VITAL SCIENCE & MATERIA MEDICA
Drawn to CSCH, but not sure you're ready for Fundamentals?
Study a focused portion of CSCH curriculum, get a feel for the faculty and learning style, and quickly decide whether you want to join one of the upcoming cohorts of the full 9-month Fundamentals program.
This is not a shortcut to certification. It is a practical way to test fit before making a larger commitment.
Is This For You?
THIS COURSE IS A GOOD FIT IF YOU:
- want to efficiently and quickly. experience a true representation of what CSCH offers before applying to Fundamentals
- are serious about herbal study and want to learn how vitalist herbalism approaches the body, plants, and community
- need a guided first step, not a casual one-off class
- want to test whether the study rhythm fits your life
THIS IS NOT MEANT AS:
- a replacement for Fundamentals
- a certification program
- a quick-remedy class
- a casual hobby course
What You’ll Study
Vital Sciences with Lisa Ganora
Explore the foundations of vitalist herbalism: nourishment, digestion, assimilation, life power, and the body's capacity to stay alive, adapt, and participate in community.
History of Herbalism & Materia Medica Differentials audio learning with Paul Bergner
Study audio lessons with Paul Bergner, Matthew Becker, and Cody Smith, and come to understand Materia Medica as more than herb facts. Learn plants, people, patterns, and practice through the science and spirit of medicinal plants.
Participate in a Live
Call
Join one of our current Live Calls to get a feel for the community of learners like you. Ask real questions, hear from practicing herbalists, and experience how learning unfolds in real time.
What's Included
The assignments are part of the readiness experience. They help you test how this kind of study feels in real life. You can complete them during the cohort or return to them later. You do not need to complete this course to apply to the Fundamentals course. If you know you love it soon after beginning the experience, then we urge you to apply to one of the full programs. You get to keep this program for a lifetime.
COURSE MATERIALS
- Selected audio lessons with Paul Bergner
- Vital Sciences video learning with Lisa Ganora
- Participation in one current Live Call
- Quizzes and materia medica assignments
- Advisor support from a CSCH staff advisor/teacher
- Total Time: 20 Hours
GUIDED COHORT EXPERIENCE
- Begin immediately after purchase
- Move through selected lessons at your own pace
- Join one current Live Call
READINESS WORK
- Quizzes
- Materia medica assignments
- 1 monograph
Get the herbs, teas, tinctures, and books included in the Readiness Course purchase package.
Get the full experience! Get a 20% discount on your online orders at the CSCH Apothecary.
How This Helps You Decide
By the end of the course, you should have a clearer answer to three questions:
Do I connect with CSCH's way of teaching?
You'll experience the faculty, language, community, and depth of study.
Can I make space for this kind of learning?
You'll get a practical feel for the study rhythm before committing to Fundamentals.
Am I ready for the certificate path?
You'll know whether to apply now, talk with an advisor.
Readiness Course or Fundamentals?
Not sure where to begin? Use this comparison to choose the right next step.
| Feature | The Herbalism Readiness Course | Fundamentals Program |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Learners who want to experience CSCH before applying to the full certificate path | Students ready to begin formal clinical herbalism study |
| Commitment | 20 hours total | Full Fundamentals program commitment |
| Purpose | Test fit, study rhythm, faculty, community, and readiness | Begin the structured certificate path |
| What You'll Study | Selected Paul Bergner audio lessons, Vital Sciences with Lisa Ganora, quizzes, materia medica assignments, 1 monograph, and one current Live Call | The full Fundamentals curriculum in medical herbalism |
| Live Component | Participation in one current Live Call | Full Program: In Person in Lafayette, CO OR Online program structure, support, and participation |
| Assignments | Quizzes, materia medica assignments, and 1 monograph | Required coursework as part of the formal program |
| Outcome | Decide whether to apply, book an advisor call | Continue through the CSCH certificate pathway |
| Choose This If | You're interested, serious, and want to test the waters | You're ready for deeper study and a full program commitment |
| Take Action | START THE READINESS COURSE | EXPLORE FUNDAMENTALS |
Your Next Step After the Course
If you’re ready
If you’re interested but unsure
A First Step That Can Count Toward More
If you enroll in Fundamentals within 6 months of completing the Clinical Herbalism Readiness Course, your course tuition may be applied toward your Fundamentals tuition.
