"It is my passion and privilege to help educate and mentor holistic therapists and health seekers to discover how the physical properties and healing spirit of the plant kingdom bring well being to people at all levels of their being.”
                                        - Jodi Baglien

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What can I expect to learn from your certificate class?
• What is the difference between Level 1 Foundations & Level 2 Applications Certificate?
• How is your course different than an online class?
• Will I be a Certified Aromatherapist after your course?
• How many hours of training are expected to be considered a Certified Aromatherapist?
• Is there a National Certification test, similar to Massage Therapist testing?
• I am not a practitioner, so what benefits will I receive with the skills learned in your course?
• What can I do professionally with Aromatherapy training? 
• Is there a difference between the courses offered at the local colleges and your Studio?
• Do you offer Continuing Education Credits for the courses from the studio? 
• What if I need CEU's for Nursing? 
• I can't find the recommended textbook for your classes?

Q. What can I expect to learn from your certificate class?
A. I offer a unique foundational course in aromatherapy designed for anyone interested in learning the core body of information and hands on skills needed in the field of aromatherapy. By taking Level 1 & Level 2 certificate you will learn the basics of how to begin using essential oils effectively and within safe parameters for this level of training. I currently offer up to 50 hours of training, with expansion plans coming soon for case studies as well as a practicum (Level 3).

Q. What is the difference between the Level 1 Foundations & Level 2 Applications Certificate?
A. Level 1 is a pre requisite for the Level 2 classes. Please see course details for course outline and objectives.  More info here... 

In Level 1 - You will learn the academic information that is necessary for understanding how and why aromatherapy works, how oils are extracted, safety, basic chemistry of essential oils, the olfactory system, and purchasing and storing of essential oils. You will learn inhalation and topical application methods, the do’s and don’ts for aromatic blending, and to incorporate the oils into salts, carrier oils, sprays, lotions, inhalers and more - in the appropriate strengths for safe use. Learn and practice how to do an intake, which is used to determine the therapeutic need, safety, administration method, and the follow up for successful use of essential oils.

In Level 2 - Once you have the foundation skills in Level 1, you will learn how to apply them to everyday health concerns, prevention, stress and energetic uses. You will learn and practice the practical skills required to work with essential oils within safe and best practices for this skill level. Modules cover Stress, Pain management, Respiratory, Skin Care, Immune and Lymphatic, and Energetics of essential oils. Each module covers a review of general physiology of each system, best fit essential oils and uses, and includes time to make a blend to take home with you. (See my Level one and two course outlines for detailed info).

Q. How is your course different than an online course?
A. In studying aromatherapy, an in-person course far exceeds online experiences. Here’s why:

• You are personally guided by an experienced teacher and practitioner.
• Aromatherapy is sensory exploration. Hands on learning with others will greatly enhance your experience and learning outcomes.
• You gain insights and experience from classmates and their collective wisdom.
• Class time and exercises are designed to awaken and engage your intuitive abilities.
• You can touch, smell and feel the essential oils, carrier oils and supplies.
• You are in the working studio of a working Aromatherapist.
• You can explore and use my library of books, recipes, resources, as well as rare and precious essential oils.

Q. Will I be a Certified Aromatherapist after your course?
A. No. Currently, there is no state or national licensure or certification for Aromatherapists. There is no governmental body that gives the designation or title of “Certified Aromatherapist” in the USA. That being said – certification, or a Certificate in Aromatherapy, means an individual instructor, school or institution awards you a certificate or continuing education credits that document your study time with them. The certificate documents the hours, exams taken or knowledge level achieved according to their criteria.

In the field of aromatherapy we do use the term Certified, Clinical or Holistic Aromatherapist. These terms do have an assumed level of education from a school offering full programs of training, exams, case studies and experience.

Q. How many hours of training are expected to be considered a Certified Aromatherapist?
A. To be considered a Certified Aromatherapist, Clinical/Holistic Aromatherapist, you would select schools or instructors that offer courses ranging from a minimum of 200 hours and up to 800 hours for more advanced studies. The average certification program is about 350 hours. For more information about the standard levels of training for larger programs, there are two professional organizations for aromatherapy. I suggest you visit both of them:

• The Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA), of which I am a charter member and the Regional Director for my area. http://www.alliance-aromatherapists.org/
• The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA). http://www.naha.org/standards.htm

Q. Is there a National Certification test, similar to Massage Therapist testing?
A. Yes. After a minimum of 200 hours of education from most courses, it would be expected that you would have enough training to sit for a national exam. This exam is called the Aromatherpy Registration Council Exam (ARC) and allows you to achieve a “Registered Aromatherapist” credential. ARC is an independent body that offers a test in the core body of knowledge expected as an Aromatherapist. This is a voluntary test, similar to taking the national certification test for massage therapy. Cost is $375, and the test is offered usually 1-2 times per year. Please visit their site for valuable information - http://aromatherapycouncil.org/?page_id=75

Q. I am not a practitioner, so what benefits will I receive with the skills learned in your courses?
A. After working with hundreds of students over the last 12 years I have seen the participants:

• Experience a deeper sense of well being for themselves and their loved ones.
• Become equipped with self care tools to handle common health conditions naturally without the side effects of prescription and over the counter drugs.
• Enjoy the fun, explorative, healing, engaging, uniqueness and inspiration that comes from classes. You to learn more about self-care and well-being.
• Learn the core knowledge from the professional world of aromatherapy, not a sales and marketing company selling aromatherapy products.
• Give introductory presentations on aromatherapy to their friends and work communities.
• Continue their education and become Certified Aromatherapists.
• Become the leader at their workplace and implement aromatherapy into nursing homes, massage and bodywork practices, acupuncture clinics, veterinary clinics, dentist offices, VA hospitals, mental health therapies, hospice programs, smoking cessation programs, chiropractic offices, and naturopathic offices.
  

Q. What can I do professionally with Aromatherapy training?
A. After working with hundreds of students over the last 12 years I have seen the participants apply their skills in a variety of areas. Most practitioners with aromatherapy training practice under the umbrella of other professions, such as massage or shiatsu therapy, chiropractic, nursing, naturopathy or acupuncture. They integrate oils into their practice to enhance or expand their services. Others are interested in using natural products made with essential oils for skin care and household cleaning. Many learn how to create products, or teach others how to use essential oils and stop using chemicals on their skin and in their homes. I have seen aromatherapy students create soap and body care lines, pet care products and hair care lines. Some are interested in the vibrational/energetic aspects of the oils, and combine oils with sound healing, color therapy, music therapy, feng shui, reikii and other energetic methods.

Q. Is there a difference between the courses offered at the local colleges and your Studio?
A. The course content for Level 1 & 2 is the same. What will vary is the course length and the modules offered. Some college courses are shorter, depending on the demand. Level 2 is offered currently in two weekends at the studio, but only one weekend at Normandale College.

Benefits of taking classes at the colleges range from location, timing, and some employers will pay for the class if it is from a state college.

Benefits of taking it at the studio are the environment, it is very comfortable, and you have access to all my resources, oils, books, and supplies. Depending on the course, the length of course may be longer - more time to practice and play!

Q. Do you offer Continuing Education Credits for the courses from the Studio?
A. Right now, no. I offer a certificate of hours spent in a certificate form that can be submitted for approval to your boards or programs. I am currently in process with The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMBA) to become a continuing education provider and will be able to offer this benefit by spring of 2013.

Q. What if I need CEU’s for Nursing?
A. In most cases, nursing boards have accepted the hours spent in my courses towards their continuing education hours. Of course you must check with you board to determine what is required for you. With the wide spread use and approval of aromatherapy in health care settings today, approval of hours spent in my classes seems to be accepted by most organizations.

Q. I can’t find the recommended textbook for your classes.
A. "The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy" by Salvatore Battaglia is the recommended textbook. Please note - you DO NOT have to buy this book for my classes. I strongly recommend that you do, but it is not needed for in class work. This is currently the most helpful resource book to have on hand because of its extensive range of information. Typical cost for this book new is around $120, and used prices are in the $100 range. Again, not needed for class, but it is my best recommendation for a great all-purpose aromatherapy book.

Most of the time, I will carry a stock of them, email me first to see if I have them in stock before you buy.