Frequently Asked Questions
A: Yes, a certificate is available for the successful completion of the Community Herbalism (first two levels) and Clinical Herbalism (third level) track.
Q: If I successfully complete your herbal program, will I be (or can I then become) a legal, licensed herbalist?
A: No. There is no such thing as a legal or licensed herbalist in the United States. Licenses do not exist. Herbalism falls into the gray area of being a-legal in the United States. Herbalism at this point is not regulated by a governing body.
Q: Do you guarantee a job post completion of Clearpath Herbal Community and Clinical Herbal program.
A: No. Herbalism is for all intents and purposes a new ‘industry’ populated by resourceful and hardworking self-employed entrepreneurs who are passionate about plant medicines and holistic health. You, like most clinical and community herbalists that have become before you, are left to your own ingenuity, resourcefulness, commitment, dedication and diligence to become whatever you want to be.
Q: Are their loans or financial aid available for Clearpath School of Herbalism courses and classes?
A: No, at this time there is no financial aid package available for prospective students.
Q: Is Clearpath School of Herbalism an accredited institution?
A: No, Clearpath School of Herbalism is not an official, accredited institution.
Q: But I have heard that UMass students and Five-College students (Amherst, Hampshire, Holyoke, UMass, Smith) can receive academic credit for courses, classes, workshops and independent projects. Is this true or false?
A: That is true. Chris Marano has an arrangement with certain departments and programs at UMass-Five Colleges that enable qualifying students to gain academic credit for successfully completing course work at Clearpath School of Herbalism that is relevant toward their university or college major they are taking.
Q: If I wish to apply Clearpath Herbals course study to academic credit at UMass-Five Colleges, does that mean I am exempt from having to pay Clearpath Herbal tuition?
A: No. Clearpath Herbals does not have a financial relationship with UMass-Five Colleges. You must pay the tuition for Clearpath Herbal classes or courses regardless of your financial arrangement with your college/university
Q: If I am on the Certificate Path, must I commit to all three levels?
A: No. Your agreement to follow the Certificate Program/Path is level by level, and is purely a time and financial agreement and commitment. It is your decision to continue from Level 1 to Level 2, and from Level 2 to Level 3. And it is in your best financial and educational interest to complete the required coursework in the time allotted.