FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Dorene Petersen, Principal

Australasian College of Herbal Studies

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Australasian College Granted National Accreditation
 

Local natural health college meets national standards for academic and administrative excellence

Portland, Oregon – July 23, 2003 – The Australasian College of Herbal Studies (ACHS) founded in 1978 in New Zealand and now headquartered in Portland, Oregon, announced today that the Oregon state licensed distance learning college has been granted national accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC).

“This is a tremendous and historic achievement not only for ACHS as the first distance learning natural health college to be nationally accredited, but also for the natural health complementary medicine profession, ” stated ACHS President and Founder Dorene Petersen. “We are honored to have been accredited by the DETC and know that our students will value this esteemed approval from a nationally recognized accrediting organization.”

Over the course of 2002 and 2003, ACHS conducted a rigorous process of self-examination of the entire college and prepared a self-evaluation report for the DETC. All program materials from the extensive range of Courses offered, were sent for review to nationally recognized subject specialists chosen by the DETC. A team of national evaluators then traveled to Oregon and conducted an onsite review that included financial audits, student services and review of all procedures. Based on this entire process and the teams’ report to the Accrediting Commission, ACHS was granted national accreditation.

“This decision is yet another validation that Australasian College’s distance learning and on-line classes, in addition to its on-site programs offer a quality educational opportunity to students,” stated Vice-President, Erika Yigzaw. DETC accreditation the door for students with tuition assistance opportunities from the military, employers and other sources, to assist their enrollment at ACHS in courses which include Master Herbalist, Diploma in Aromatherapy, Nutrition, Flower Essences and Iridology. Pharmacists, naturopaths, nurses, veterinarians and massage therapists can also enroll for CEU credits. Accreditation also increases opportunities for students to transfer credits, and enhances employment prospects.”

The Distance Education and Training Council, founded in 1926 promotes sound educational standards and ethical business practices. Today, more than 75 years later, DETC is a federally recognized accreditation program and the leader in accrediting global distance learning with accredited members in Canada, Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The DETC is listed by the US Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. The Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Today more than 2.5 million Americans are enrolled in DETC accredited institutions.

There are currently more than 1200 Australasian College of Herbal Studies’ graduates and 4500 students in all 50 states and worldwide in over 56 countries who will now enjoy this prestigious accreditation.

Contact: Dorene Petersen, Principal, Australasian College of Herbal Studies
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