Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I begin?
Most people begin with Herbal Fundamentals and continue with herb classes that follow. Of course, you can take any of our courses whenever they are offered. The only exception is Healing with Energy which requires Healing I as a prerequisite to Healing II or Healing III.

What kind of credentials does the 225 hour certificate program provide?
No state in the United States requires (nor offers) a license to provide holistic health care in the form of herbal consulting. You can’t diagnose any disease or condition (you can evaluate) and you can’t prescribe medicines (you can recommend and provide remedies). You generally will not be able to have your clients file a claim to most insurance carriers for your services or remedies. You should know, also, that even if you are treating folks without a fee, you are liable under the same laws. The best you can do is be well informed and stay within your level of expertise. We do train clinical herbalists here and offer a Certificate of Completion at three levels. 225 hour Certificate, Pre-Clinic Training Certificate, and Clinic Certificate. Some schools offer State recognized Certificates. If they don’t prepare you to be certified as a licensed acupuncturist or chiropractor, unless you’re looking for a massage license, these don’t confer any legal credential. What you want is practical training and experience, wherever you can find it.

How much is it to complete the entire program?
At the present fee schedule, the total cost for the 225 hour Certificate Program is $2560. If you compare this with other institutions, you will find that we are extremely competitive. You can pay for each course ($180) as you take it. If you pay in advance for the Program, you pay only $2300 (you can save $260). Self-Heal School does not offer refunds for class fees. If you miss classes or fail to complete courses, you will have a credit that can be used for courses or workshops for up to one year from the time you paid.

How many months does it take to complete the 225 hour program?
Classes meet one evening each week for 2½ hours so each 15 hour course takes six weeks. We generally offer three courses at a time so you can accelerate your progress if needed. At that rate people have completed in 30 weeks. It depends on the pace that works for you.

How much of my time outside of class will be required?
We don’t assign homework or give tests. We encourage students to do outside research and study, but it isn’t required. Herbal medicine is an art as much as it is a science. We feel that by passing on a show-and-tell tradition, students will have the foundation they need to begin using herbal medicines in a safe and effective manner. The herbs will teach us most of what we need to learn, whether learning to take care of ourselves with natural remedies, or training as a holistic consultant.

What if I miss a class?
This happens all the time and isn’t a problem. We keep records of missed classes and they may be made up when offered again.

What if I wish to repeat a course?
Actually, this is often very beneficial and we encourage it. Courses may be repeated for half the course fee.

fee installments?
We offer fee installments to make it easier to pay for the courses.
Make arrangements when you register or at the first meeting of the course.

What about books?
We have booklets that we have written for each course and they are included in the cost of the Courses. We can recommend other reference material and direct you to sources that offer discounts for books to our students.

How do I register?
We are now accepting our class and retreat payments through the Universal Life Church, a nonprofit charitable organization. Donations are tax deductible. Print or ask for a receipt for your records. Register below with a credit card or send in a $30 check or money order as a deposit for the desired class or workshop ($40 for Medicine Making or the Women’s Retreat). Our online schedule shows classes and workshops we offer. Just write on the check or in the PayPal online checkout, a contact phone number and the name of the course or workshop you're making a deposit or payment for. All deposits are nonrefundable. When we receive your class or workshop registration we’ll snail mail or e-mail you a map to help you find us. The balance of your fee may be paid at the first class or made in several payments throughout the course. Make checks payable to: Universal Life Church PO Box 70131 San Diego, CA 92167

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