Beyond the Cap:

Career Readiness Series

This webinar series has been developed to support ACHS students, graduates and alumni with the important next steps in their personal and professional development, before and after graduation. Join our Director of Alumni and Career Services, Amy Swinehart, to talk about preparing for life after graduation, developing a cover letter and your resume, joining industry organizations that can further support your career, and more! Don’t miss this opportunity to review these important steps together as a team and to have an open discussion about what’s important to you!

Kick off your career with confidence: ACHS resume and interview tips

In this webinar you will learn the basics for preparing an effective cover letter and strong, comprehensive resume. We will also discuss the best practices for preparing for an interview and also talk about how we can support you after graduation in working towards your career and/or personal goals.

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Industry Organizations: What’s best for you as an ACHS graduate?

In this webinar you will learn about the industry organizations that ACHS supports and how their membership will benefit you as an ACHS graduate. We will discuss our programs and how they relate to the different industry and board exams. And we will talk about the steps you need to take to qualify and move forward with their processes.

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Résumé, Cover letter, and Interview

Résumé and Cover Letter

•Clear, impactful résumé that showcases your accomplishments and relevant knowledge •Strong cover letter that conveys why you are a good fit for the position – why you are the right person for this job (take the time to do this)

Job Search

A successful job search takes diligence, time, and hard work.

  • Tailored resume
  • Cover letter drafted in response to each job applied for
  • Networking
  • Experience

Elements of a Résumé

  • Your best and relevant skills
  • Your experience
  • Your education
  • Personal aspect

A basic, strong résumé includes…

Your Name

Objectives

  • I want a highly rewarding career where I can use my skills and knowledge to help the company and my coworkers be successful.
  • I am seeking a competitive and challenging environment where I can serve your organization and establish an enjoyable career for myself.
  • I am looking for a receptionist position where I will use my skills in data entry and multi-line phone systems, as well as my experience with Microsoft Office and Excel.
  • Seeking a position as a law professor with a focus on real estate and land use law.

Professional Summary

Exceptionally seasoned and compassionate nutritionist with an outstanding record of client service and satisfaction. Especially adept at crafting special menus tailored to reconcile individual client health needs with food preferences. Committed to continuing education in nutrition and healthy behaviors for clients and in the broader community.

(Pick EITHER Objectives OR Personal Summary for your Resume)

Core Qualifications

  • Extensive holistic nutritionist experience
  • Skilled in individualized menu design for optimal nutritive client benefit
  • Two years of experience in teaching healthy lifestyles and behaviors
  • Expert ability in designing health enhancement plans for persons with diabetes
  • Exceptional counseling and guidance aptitude
  • Excellent implementation of nutrition programs focused on healthy weight loss

Education and Experience

Cover Letter

  • Impactful statements and information – no fluff
  • Get the decision maker’s attention
  • Succinct
  • Tailored to job posting
  • First sentence is probably most important
  • Direct message to the decision maker
  • Know your audience
  • Draft it with the particular job in mind

A Strong Résumé and Succinctly Crafted Cover Letter

  • Start with a punch
  • Stick to what’s relevant
  • Are specific when possible
  • Carefully review and edit
  • Stay honest

Interview Tips

  • Practice and Prepare
  • Develop a Connection with the Interview
  • Research the Company, Show what you know
  • Getting ready ahead of time - prepare your outfit
  • Be on time
  • Stay Calm
  • Follow Up

Mindset: What to do after graduation

  • Join Industry Organizations - Board Exams
  • Become an ACHS Ambassador
  • Write a Blog for ACHS
  • Spend Time Networking
  • Consider Graduate Programs
  • Career Opportunities

Industry Organizations

Aromatherapy

An aromatherapy certificate, diploma or degree provides graduates with useful skills that may enhance a current career path or offer opportunity to work in the holistic health and wellness community, however, graduation from an aromatherapy program does not convey any sort of license to practice. Currently, there are no licensing requirements for aromatherapists in the United States. There are memberships and registration options in the industry.

National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy “NAHA's mission is to advance the knowledge of the medicinal use of aromatic plants and essential oils to its fullest extent and to support aromatherapy as a truly holistic professional art and science.”

Once you have found your fit and know what membership is right for you follow the steps to apply and proceed with the payment and application portion. https://naha.org/membership/become-a-member/

Level 1: NAHA Certified Level I Aromatherapist® Requirements:

  • Have attended and graduated from a NAHA Approved Level 1 aromatherapy training program, minimum 50 hours* or the equivalent
  • Must show proof of completion of Anatomy & Physiology 1 from an accredited institution

ACHS qualifying programs: Certificate in Aromatherapy Graduate Certificate in Aromatherapy Graduate Certificate in Complementary Alternative Medicine

Level 2: NAHA Certified Professional Aromatherapist® Requirements:

  • Have attended and graduated from a NAHA approved Level 2 aromatherapy training program, minimum 200 hours, or the equivalent.
  • Must show proof of completion of Anatomy & Physiology 1 from an accredited institution.

ACHS qualifying programs: Certificate in Aromatherapy Diploma in Aromatherapy Associate of Applied Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine - Aromatherapy specialization Bachelor of Science in Integrative Health Sciences - Aromatherapy Specialization Graduate Certificate in Aromatherapy Graduate Certificate in Complementary Alternative Medicine Master of Science in Aromatherapy Master of Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine

Level 3: NAHA Certified Clinical Aromatherapist®

Requirements:

  • Have attended and graduated from a NAHA approved Level 2 aromatherapy training program, minimum 300 hours, or the equivalent.
  • Minimum of 1 year of direct clinical Aromatherapy experience.
  • Must show proof of completion of Anatomy & Physiology 1 & Advanced Pathophysiology course from an accredited institution

ACHS qualifying programs: Master of Science in Aromatherapy

Alliance of International Aromatherapists

AIA unites aromatherapists from around the world to advance research and professionalism within the aromatherapy community. As a result the public has the option for a safe, natural and complementary form of health care.

Once you have found your fit and know what membership is right for you follow the steps to apply and proceed with the payment and application portion. https://www.alliance-aromatherapists.org/membership-information-join

Associate Member Requirements:

  • Applicant has interest in the field or is a student enrolled in an Aromatherapy certification program.

Membership Benefits:

  • Voting member
  • Monthly educational webinars
  • Digital Membership Certificate
  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit opportunities
  • Quarterly digital issue of Aromatics in Action Journal; Summer Issue print edition mailed
  • Access to "members only" website; (research database, special recordings, and information)
  • Essential Oils Information booklet - available in bulk as a student aid
  • Listing in the membership directory
  • Discounted registration for AIA Conferences

Professional Member Requirements:

  • Applicant has completed a minimum of 200 hours of documented and verifiable instruction in aromatherapy and 12 (Continuing Professional Development) CPD credits per year.

Membership Benefits:

  • All Associate Member Benefits
  • Post your events and educational programs on the
  • Member Events Calendar and via AIA's social media outlets
  • Discounted membership through Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) (includes professional liability insurance for practitioners and all the membership benefits of ABMP including discounts for hotels, rental cars, and professional business services)
  • Eligible to earn referral credits towards your next renewal for each new member referred to AIA
  • Listing in our “Find an Aromatherapist” program
  • Eligible to serve on AIA Committees and Board of Directors

ACHS qualifying programs: Certificate in Aromatherapy Diploma in Aromatherapy Associate of Applied Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine - Aromatherapy specialization Bachelor of Science in Integrative Health Sciences - Aromatherapy Specialization Graduate Certificate in Aromatherapy Master of Science in Aromatherapy

APAIA (Advanced Practitioner) Member Requirements:

  • The applicant has completed 400 hours of documented and verifiable instruction in aromatherapy.
  • The advanced practitioner candidate must complete a special application which is approved by the Board. Membership Benefits:
  • All Professional Member Benefits
  • Listing on our “Find an Aromatherapist” program
  • Eligible to apply for AIA Research Grants (as available)

ACHS qualifying programs:

Diploma in Aromatherapy Associate of Applied Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine - Aromatherapy specialization Bachelor of Science in Integrative Health Sciences - Aromatherapy Specialization Master of Science in Aromatherapy

Alliance of International Aromatherapists

ARC formed in 1999 to promote the delivery of the safe and effective practice of Aromatherapy through registration of Aromatherapists. By providing a standard testing experience, it is assured that the aromatherapist has a quality level of education.

Please visit http://aromatherapycouncil.org/ for more exam information and how to register.

Becoming a Registered Aromatherapist

Requirements: Completion of a minimum of a 200-hour Level 2 program in aromatherapy from a college or school that is in compliance with the current NAHA and AIA Educational Guidelines or anyone who could provide evidence of equivalent training (transcripts and/or syllabi must be enclosed with Application)

ACHS Qualifying Programs: Certificate in Aromatherapy Diploma in Aromatherapy Associate of Applied Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine - Aromatherapy specialization Bachelor of Science in Integrative Health Sciences - Aromatherapy Specialization Graduate Certificate in Aromatherapy Master of Science in Aromatherapy

Industry Organizations

Herbalism

An herbal studies/herbal medicine certificate, diploma or degree provides graduates with useful skills that may enhance a current career path or offer opportunities to work in the holistic health community, however, graduation from an herbalism program does not convey any sort of license to practice. Currently, there are no licensing requirements for herbalists in the United States.

American Herbalist Guild The American Herbalists Guild promotes clinical herbalism as a viable profession rooted in ethics, competency, diversity, and freedom of practice. The American Herbalists Guild supports access to herbal medicine for all and advocates excellence in herbal education.

Information about applying to become a Registered Herbalist is available online at https://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/becoming-ahg-professional-member including information about AHG’s expedited and standard application processes. ACHS is happy to provide a letter of recommendation for graduates in good standing to support your application. This can be ordered online at https://contact.achs.edu/request-a-letter-of-recommendation.

Professional Membership Requirements: Graduates of qualifying ACHS programs are eligible to apply for professional membership and to become a Registered Herbalist (RH, AHG) once they have met the AHG clinical hours requirement, available through the AHG mentorship program.

ACHS Qualifying Programs: Diploma in Herbal Studies Master Herbalist Diploma in Holistic Health Practice with Herbal Medicine electives Associate of Applied Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine with Herbal Medicine Specialization Master of Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine with Herbal Medicine electives Master of Science in Herbal Medicine

Industry Organizations

Holistic Nutrition

If you are interested in pursuing a career in nutrition or dietetics, you should consult with the appropriate state board to assure that your credentials will allow you to achieve your professional goals. Many states have enacted laws that regulate the practice of dietetics and nutrition services. Be sure to download our Nutrition Disclosures White Paper! https://contact.achs.edu/download-free-nutrition-state-law-disclosures-white-paper For detailed information regarding exam eligibility criteria including the requirements for direct and indirect hours, please visit https://www.nanp.org/board-exam-eligibility.

National Association of Nutrition Professionals

Mission: To advocate for and empower a flourishing community of professionals dedicated to the principles of holistic nutrition.

For detailed information regarding exam eligibility criteria including the requirements for direct and indirect hours, please visit https://www.nanp.org/board-exam-eligibility.

Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®

Requirements:

  • Professional membership in the NANP.
  • Provide documentation of 500 hours (includes a minimum of 250 direct contact hours and up to 250 indirect contact hours) of professional experience in holistic nutrition. Exception for New Graduates
  • NANP defers the 500-hour practical experience required to be eligible for the board exam for candidates who are graduates of
  • NANP-approved programs when they sit the exam within 12 months of graduation.eption for New Graduates

NANP - Certified Nutrition Professional (CNP)

To qualify for this additional level of certification, the following criteria must be met:

  • All requirements of Board Certification; AND
  • A bachelor’s degree or higher in nutrition or a nutrition-related field of study from a NANP approved holistic nutrition program, OR a college or university regionally or nationally accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; AND
  • 1,200 Supervised Practice Hours* *Supervisor credential requirements apply.

Become an involved ACHS Graduate

ACHS graduates are passionate about health and wellness and have a positive impact on the communities they serve. Email Presenter: amyswinehart@achs.edu

Resources

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