Practitioner program
Western Herbal Medicine.
Advanced Practitioner of Clinical Western Herbal Medicine
Explore the world of medicinal plants, from botanical traditions and herbal chemistry to supervised clinical study.
Natural curiosity. Lifelong learning.- Suggested pathway
- Approximately 3 years
- Weekly study
- Approximately 9 hours
- Delivery
- Online + supervised clinic
- Clinical experience
- 200 hours
A natural place to begin
Follow your interest further.
This specialist pathway brings together herbal materia medica, health sciences and practitioner skills. It suits people considering herbal medicine study, including those with an existing interest or background in nutrition and natural health.
Your study pathway
From foundations
to practical experience.
Three stages of learning, with flexibility in how you pace your study. This is a summary of the program; request the brochure for the full subject schedule.
01Year 1Herbal foundations+
- Eastern and Western herbal traditions
- Historical and contemporary approaches
- Materia medica: the study of individual herbs
- Foundational health sciences and body function
02Year 2Plant knowledge and practitioner skills+
- Herbal chemistry and pharmacognosy
- Plant identification and herbal preparations
- Consultation, communication and counselling
- Pathology and interpretation of results
03Year 3Clinical application and business+
- Applied herbal studies and case work
- Integration of herbal knowledge
- Practice management and business development
- 200 hours of supervised clinical experience
Study with support
Online learning.
Real practical experience.
Work through readings, videos and interactive activities on your own schedule, with tutor support. Allow around 9 hours a week for the approximately three-year pathway.
Clinical practice is a required part of this program. Up to half the hours may be completed online through supervised telehealth. Face-to-face practice is also required.
A dedicated Clinic Coordinator can help you connect with supervisors. Placement is not guaranteed, and supervisors may charge additional fees. Discuss local arrangements before enrolling.
The published maximum is ten years to complete a qualification. Individual enrolment periods apply to subjects and course years; discuss extensions or deferral with the team.
Before you begin
Entry and recognition.
Getting started
You’ll need basic computer, literacy and numeracy skills. Talk to an adviser about your background, your study plans and any previous learning you would like assessed for credit.
Professional-association recognition
The course is recognised by ATMS. Ask how membership, insurance, clinical completion and first-aid requirements apply to your intended pathway.
Qualification status
This is not an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualification. Switch On Health is not a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), and the program does not issue AQF documentation such as a Statement of Attainment.
Graduates receive a completion letter, a qualification certificate and an academic transcript. Recognition by another education provider is at that provider’s discretion.
Plan your study
Course fees.
$17,449 – $20,972
The published total range depends on the payment plan you choose. Request a current brochure to compare instalments and the total financial commitment.
- Required textbooks are additional to course fees.
- Clinical supervision may incur separate charges.
- Optional online clinic blocks may carry additional fees.
- Government funding or subsidies are not available for this program.
A little more clarity
Your questions, answered.
Can I study around work and family?
Study is self-paced, with no fixed live-class schedule. Plan for the weekly study guide above, assessment work and the required clinic hours.
Can I start with one subject?
Yes. You can begin with an individual subject or enrol in a course year. Ask the team how your chosen subject fits your intended program.
How are students assessed?
The college’s published FAQ describes open-book assessment rather than exams. Practical tasks may use video submissions or online meetings. Confirm the assessment requirements for your selected subjects.
Can my previous study count?
Send the team details of your previous studies for a recognition-of-prior-learning assessment. Credit depends on that assessment.
Course information checked 10 September 2026. View the current course listing ↗
Your next step
Let’s talk about
western herbal medicine.
Get help with your study options, entry requirements and fees. Tell the team what you’re interested in and where you’d like to begin.
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