Pumps & Iron

Hi friends! I wanted to talk more about the aromatherapy course I did should any of you be interested in pursuing a certification. Even if that doesn’t describe you, it’ll give you some idea about my background and qualifications when it comes to essential oils. I wanted a course I could do at home, one that was reputable, and one that would leave me feeling prepared to practice aromatherapy. Ultimately I went with The Institute of Integrative Aromatherapy (IIA) and I’m so glad I did!

IIA Aromatherapy Course Requirements & Basic Info

When you sign up for IIA’s Aromatherapy Certificate Program, you start by choosing a mentor—either Valerie Cooksley, RN, OCN, FAAIM or Laraine Pounds, RN, BSN, MSN, CMT. Both have impressive credentials, but I chose Valerie since she’s the author of one of the required books for the course.

After you’ve paid (the course is $2,850), you’ll receive all your course materials. This includes two manuals, two books, small vials of all the essential oils you’ll need, containers, blending supplies and more. You’ll have a kickoff phone call with your mentor to go over the course and ask any questions, and then from there you have one year to complete the program.

I looked into other online courses, but decided on IIA because it’s recognized by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) for both educational levels I and II. It’s also approved as continuing education by the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA). IIA is a bit more expensive than some other online options, but the credentials of the program and the professors/mentors sold me.

I loved that the course covers aromatherapy from all angles. You learn about the science behind it (chemical constituents, studies proving different outcomes, etc.) as well as the more subtle intricacies. In the same textbook you’ll read about the chemistry of essential oils and their spiritual meanings. It’s both rooted in science and open to the intangible.

Course Requirements

Aside from the reading (two manuals and two books, as well as additional research for homework), you’ll need to complete the following to pass the course:

• 20 case studies
• 2 essential oil profiles
• 2 intervention guidelines
• 40+ independent studies
• 10-pg research paper
• Final exam (multiple choice)

My Overall Experience with the Course

Overall, I couldn’t be happier I chose to go with the IIA Aromatherapy Course, and would highly recommend it. I ended up having to get a six-month extension (which is an additional $250), but that’s my own fault. It’s totally doable to complete the course requirements in a year’s time. I’d just advise you not to procrastinate because it is a lot of work.

And that’s a good thing because it was all meaningful, hands-on work. The case studies I mentioned above involve you working with people (friends, family, clients) one-on-one to make custom blends for their individual goals, needs, health conditions and personality. Because of this, I completed the course feeling 100% confident in my ability to work with clients and put my aromatherapy certification to practical use.

That’s a lot more than I can say of other at-home courses I’ve done! When I did the NASM CPT course, for example, all that was required was to pass an exam after self-studying. After taking the exam, sure I was technically a CPT, but I had zero hands-on experience and didn’t feel prepared at all to actually train someone. IIA was the complete opposite.

I also liked that the 10-pg research paper allowed me to pick a topic of particular interest and take a deep dive into it. I chose to do mine on how aromatherapy can benefit depression, as that’s something I’ve personally struggled with in the past. And as a result, I was truly invested in the research/writing process. Then I was especially excited to get my mentor’s feedback that my paper was worthy of publishing (!!). I will be submitting it to a few aromatherapy journals, and will keep you all posted when/if that happens (and if it doesn’t, I’ll publish the paper on the blog).

Why I Got Certified

I’ve loved using essential oils for years now, but wanted to really know my sh*t before sharing a ton about them with you all on the blog. Anyone can just regurgitate the information they find on Google, so I wanted to have first-hand experience and legit credentials. And not just for the blog—selfishly I want to be able to make blends and face lotions and all that fun stuff for myself!

Beyond the blog, I want to start an aromatherapy practice in which I work one-on-one with clients to create customized blends to address their needs. I’m far from having all the logistics sorted out (online? in person? both?), but of course you’ll be the first to know when I do!

If you have any questions about IIA, drop me a comment!

xo Nicole

P.S. Sorry about the delay getting Monday’s workout video up! My phone went MIA Sunday (the worst), so the next morning was spent trying to track it down. Finally I resigned to the fact I’d need to go to Apple and buy a new one. Wommmp. If the video wasn’t working when you checked the blog post, it’s up now.