Herbal Foundations Apprenticeship

What makes an apprenticeship different from other online programs?

Our unique Vitalist approach to herbal medicine, our focus on plant energetics and our commitment to generating a personal partnership between our students and the plants sets this apprenticeship apart from many other online programs. This program is a wonderful fit for anyone who wants to build a strong knowledge base through hearing personal stories, clinical cases, guided home practices, and wants to study herbal medicine in an easy to digest style and format. Our course provides a unique blend of physiology, medical science, and ancient traditional wisdom suitable for all levels of herbal experience. You’ll also learn the skills needed to confidently identify plants, grow your own herbal garden, and make medicines for yourself, your family, and your friends starting right away. An apprenticeship is best suited for students who are self-motivated and enjoy reading, writing, reflecting, and can devote a few hours each week to plant studies. Our staff are here to support and encourage your learning and will help you become a confident member of the herbal world.

How does the module format work?

We want the classroom experience to feel as natural and cyclical as the seasons themselves. Therefore, we will be releasing one module at a time to reduce overwhelm and to help you pace yourself throughout the course. The first module will be posted in April and you will have approximately one class to watch per week before we meet together for our live Q&A session. We understand some people may want to watch several classes in a row and that is okay too! You will get to choose how you pace yourself through each module, which is a learning lesson in itself! It is our preference that you watch all the recorded classes before meeting for the live Q&A for that module, however, it is not required. We understand that life happens and you are still welcome to join the live class even if you have not completed all of the assignments and videos for that module. We really just want you to be there to get the live goodies from our virtual classroom!

After each live Q&A, which are held on Saturdays, the next module will be posted the following Wednesday. We have tried to pace out the course so it is both spacious and at the same time, is engaging. You have all of the live Q&A dates in advance so you can mark your calendars ahead of time.

How do the “Personal Plant Pairings” work?

We strongly believe the best way to learn about plant medicines is to take them yourself! After teaching herbal apprenticeships for over 11 years, we have found students retain the most information when we combine ingesting the plants alongside studying them. Therefore, in this course we will be gifting you two herbs per module to take and experience. At the beginning of each module you will receive instructions for how to prepare these herbs, the recommended dosage range, and the actions to watch for. You will also receive a plant info sheet, and guided plant meditation practices to help you study and get to know these plants while you are taking them. During this module students are encouraged to share their experiences in our community herbal forum. Then, in Module Ten, we will review each of these plants in greater detail outlining their physiological actions, energetics, clinical data, phytochemistry, traditional uses, and Ashley will share her clinical experiences using each plant. During the Live Q&A session for Module Ten, you can share your reflections and experiences with each of these wise herbal teachers with the group.

Are there any books I should get to support my learning experience?

We strongly recommend and encourage students to purchase the following books to support them in their studies. These books can all be purchased online as used copies for a significantly reduced cost. These books will be referenced in class and outside reading of these texts will be recommended.

The Book of Herbal Wisdom by Matthew Wood

Flower Power by Anne McIntyre

Herbs and Natural Supplements, 2-Volume set: An Evidence-Based Guide 4th Edition by Lesley Braun & Marc Cohen

Medical Herbalism by David Hoffman

Do I receive a certification for completing the Herbal Foundations Apprenticeship?

Yes! Upon graduation from the apprenticeship, you’ll receive a certificate of completion from Sky House Herb School. This certificate acknowledges your completion of 100 hours of study in anatomy and physiology, materia medica, botany, energetics, and medicine making. These 100 hours can be applied toward your “Associate Member” status with the American Herbalists Guild here in the US, and for continuing education in other countries. To become an “Associate Member” with the Guild, you can use these 100 toward your 500 hour requirement. You can learn more here. https://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/become-associate-member

I live in the Minneapolis area. Can I join in person?

At this time the Herbal Foundations Apprenticeship is offered solely online, however, Ashley offers local herb classes throughout the year in the Minneapolis area and teaches at Herb Conferences throughout the US. Please visit the Sky House Herbs Events page to sign up for classes and conferences to study with Ashley in person!

What happens if I miss a live session?

While we encourage you to join the live sessions as often as possible, we understand that life happens. If you miss a live session, they will be recorded and you can watch them when time permits. PowerPoint presentations, class materials, and recordings are available in the classroom portal within 24 hours so you can watch and follow along when you can. You are also welcome to email Ashley your questions in advance of the live Q&A sessions so she can answer these for you during the live classes.

Is there anything extra I’ll need to buy for class? How much should I budget?

To get real hands-on experience with the plants, you’ll need to purchase herbs throughout the program. We’ll provide a list of reputable and high-quality sources during orientation. You’ll also need to purchase books for required reading assignments and quizzes. The estimated total cost for herbs is $230 USD which includes a combination of teas, powders, and tinctures/glycerites. You may be able to source these herbs less expensively or purchase them in stages throughout the year if you prefer. Sky House has partnered with Strob Apothecary to provide herb bundles sold per module at a discounted price. Books, if purchased online as used copies, are estimated at $70 USD total and $120 USD if purchased new.

Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?

Sky House is committed to ensuring all of our programs are accessible to those who want to study herbalism and the power of plant medicine. We offer need-based tuition options at different ranges, which we feel creates equitable options for students who need financial assistance. We ask that all interested students look at their monthly budgets in advance to assess what they can afford. The sustainability of our programs and the ability to offer need-based support is dependent on the majority of students enrolling at the regular tuition rate.

Will this program equip me with the skills to become a licensed herbalist?

Currently, there’s no licensing in the United States for herbalists but you can use the hours from this program to apply for registration with the American Herbalists Guild, https://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/ as either an “Associate Member” or as a “Registered Herbalist.” Graduates of our course can legally use herbs for their own self-care, friends, family, community members, and can even sell their own herbal products.