FAQ

Q. Inquiries about specific herbs & remedies

A. The BCHA is primarily a self-regulating professional association for practicing Registered Herbal Therapists (RHT). The Association also raises awareness of herbal medicine and supports public education around herbal medicine. As a not-for-profit association, BCHA is not involved in any business activities or direct recommendations. We would suggest that working with a highly qualified clinical herbalist (such as an RHT) in your area might be helpful. You can find a list of our professional members here.

Q.  What are your professional member standards of practice?

A.  BCHA RHT members have a Standards of Practice they pledge to uphold when they take their oaths to the association.  The association’s standards serve to link the principles of traditional herbal medicine with contemporary standards of professional conduct.

Q.  What are the requirements to become a herbalist in Canada?

A.  In Canada herbalists are not currently a regulated profession, there are several self-regulating associations throughout Canada.  Within BC, the British Columbia Herbal Association is a self-regulating association that offers several membership designations - the highest being our Professional Registered Herbal Therapists (RHT).  This level is an intended designation for full or part time herbal therapists trained in Western Herbalism (2000+ hours of training as well as 500 hours of supervised clinical practicum in Western Herbal Medicine).  We also have other membership options for those whose education does not meet the requirements for RHT status.  Which level you wish to attain depends on your overall goals related to herbal medicine.

Q.  Will my program qualify me for RHT membership?

A.  The BCHA does not endorse particular schooling but rather looks at the entirety of training that an applicant has obtained from a variety of sources. You will need to investigate various schools which offer an education totaling 2000 hours of education as either a medical herbalist, phytotherapist or clinical herbal therapist. You need to find a school that offers 500 hours of supervised clinical practice as well – anything less will not ensure acceptance into the professional category. 

You can inquire directly with any school for their curriculum and educational outline.  If you are specifically wondering if any particular school qualifies for membership with our association you may want to compare the curriculum and hours of education the school is offering with our particular admission requirements for RHT membership.

Q.   What are the requirements for the 500 hours of clinical training for RHT membership?

A.  The BCHA requires a total of 500 hours in clinical experience which is taken from a variety of offerings.  Supervised clinic hours are intended to be comprised of supervised hours in a clinical practicum, mentorship or apprenticeship directly with a practicing herbalist or as part of a structured herbal medicine program where the focus is on case history reviews, clinical assessment, protocol development and how business conversations are conducted. Documentation of the hours completed, and a signature of the mentor or clinic supervisor is a requirement.  Apprenticeships can be obtained from more than one practitioner however we do request a letter from the practitioner indicating the completion of hours and indicating satisfactory competency in the clinic setting.