Course Curriculum Outline
Please note: The Level I Foundation Course is included with the Full Certification Course. If you are wanting to register for the full Certification Course, please use that course offering to purchase that program vs. this single course on its own.
Level I Foundation Course
The focus of this course is to give the student a strong foundation in the safe use of essential oils and botanical bases with certain animals. Course information is applicable for dogs, horses and some farm animals.
Level I Foundations Course Modules:
Module I
- Introduction to Animal Aromatics
Animal Aromatherapy is different from human aromatherapy; in particular with regards to safety cautions, actions and uses based on the individual animal’s health history/allergies/contraindications/breed/size/age, etc.
- History of Aromatics
Chronological list of the history of aromatics throughout time, as well as how does animal aromatherapy fit into the whole picture.
- Safety, Cautions, and Contraindications
Animal Aromatherapy is different from human aromatherapy; in particular with regards to safety cautions, actions and uses based on the individual animal’s health history/allergies/contraindications/breed/size/age, etc.
- Storage & Handling
Learn about proper storage and handling of essential oils, carrier oils, and botanical bases, as well as how to keep items safely secured when working with animals.
- Quality & Sustainability
Before investing a lot of money in the purchase of a wide range of essential oils and botanicals, learn about the importance of seeking out quality ingredients from sustainable sources. This is an important aspect often overlooked in aromatherapy and should be considered a priority in order to protect both your investment as well as the plants and environment.
Module 2
- Essential Oil Cautions
This module will cover important safety cautions including sensitization issues, phototoxic reactions, mucous membrane and dermal irritants as well as which essential oils to avoid during pregnancy and with certain health disorders such as epilepsy.
- Tea Tree Concerns
One of the most widely known and used essential oil is tea tree, but did you know that tea tree is not suited for use with most animals? This module will cover why.
Module 3
- Methods of Application
Learn about the different methods of application and how to safely incorporate the use of essential oils with and around your animal friends. Diffusion, Inhalation and Topical Application will be covered.
- Carrier Oils & Botanical Bases Profiles
Carrier oils and botanical bases are the foundation for making an aromatherapy blend. They can be used on their own based on their individual therapeutic properties as well as a base to dilute pure essential oils for topical application. Included: Ten Individual Carrier Bases Profiles for use with animals.
Module 4
- Essential Oil Properties
Learn about the wide range of therapeutic properties of essential oils. A detailed list of properties is included.
- Essential Oil Profiles Part 1
Part 1 includes over 10 individual essential oil profiles: Chamomile (German/Roman), Clary Sage, Cypress, Eucalyptus (3 types), Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Lavender (3 types).
Module 5
- Essential Oil Profiles Part 2
Part 2 includes 10 individual essential oil profiles: Lemon, Marjoram (Sweet), Niaouli ct. linalool, Orange (Sweet), Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary (ct. verbenone), Thyme (ct. linalool) and Ylang-ylang.
- Basics of Blending
Learn basic blending techniques to make simple blends for use with your animal friends. Dilution chart and sample recipes included.
Module 6
This module includes forms to be used for Health History & Follow-Up Intake Notes. These are the framework for building a case study and tracking results.
Course Module Credit Hours: 50 hrs. Certificate of Completion.
Course Requirements: Students must read and comprehend all course modules, complete assignments, submit (5) case-studies, and successfully pass the quiz. For additional supplies (see below), students will be given a list of reputable suppliers to purchase from. Students may also use the aromatherapy products they have on hand granted that they are both of high quality and not oxidized or old (past 6-12 months (essential oils) and with carrier bases depends on ingredients).
Course Supplies: Students will need to have the following (5) essential oils to complete the assignments and additional EOs and carrier oils/bases for case studies:
(5) Individual Essential Oil Profiles:
- Chamomile, Roman (Chamaemelun nobile) or German (Matricaria recutita) (both are good to have on hand)
- Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
- Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata)
And carrier bases: (2) Carrier Oils or Botanical Bases Profiles of your choice from course handouts (such as aloe vera gel or jojoba).
Students will also want to expand their aromatherapy toolkit by purchasing additional essential oils, carrier bases and hydrosols once they become more familiar with their individual profiles-therapeutic properties, cautions/contraindications and uses. These type of supplies are NOT included with the course registration fee and must be purchased directly from reputable suppliers.
It is best to not purchase too many different essential oils and carrier bases all at once until you are ready to take the actual course as you want them to be as fresh as possible vs. oxidizing or becoming rancid. As you go along in the courses, you will begin to build your apothecary based on your and the animal’s individual needs.