Who Needs a Degree in Herbal Studies?

Centuries ago, people used plants, foods and herbs for healing purposes. Students have the opportunity to learn the methods of herbal treatment even today. There are multiple medicine colleges and professional schools offering a degree in herbal studies. But what do you learn while obtaining a herbal studies degree? Well, the degree prepares students to work in the field of herbal medicine by providing them a well rounded knowledge of herb cultivation, herbal education and herbal product sales. Equipped with a graduate herbal studies degree program, candidates can find employment as herbal medicine educators, retail salespersons and clinical herbalists among others.

Herbal medicine offers cure to a variety of illnesses. More and more benefits of herbal medicines are coming to light as researches continue to be conducted. To be able to make a career in herbal medicine, students can choose from a range of degrees - an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree, a master's degree and a doctorate in herbal medicine. Students can select a degree, depending on the career they want to pursue. The degree program teaches students subjects including physiology, organic chemistry, anatomy, microbiology and plant identification.

Post Secondary Educator
The field of herbal sciences offers diverse career possibilities. One of these careers is becoming a post secondary educator. These educator are responsible for taking classes in herbology, plant science and herb cultivation at colleges and universities. Conducting researches in herbal sciences and medicine is a part of the job of post secondary educators. Those who wish to teach at technical colleges, should possess a master's degree while a Ph.D. is required to teach at four-year academic institutions. The educator also holds the responsibility of supervising laboratory trials, mentoring college students and developing curriculum for students. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for post secondary educators of herbal sciences will be very strong. The median annual salary of these educators is $5,120.

Herbal Retail Salesperson
Another career possibility that awaits candidates is becoming a herbal retail salesperson. To be able to work as a herbal salesperson, candidates need to have a strong knowledge of a wide range of herbal products and their effective use. Professionals should also be quite well versed with how to avoid the misuse of herbal products and their harmful effects. Herbal retail salespersons can find jobs at health food stores, cooperative supermarkets and dedicated herbal stores among others. Sales professionals should be prepared to provide answers to customers' question concerning herbal medicines and remedial solutions. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the sales job in herbal medicines will grow at an average rate over the next decade. On an average, retail salespersons earn an hourly wage ranging between $7.80 and $12.90.

Clinical Herbalist
With a degree in herbal studies, candidates can also plan to become clinical herbalists. A clinical herbalist is responsible for conducting lab tests and clinical examination for making diagnoses. After the diafnostic procedure is over, herbalists recommend their clients herbal treatment for recovery from a variety of ailments. Herbalists also suggest useful nutrition plans to promote health. To practise as a clinical herbalist, professionals also require necessary licensing from the state they practise in. Depending on the requirement, clinical herbalists may also work in tandem with a client's regular physician. For initial consultation, herbalists may charge a fee ranging between $50 and $100.

Now that you have known about herbal studies degree programs and who needs them, you can make a well informed decision about what career you want to pursue. With a degree in herbal studies, you can definitely look forward to making a successful career. Always remember to go through the detailed coursework and the accreditation of the degree program before you get enrolled.