The Admissions Review Advisory Committee (ARAC) has temporarily paused accepting new Registered Herbalist applications. We are in the process of updating the RH application process, an update that we believe will benefit all future applicants, and we'd like to explain why.
ARAC recognizes the need to enhance and clarify the Registered Herbalist application process. We want to address common areas of confusion and create a more transparent and easy-to-navigate system for all applicants. To this end, we initiated a comprehensive review and update of the entire process last year.
We have set in motion several key improvements:
Develop a transparent scoring rubric to ensure that all criteria for admission are clearly and explicitly stated.
Revise the application to make it more user-friendly and reflective of current herbalism practices.
Establishing clearly outlined core competencies expected of a Registered Herbalist.
After dedicating significant time and effort to these updates, we submitted our recommendations to the AHG Board of Directors for final review last year. We're excited about these changes' positive impact on future applicants and the herbalism community. Since we're so close to implementing these improvements, we've decided to pause the Fall review process to give the Board the time it needs to thoroughly review and approve the updates. If all goes well with the Board's review, we anticipate reopening applications in 2025.
When we resume accepting applications, you can look forward to:
· A more streamlined application process
· Clearer, easy-to-understand requirements
· A transparent scoring system
· An overall more efficient and pleasant process
We understand that this pause may cause some inconvenience, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding. Please be assured that this temporary measure is in the best interest of all current and future applicants, as it will ensure a more equitable and transparent process moving forward. If you have any questions or concerns about this update, please don't hesitate to contact our Admission Coordinator. They can provide any additional information or updates.
Thank you for your continued support and interest in the AHG Registered Herbalist program. We look forward to unveiling the improved application process and reviewing your application when the process reopens.
Access Instructional Video on the Application Process: Here. Click here to view the slides.
The Standard Application
The Standard Application process is used to apply for RH membership. In Part 1, you provide details about your herbal education, clinical training, and experience and submit it to the Admissions Coordinator. No payments are needed to submit Part 1 and Part 1 can be submitted anytime. Once Part 1 of your application has been reviewed to verify that it meets the criteria for applying for RH membership, you receive an email notification with a link to Part 2 of the application. A response will be delivered within 2 weeks.
In Part 2 of the application, you provide three case histories from your practice, two letters of recommendation from colleagues, and demonstrate your ability to assess several sample cases we provide, as well as your knowledge of materia medica. We also ask you to describe your clinical practice, caseload, personal philosophy, and other details about your work as a clinical herbalist. Detailed instructions about each of these areas are part of the online application. A non-refundable application fee ($100 for members, $175 for non-members) is due when you submit Part 2.
Applications are submitted digitally through the AHG website using the link below. Once you begin your application, you can work on it at your own pace. When you have completed Part 2 of the application, you submit it along with your application fee.
You must complete and submit both Part 1 and 2 before the application deadlines listed below.
Part 1 may be submitted at any point during the year. However, if you submit Part 1 of the application less than three weeks before an application deadline, it will automatically be held until the next review cycle deadline.
The Equivalency Review Process
Effective Immediately: AHG no longer offers an Equivalency Application. All applicants must use the Standard Application. (August 30. 2021)
The Application Review Process
The Admissions Committee reviews applications three times a year. The deadlines for submitting Part 1 and Part 2 of the application and required fees are March 15, July 15, and November 15 each year.
Admissions Committee members are assigned several applications to review and score using a Leikert Scale of 1 to 5 points. The committee then meets by phone to review scores and determine whether an applicant is accepted. Acceptance requires a minimum score in each category and an overall passing score.
The entire application review process takes approximately three months. Application deadlines are currently paused as we update and improve the RH application.
Should an application fail to achieve a satisfactory score to be accepted, you will receive written, detailed feedback and specific suggestions for continued study. These applications are considered ‘Pending’ and you will have a specific amount of time (usually 1 to 2 years) to complete additional education or clinical experience before resubmitting an amended application. The Admissions Coordinator is available to provide you with guidance about how to meet the required criteria and the reapplication process. Pending applicants are not required to pay an additional application fee when resubmitting. Please contact the Admissions Coordinator for additional clarification about the application process.
Additional Resources
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT - OCTOBER 24, 2024
The Admissions Review Advisory Committee (ARAC) has temporarily paused accepting new Registered Herbalist applications. We are in the process of updating the RH application process, an update that we believe will benefit all future applicants, and we'd like to explain why.
ARAC recognizes the need to enhance and clarify the Registered Herbalist application process. We want to address common areas of confusion and create a more transparent and easy-to-navigate system for all applicants. To this end, we initiated a comprehensive review and update of the entire process last year.
We have set in motion several key improvements:
After dedicating significant time and effort to these updates, we submitted our recommendations to the AHG Board of Directors for final review last year. We're excited about these changes' positive impact on future applicants and the herbalism community. Since we're so close to implementing these improvements, we've decided to pause the Fall review process to give the Board the time it needs to thoroughly review and approve the updates. If all goes well with the Board's review, we anticipate reopening applications in 2025.
When we resume accepting applications, you can look forward to:
· A more streamlined application process
· Clearer, easy-to-understand requirements
· A transparent scoring system
· An overall more efficient and pleasant process
We understand that this pause may cause some inconvenience, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding. Please be assured that this temporary measure is in the best interest of all current and future applicants, as it will ensure a more equitable and transparent process moving forward. If you have any questions or concerns about this update, please don't hesitate to contact our Admission Coordinator. They can provide any additional information or updates.
Thank you for your continued support and interest in the AHG Registered Herbalist program. We look forward to unveiling the improved application process and reviewing your application when the process reopens.
Please review our Registered Herbalist Membership Criteria before submitting your application. The Application portal can be found below.
Access Instructional Video on the Application Process: Here.
Click here to view the slides.
The Standard Application
The Equivalency Review Process
Effective Immediately: AHG no longer offers an Equivalency Application. All applicants must use the Standard Application. (August 30. 2021)
The Application Review Process
The Admissions Committee reviews applications three times a year. The deadlines for submitting Part 1 and Part 2 of the application and required fees are March 15, July 15, and November 15 each year.
Admissions Committee members are assigned several applications to review and score using a Leikert Scale of 1 to 5 points. The committee then meets by phone to review scores and determine whether an applicant is accepted. Acceptance requires a minimum score in each category and an overall passing score.
The entire application review process takes approximately three months. Application deadlines are currently paused as we update and improve the RH application.
Should an application fail to achieve a satisfactory score to be accepted, you will receive written, detailed feedback and specific suggestions for continued study. These applications are considered ‘Pending’ and you will have a specific amount of time (usually 1 to 2 years) to complete additional education or clinical experience before resubmitting an amended application. The Admissions Coordinator is available to provide you with guidance about how to meet the required criteria and the reapplication process. Pending applicants are not required to pay an additional application fee when resubmitting. Please contact the Admissions Coordinator for additional clarification about the application process.