Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Green path herb school unique?
Our faculty are chosen based on their different perspectives and expertise in their fields. All teachers are encouraged to present different, but complementary, viewpoints. We consider it a job well done when our students connect the dots and bring together big picture concepts from different classes. We thrive on those "aha moments"!
Our course is designed for those who work, or have other big commitments, such as parents.
Our program is set up to provide a good mix of interaction with all subjects, in particular the herbs themselves. We encourage sensory interaction such as samples, demos, tasting, slides, student discussion, and medicine making to go far beyond a common lecture.
At Green Path Herb School, we have a "tribe vibe". We value safety, inclusion, and creating a warm and supportive environment and community for our students and staff.
Do I receive a certification or license for completing the program?
Because there is no official licensure or certification for herbalists in the United States, we don't "certify" herbalists. All graduates of our program DO receive a certificate, though, which is the beautiful proof that you completed and graduated from our program.
The fact that there is no national certification for herbalists in the U.S. has both pros and cons. The thing we like the best about this is that herbalism in the United States is richly diverse. There are many wonderful herbs schools in the U.S., and each has offerings that make them unique. The biggest con we see is that anyone can call themselves an herbalist, whatever their level of training (or no training) is. That is why we think it is so important, as an herbalist, to let people know your training and background.
An herbalists' right to practice is protected by their right to free speech under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. In the U.S., herbalists cannot diagnose or prescribe. Rather we evaluate people from a holistic perspective and educate our clients and the general public about medicinal plants, natural remedies, healthy diet, and lifestyle pursuits to support organ systems, tissues, and overall health and wellness.
If you are interested in a professional designation as an herbalist, check out the American Herbalists Guild, an organization that provides a peer-reviewed Registered Herbalist title. If you are interested in finding out more about how to become a member, you can click here. To find out more about the licensing of herbalists in the U.S., you can read this article from the American Herbalists Guild.
The Herbal Foundations Program is ideal for beginners and practitioners looking to expand their herbal knowledge. It is also suitable for individuals who want to support themselves, their family, or friends. The year-long program consists of 72 hours of classes and 36 hours of self study and medicine making, held monthly on Saturdays. Herbal Foundations is taught exclusively by Herbalists Elaine Sheff and John Goicovich.
In contrast, the Herbalist Certificate Program provides a more in-depth and intensive learning experience, encompassing over 430 class hours and 70 hours of self study, projects, assignments, and medicine making . This program features a diverse faculty (including Elaine and John) that covers a comprehensive range of topics in greater detail. The Herbalist Certificate Program is designed for those aiming to elevate their herbal skills to transition into professional herbalism. Many students who complete the Herbal Foundations Program choose to progress to the Herbalist Certificate Program.
What is the difference between Herbal Foundations and the Herbalist Certificate Program?
I live in a different city, state, or country. Can I still join?
Absolutely! Most of our programs are accessible completely online so you can take them from anywhere in the world.
Can I join in person if I live near Missoula, Montana?
Yes! Most classes are offered live. The Herbalist Certificate Program is a hybrid program designed to be attended live and online. People can take part in classes in-house, or virtually if they are attending from afar. The Herbal Immersion and Foraging Wild Foods and Medicine classes are the only ones taught solely live and in person.
Is Green Path Accredited?
No, and there is a good reason for this. Accreditation is a form of quality control, ensuring that institutions of higher education, including universities and colleges, satisfy certain standards. Trade schools and herb schools can't be accredited (unless they are part of a college program). Green Path Herb School is, however, a school member of the American Herbalists Guild.
What happens if I miss a class in the herbalist certificate program?
Our students benefit greatly from the rich interaction with teachers and other students. That is why the Herbalist Certificate Program is live and real-time. We want to get to know you and we want Green Path to feel like the community that it is. We also find that students complete courses much faster when there is specifically scheduled time to meet and work on the program. But we understand that things come up and sometimes you can't make it to every class. For this reason, we record each class. In case you are occasionally unable to attend, rest assured that you can watch a class later, without missing any information. Many of our other courses are self-paced so you can watch whenever works for you!
How much should I budget for books and supplies in the herbalist certificate program?
We recommend setting aside approximately $200 for books. Each student will receive a list of necessary books and materials they will need to purchase before class begins. Most of the other supplies that we recommend are optional and you can pick and choose what you'd like to get depending on your budget. Other supplies we recommend include harvesting tools, herbs, medicine making supplies and tools, and an herb sampling kit. Generally, these can cost around $300-$500.
What kind of time should I set aside for homework in the herbalist certificate program?
In some weeks, many Herbalist Certificate sstudents spend 2-6 hours on homework including completing projects, doing research, and studying for quizzes and tests. We encourage students to do what they can, within reason, without becoming overly stressed with the process. There are assignments, but much of the homework is self-determined. As our teacher Michael Moore used to say, you get out of it what you put into it.