In-Person ACP

Aromatherapy Certification Program

Meet your instructor and fellow students face to face. Experience all of the oils we study and reinforce your learning with added blending exercises and activities. We meet three times during your certification journey.

Due to concerns regarding COVID-19 the dates for the next in-person session are TBD

Location: Essential Health


  • Explore evidence-based essential oil science

    Whether you're looking to use aromatherapy personally, professionally or in a clinical setting, this program will provide the knowledge, confidence, and credibility to achieve your goals as a Certified Aromatherapist.

  • Approved education for professionals, contact hours provided

    We are proudly approved to offer NCBTMB contact hours for massage therapists and body workers, as well as contact hours for nurses. Our program has also been approved by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.

This program provides an intuitive learner-paced curriculum including a printed and online manual, instructional videos, student and instructor interaction, and activities to reinforce your aromatherapy knowledge. You will create thirty products which will deepen your knowledge of the essential oils and increase your blending skills. All essential oils studied will be provided in class for activities and blending exercises.

Some of the major topics we cover:

  • Aromatherapy and Essential Oil History                      

  • How Essential Oils Are Extracted From Plants         

  • Ways to Use Essential Oils

  • Application Methods                    

  • Blending and Formulating Products

  • Essential Oil Synergy

  • Safety Concerns including Medical Conditions and Medication Interactions

  • Interesting, Understandable Botany, Anatomy, and Chemistry

  • Essential Oil Testing

  • Important Information Needed to Choose High-Quality Essential Oils

  • Aroma Notes & Characteristics

  • Emotional and Energetic Qualities of the Essential Oils

  • Carrier Oils, Salts & Hydrosols

  • Ethical and Business Considerations

  • Consultation Skills and Practice

  • Aromatherapy in Healthcare Settings

  • Basic Information About Homeopathy, Flower Essences & Herbal Medicine

  • Research and Resources

This in-person program allows you to dive deeper into essential oil chemistry, carriers, hydrosols, plant families, plant parts, flower essences, homeopathy, psychoneuroimmunology, essential oil use in healthcare and the business of aromatherapy. Share case studies, company information, and your research paper with classmates. Students have found this to be a wonderfully informative & fun practice. Study in a community of individuals who all have their own experiences with holistic care and integrative health, expanding the conversation beyond aromatherapy. Many past students have mentioned this as their favorite added value to studying together. 



Our Aromatherapy Certification Program has been approved by the NAHA (National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy). We are proudly approved to offer NCBTMB contact hours for massage therapists and body workers. This continuing nursing education activity was approved by the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA), an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

  • Nursing Contact Hours Approved: 103.5

  • NCBTMB Approved Provider: 108 CE Hours

  • National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy Approved School: Level 2 Program



Meet Your Instructor

BSN, RN, HNB-BC, Clinical Aromatherapist

Denise Joswiak

During her 39 year career as a nurse at Allina Health, Denise enjoyed educating, teaching Transformative Nurse Training, Infant Massage, Stress Reduction, Aromatherapy and other classes involving self-care and integrative therapies. It was her passion for integrating holistic practices that led her to create the Aromatherapy Program for Allina Health. After the creation of this program, she co-authored articles presenting research validating the legitimacy of clinical aromatherapy. She has since spoken internationally about the effectiveness of this program, and the importance of holistic care.





  • 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. Certification gives you the credibility to use aromatherapy professionally.

  • Are there any prerequisites for the course?

    No, anyone and everyone can take this course.

  • 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 of good quality. If you have questions about your oils or which oils to purchase, we will be happy to talk with you and/or provide several essential oil company options upon registration. (We do not profit from our recommendations.)

  • Are there any other supplies that I will need?

    As part of the ACP, 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. 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.

  • How long does this program take?

    Although we meet three times, this is a learner-paced program, meaning you can move through the material as quickly as you would like, or take as long as you need. The goal of this In-person program is to complete your certification by the last class. However, if you need to continue working beyond the last in-person date that is possible via our online platform.

  • Do you offer a payment plan?

    Yes! Choose to pay your tuition in full, or in five or ten automatic monthly payments.

Pricing options