skills and knowledge required to comply with infection control policies and procedures and contribute to WHS processes.

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this unit of study. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.

Assessment
This unit is assessed by:

  • One on-line quiz

Pre-requisites: Nil.

Co-requisites: Nil.


Symptomatology, Diagnosis & Pathology A

Description: A one year unit of study which introduces students to basic pathological processes, methodology of history taking, physical examination and incorporating studies of diseases in each body system.

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this unit of study. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.

 

Assessment
This unit is assessed by:

  • One end of term exam

Pre-requisites: Anatomy & Physiology Body Structure; Anatomy & Physiology Body Systems; Body Chemistry A & B
Co-requisites: Nil

 


Symptomatology, Diagnosis & Pathology B

Description: A one year unit of study which introduces students to basic pathological processes, methodology of history taking, physical examination and incorporating studies of diseases in each body system.

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this unit of study. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.
 

Assessment
This unit is assessed by:

  • One end of term exam

Pre-requisites: Anatomy & Physiology Body Structure; Anatomy & Physiology Body Systems; Body Chemistry A & B; Symptomatology Diagnosis & Pathology A
Co-requisites: Nil


Symptomatology, Diagnosis & Pathology C

Description: A one year unit of study which introduces students to basic pathological processes, methodology of history taking, physical examination and incorporating studies of diseases in each body system.

Learning Hours: Learning hours are inclusive of all supervised and prescribed activities throughout the duration of this unit of study. These may include lectures, on-line tasks, forums, assessments, prescribed reading, research, assignments and activities.
 

Assessment
This unit is assessed by:

  • One end of term exam

Pre-requisites: Anatomy & Physiology Body Structure; Anatomy & Physiology Body Systems; Body Chemistry A & B; Symptomatology Diagnosis & Pathology A & B
Co-requisites: Nil



testimonials

The course was absolutely fantastic! I learnt so much and Lis was truly wonderful. Such an inspirational woman and a fountain of knowledge! She presented the course in a way that was easy to understand, a good pace and lots of extra anecdotal information to help us.

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