The decision to train as a Medical Herbalist here in the UK

I’ve been absent for a couple of weeks. I wanted to post my monograph for oats but I kept putting it off, and then putting it off some more. The truth is, I’ve been umming and ahhing about committing to undertaking an accredited four-year course in herbal medicine for some time. After taking both the Intermediate and Advanced herbal courses with Herbal Academy, as well as some shorter courses with them too, for some reason it still felt a hard decision to make, deciding whether or not to become accredited to practice here in the UK.

As you can imagine it wasn’t just a question of the time commitment (although that is a big thing to consider as 500 hours of clinical training are required on top of the 3,600 hours of study), but a monetary commitment too, and then the decision of where to study played its part too.

Now don’t get me wrong, I really loved studying with Herbal Academy. I think their courses are fantastic, both in terms of quality, content, format and deliverables. However, though it isn’t currently a legal requirement to be accredited to call yourself a herbalist in the UK and even to see patients, only those with a degree or diploma can gain accreditation and will be able to register with a professional governing body as well as qualifying for full insurance to practice. Herbal Academy can’t offer this or the clinical training opportunities so if you want to be accredited you have to look closer to home.

For those who don’t know, there are currently only two current courses accredited by the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) here in the UK, with others in the process of becoming accredited and several other courses accredited by alternative organisations [i.e. the College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM), accredited by the Association of Naturopathic Practitioners and the Association of Master Herbalists]. Each of these courses are in offered in different locations, offer varying degrees of flexibility for study, and all have a different price point associated.

The three main courses offered in the UK are below, with details provided true as of the day I post this.

• Lincoln College

This is the only institution still offering the traditional degree (BSc) in herbal medicine within the UK. The course it taught in blocks so you don’t actually have to live in Lincolnshire to study, but can visit throughout the year as and when required. I grew up in Lincolnshire and have to say it isn’t a half bad place to live if you are tempted to relocate for the three years of study – surrounded by countryside, a pretty decent city scene, the best cathedral in the country if that’s your thing and actually it gets better each year I visit. They also offer full-time (three years) and part-time options (five years) which is a benefit.

Cost: (Full time course, national students) £7,999 per year plus additional costs on diagnostic equipment, tunics, etc. (Part time course, national students) £4,350 per year plus additional costs on diagnostic equipment, tunics, etc.

This course is undertaken completely online over four years resulting in a diploma in herbal medicine, though clinical training is completed in-person in a selection of clinics across the country. Though a full time course, it has been formatted with flexibility in mind so that it can be undertaken by those working a full-time job (though, obviously lifestyle changes will be likely).

• Heartwood

A foundation course is also available and is necessary to enrol on the professional course for those who haven’t studied an accepted foundation course elsewhere.

Cost: (For those starting in September 2021) £2,925 per year, with options to pay one annual fee or monthly fees. (For those who enrol in 2022) £3,060 per year. Additional equipment costs not mentioned but likely.

• College of Naturopathic Medicine

CNM offers a diploma course with campuses across the country. They offer both in-person training and online training and have their own complimentary clinic where students can train towards their clinical hours. With mandatory modules in naturopathy, you are likely to get an education beyond just herbal medicine too.

Cost: Payment in full for three years £20,450 (though higher if paid in instalments). Additional costs for equipment is likely.

So which course did I choose? After all my deliberations (a pro/con list or two) that would be Heartwood. I admit that having the freedom to mostly study at home was a big draw, with the idea of travelling to Lincoln nine times a year a bit too much for me. They also have fantastic reviews and the price was just about in my budget. I’m also a fan of the module breakdown and the ability to access course materials after completion of the course. Another benefit, though not deciding factor, was that you are sent a list of their associated clinics before you advance with your application to ensure you’re able to travel to at least three for your clinical training in years two to four.

The course is due to start this month with a dose of history and anatomy. I’m both excited and nervous but my gut says I’m doing the right thing. Part of me wishes I had made different choices previously and enrolled sooner but as a good friend reminded me, “never regret any course. You learn something, you evolve and grow any time you’re using your brain”.