Aromatherapy Certification Cohort (Feb-Sept)

for Nurses, Massage Therapists, and Medical & Health Professionals

  • Community of a Cohort

    Benefit from a peer-powered network united by a common mission. 8 group meetings during the 7-month timeline.

  • Easy to use online platform

    View and download our content, track your progress, easily upload assignments and take exams all in one user-friendly place.

  • Evidence-based essential oil science

    Gain the knowledge, confidence and credibility to achieve your goals as a Certified Aromatherapist.

This Aromatherapy Certification Program is endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) providing ANCC continuing education hours (CNE) for nurses, and approved to offer NCBTMB contact hours for massage therapists and body workers. Essential Health is an approved school by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), offering this Level 2 Certification Program.

  • Nursing Contact Hours Approved: 97 CNE

  • NCBTMB Approved Provider: 108 CE Hours

  • NAHA Approved School: 235 hr Level 2 Certification

Explore the evidence-based science of aromatherapy through a 7-month online cohort program. Study the therapeutic properties of 47 essential oils using updated monographs and learn blending through instructional videos and practical case studies.

  • Online Curriculum: Access an online manual, instructional videos, and interactive learning tools.

  • Group Meetings: Attend 8 virtual meetings scheduled at 7:30 PM CT over the 7-month timeline.

  • Practical Application: Create products for others and complete individual and group activities with instructors and peers.

Meeting Schedule

Meeting 1 - Welcome!
2/2/27
  • Navigating this Course

  • Chemistry & Essential Oil Testing (GC/MS)

  • Therapeutic Properties (Physical, Emotional & Energetic)

  • Blending & Formulation

  • Case Study Process & Mentoring

Meeting 2 - Essential Oil Science
3/16/27
  • Safety, Synergy & Contraindications

  • Aroma (Perfumery) Characteristics

  • Essential Oil Company Activity 

  • Additional Holistic & Complementary Therapies

Meeting 3 - Functional Groups and Chemical Families
4/27/27
  • Chemical Family Theory
  • Share your Favorite Case Study
  • Midterm Study Guide
Meeting 4 - Plants, Carriers & Hydrosols
5/18/27
  • History of Aromatherapy & Plant Medicine
  • ​Essential Oil Extraction
  • Sustainability
  • Brainstorm Ideas for Research Papers
Meeting 5 - Clinical Aromatherapy
6/15/27
  • PsychoNeuroImmunology (PNI)
  • Completing your Research Paper
  • Routes of Absorption & Methods of Application
  • Therapeutic Applications
Meeting 6 - Aromatherapy Research
7/20/27
  • Importance of Research & Publication
  • ​Share Research Papers
  • Researching a New Essential Oil
Meeting 7 - Your Aromatherapy Journey
8/17/27
  • Ethical & Business Considerations
  • Consultation Skills and Practice
  • Aromatherapy in Healthcare Settings
  • Final Study Guide
  • Program Evaluation
Meeting 8 - Reflection & Celebration!
9/21/27
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Meet your instructor

BSN, RN, HNB-BC, Clinical Aromatherapist

Denise Joswiak

Denise Joswiak is a board-certified holistic nurse. In 2011, she created the aromatherapy program for the Allina Health system starting with 14 hospitals, then collaborated on two years of retrospective research involving 21,554 nurse-delivered aromatherapy sessions showing decreases in pain, nausea, and anxiety. This inspired her to work with other healthcare sites and systems, providing patients with greater comfort and an improved experience. Denise speaks internationally about the effectiveness of aromatherapy and enjoys sharing information about this low-cost, high impact therapy. It is her ongoing passion to empower nurses and medical and health professionals to practice aromatherapy with confidence and credibility.



Trusted by the Industry

We work with healthcare leaders on
aromatherapy education and program implementation

Allina health
Mayo Clinic
Vanderbilt Health
Advocate Health Care Aurora Health Care
uchealth

Testimonials

Tanya Ingvaldson

RN, BSN, PHN, CA

Well-crafted and easy to follow. Full of so much great information you can put into practice immediately. An absolutely wonderful course led by a dynamic instructor!

Kayla Bartlett

LAc

Denise has created a thoughtful and caring space for students to take in the wealth of knowledge that she possesses. Her teaching style makes the information accessible to multiple learning styles and levels of previous knowledge. I would highly recommend any of her offerings, especially the certification program.

Vicky Grossman

Massage Therapist - Allina Hospice

Denise’s passion for aromatherapy/essential oils and the many ways to use them medicinally is what makes this class so worthwhile!! It’s essential oils from the ground up - everything I needed to know to confidently incorporate their use into my practice.

Nikki Kirchner

BSN, RN, CNRN, CRRN, SCRN, CA

In Denise’s class, there is no judgment. It didn’t matter who you were, what your background was, we were all at a level playing field and there to learn, help, inspire and create. As a left brained person with right brain tendencies, one of the most surprising things I learned, was that aromatherapy is based on science, history and perhaps a bit of the “as of yet unknown”. What has embedded itself in me, is the “blending” (pun intended) of art and science to facilitate well-being and even healing in fellow humans in a creative, practical, meaningful (and affordable) way. This class has forever changed, motivated and inspired me.

Emily Jo Fristed

BA, Licensed Massage Therapist, Lead End-of-Life Doula, Certified Clinical Aromatherapist, Reiki Master

This is a comprehensive certification course which made me feel confident to apply aromatherapy services in the medical field. The format is easy to follow and the material is exceptional. I highly recommend the Aromatherapy Certification Program.

  • Why should I become Certified?

    To deepen your understanding and to gain a strong scientific foundation regarding aromatherapy. To comfortably and confidently discuss the science of essential oils with others. Essential Health’s certification gives you the credibility to use aromatherapy professionally with clients and create safe, effective aromatherapy programs, education, policies and protocols.

  • Do I need to have essential oils to take this class?

    In this program, we study 47 essential oils. You do not need all 47, but you will need to have a selection. Your essential oils must have batch-specific gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) reports. That’s how we study chemistry and know the oils are pure and unadulterated. If you have questions about your oils we will be happy to talk with you. We offer a variety of student kits available upon registration.

  • Are there any other supplies that I will need?

    As part of this certification, you will be doing 10 case studies and 12 blends. You will need a few containers and carriers. In your welcome letter, we will outline exactly what you need, and we offer a kit with additional supplies used in this program. In addition, we look at Tisserand & Young (2014) for some of our safety information. It is a great reference to have on hand. It is available for purchase, rent, and as an e-book.

  • Are there any prerequisites for the course?

    College-level Anatomy & Physiology. Simply submit a copy of your license or transcript. Just starting your professional journey? We have an option to complete an A&P through us before the cohort begins!

  • What happens if I miss a meeting, or am unable to finish the program within the timeline?

    Life happens! There is no requirement to attend all meetings or finish in the 7-month timeline. This is learner-paced enduring content with the benefit of a cohort. If you miss a meeting a recording will be available to you, and if you need more time to finish the program, no problem!

  • Do you offer a payment plan?

    Yes! Choose to pay your tuition in full, or in five or ten automatic monthly payments at no extra cost!

  • Can I get reimbursed for this program?

    Many of our healthcare professional students have received reimbursement for this program as they receive CEs or CNEs as massage therapists or nurses. Below you will find a link to our Hours & Requirements doc which may be sufficient for reimbursement. If reimbursement is an option for you, we'd love to help! Please email and we will make certain you have all of the required information.

Pricing options

Free with Enrollment!

Intro To Clinical Aromatherapy Workshop

As our patients and customers continue to expect integrative holistic modalities as part of their healthcare, essential oil use is becoming increasingly popular in clinical settings. A growing body of evidence exists showing the profound health benefits of essential oils. However, knowledge and practice gaps exist regarding safe and effective essential oil use. Explore the many facets of clinical aromatherapy in this extensive introductory workshop!


This cohort tough for your schedule?

Check out our Cohort starting this October!

Looking for a Custom Cohort?

We love customizing cohorts for colleagues, companies, and healthcare sites or systems looking to create or support a safe and effective aromatherapy program. Set something up for your team that fits your schedule. Reach out to Denise to discuss your vision.
[email protected]

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Would you rather get certified at your own pace?

We have you covered! Get the same education in our learner-paced program.