Become a certified professional aromatherapist and start fulfilling your soul’s calling today.
Becoming an Essence of Thyme Certified Professional Aromatherapist provides you with the knowledge to create your own entrepreneurial career in aromatherapy. This comprehensive, evidence-based 370-hour program prepares you to become an educated and authentic aromatherapy practitioner who can support the needs of clients responsibly and effectively with essential oils.
The Essence of Thyme Professional Level Certification Program includes the steps for setting up an aromatherapy business, whether you would like to become an aromatherapy consultant or create an essential oil business such as a spa or retail store. You will also be ready to teach workshops or provide aromatherapy services as an adjunct to your existing holistic health specialization.
Whether you’re a nurse, massage therapist, herbalist, energy worker, hospice volunteer, cosmetician, naturopath, aesthetician, yogi, reflexologist, or other CAM practitioner, your profession can benefit from the power of aromatherapy.
Regardless of the path you choose, Essence of Thyme is behind you 100% of the way.
You know you want to become a certified aromatherapist...now what?
Choosing the right school to transform your aromatherapy dreams into a reality is a big decision. We started off feeling the same way.
It can be difficult to discern which school truly offers a high-quality recognized curriculum taught by knowledgeable, credible, and experienced instructors. Online learning can also leave you feeling isolated, unmotivated, and unsupported.
If you feel overwhelmed at all of the options out there, you’re not alone!
We’ve taken the guesswork out of making a decision.
Essence of Thyme is a recognized school at the highest levels by multiple professional aromatherapy associations.
Our instructors and faculty are international experts with decades of combined experience so you can feel 100% confident in your essential oil training and aromatherapy certification.
You'll be fully supported.
Not only do we offer one-on-one support so you have direct access to our renowned instructors, but you also have an attendance pass to join our interactive monthly live lectures so you can stay motivated and on the cutting edge, learning from experts in the field on topics ranging from hydrosols to plant sustainability to business-building strategies.
And we didn’t stop there!
You also get...
- your own personal mentors as you complete your case studies and research project
- access to our private student forum, led by our expert instructors
- bimonthly live, interactive open forums where you connect with instructors and meet your fellow students
- access to our Essential Library: a comprehensive 10-year archive of recordings and supplemental material presented by leading experts from all over the world, as well as resources above and beyond your curriculum
This is one of the most comprehensive and recognized aromatherapy certifications available today. We’d love for you to be a part of it!
Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies sets the Gold Standard for aromatherapy certification.
Science-based research
Our curriculum is built on science-based research, our vast areas of expertise, and the knowledge of credible academics and industry experts such as Madeleine Kerkhof, Ann Harman, and Marco Valussi.
Learn by doing
Essence of Thyme guides you from the theoretical to the practical application of aromatherapy through completing in-depth case studies, which you will also learn how to publish. This is an invaluable way to put you on the map as an aromatherapy expert!
User-friendly online curriculum
You'll study a progressive curriculum that is organized, user-friendly, and created with the utmost attention to detail.
Your course is available to you 24/7, 365 days a year, on our state-of-the-art online learning platform for an easy learning experience.
No matter where you are and in what part of the world you live, learning how to become a certified aromatherapist is convenient and always accessible.
Because the program is self-paced, you can take as long as you like to complete it, with no time limit.
Here’s what you get when you learn from us.
Our dedicated and inspirational team promises to support your success and to provide you with the skills you need to create a unique path as a highly knowledgeable, sustainably minded, and dynamic aromatherapy professional.
Guidance and Motivation
We take guiding and motivating you on your journey very seriously. You get direct mentorship and support from our expert team, exclusive access to live talks by leading experts in the field, personal advising and monthly open forums, and a private student forum to connect with students from all over the world. This goes far beyond what you get with any other online aromatherapy certification program.
Updated and Unique Curriculum
Essence of Thyme sets the gold standard in aromatherapy education. We ensure a comprehensive, self-paced, and interactive online curriculum that is updated annually. Our curriculum is unique because it includes videos and lessons by top experts in the field which have been specially developed just for our programs.
Conservation Consciousness
We're committed to the protection of threatened essential oil-bearing plants and to ethical sourcing of essential oils. Essence of Thyme is a member of the Airmid Institute Plant Protector Program, providing you with the right tools to protect and heal the very same plants that we use for healing.
Perks!
We love to provide you with extra perks to help you stay motivated while learning! Quizzes and prize drawings, special discounted rates on additional Essence of Thyme expert-led courses, and a student discount on the LabAroma Grow plan are just a few of the ways you'll benefit from being an Essence of Thyme student.
Qualify for Professional Associations
Upon graduation, you are eligible to join these international professional aromatherapy associations: NAHA (Level 2), AIA (Level 2), the CAOA (Level 2), and IFPA (Full Membership MIFPA).
This means you’ll be recognized as a certified aromatherapist with international credibility, qualify for practitioner insurance, and remain connected to leading experts and breakthroughs in the field through conferences, webinars, and newsletters.
Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies
Professional Level Aromatherapy Certification Program
You'll study:
- 48 essential oils
- 17 carrier oils and other mediums
- 5 hydrosols
- 7 CO2 extracts
- 14 modules with accompanying video highlights and printable reading materials
You'll get:
- comprehensive, detailed monographs for 48 essential oils and 17 carrier oils including therapeutic benefits, safety, conservation status, and history
- expert personal mentorship and support as you complete your 15 case studies and research paper
- lifetime access to your course materials
As an Essence of Thyme certification student, you also get:
- access to the Essential Library: a comprehensive archive including 10 years of monthly lectures, practitioner manuals, and additional study resources
- personal support via email or our private student forum
- 1-year membership in the LabAroma Grow plan
- a 20% discount on Airmid Institute membership and access to all benefits of the Airmid Institute Plant Protector Program
- 1-on-1 private advising with Colleen Thompson, founder, or Kelly Ablard, co-principal
- monthly live, interactive lectures with leaders in the field of aromatherapy and plant medicine
- no matter where you are in the world, you qualify for membership in 4 international professional aromatherapy organizations
Tuition and Payments
Our tuition is in Canadian dollars, which may be a significant savings in your country. Use the currency converter below to calculate your cost.
We welcome students from all over the world. Click here to convert to your currency.
Added Bonus
Joining a professional aromatherapy association is an important step in your career — it gives you credibility, qualifies you for practitioner insurance, and keeps you connected to experts all over the world. And nothing makes us happier than to see our students succeed.
Essence of Thyme will pay $30 CAD toward your first-year student membership to the professional aromatherapy association of your choice! This offer is valid ffor 2 months after you pass your midterm exam with a minimum of 80%. The association must be one that recognizes EOT such as IFPA, AIA, NAHA, or CAOA.
This unique benefit is not offered anywhere else!
Your Path to Success
The Professional Level Certification Program consists of 14 modules, divided into organized, manageable lessons that build upon each other.
Each lesson is presented to you one at a time, and how long it takes to complete each lesson is entirely up to you!
Each lesson is taught by Colleen, Kelly, or one of our expert Supporting Instructors. Lessons include a combination of videos, quizzes, worksheets, essential oil or carrier monographs, and reference charts that are all designed to help you build your reference library as a professional aromatherapist.
Our comprehensive monographs cover the history, chemistry, botanical description, conservation status, scent note, and therapeutic benefits of each essential oil.
One of the best ways to increase your success as a student and improve retention of your course material is to complete short assessments along the way. After each lesson, you will complete a multiple choice assessment to help support your learning. Once you have successfully passed each assessment, the next lesson will open up for you. And, of course, we're always available to answer your questions as you go along.
Get Started Today
Marcia Hanssen
“I researched schools and I could not find a school that exceeded or even matched Essence of Thyme. Essence of Thyme allows for students to work at their own pace, and this was very important to me as a single parent with a full-time job. I was shocked at how extensive the program was, and I felt completely out of my element and over my head, but Colleen and Kelly give you the support and opportunities to succeed in this program. You learn, not only from their expertise, but also from a wide variety of experts in this field of study. This course will exceed your expectations!”
What You'll Learn
This professional aromatherapy certification program has been developed from recognized credible resources in the field, evidence-based research, and nearly 50 years of experience.
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Cindy Craig
“I began searching for schools and after a lot of research decided on Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies and I am so glad that I did! I wanted to learn how to use the oils properly for myself, my family and friends. Colleen is an amazing and attentive instructor and now she has joined forces with Kelly. The two of them are incredibly knowledgeable and have a lot to offer. I highly recommend this course for anyone looking to pursue a career in aromatherapy, or like me, to learn everything they can about those magical little bottles of essential oils.”
Lead Instructors
You'll have hands-on support from our founders, Colleen and Kelly, who have decades of combined experience in education, research, sustainability, and the business of aromatherapy.
Colleen Thompson, RA, MIFPA
FOUNDER
After 20 years in the field of banking, Colleen was completely transformed by the pain-relieving effect essential oils had on her chronic migraines.
Since that “aromatic” moment in 1995, she began her journey in the field of Aromatherapy and has been a Registered Aromatherapist since 1997.
She incorporated her business, Essence of Thyme Ltd., in 1995, and over the course of 12 years owned three aromatherapy stores and a holistic spa. In 2012, she completed the development of her Aromatherapy Certification Program which is offered through Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies.
Colleen’s practical experience of owning and operating aromatherapy stores, creating blends for the stores, as well as providing aromatherapy courses and workshops and various aromatherapy massages and complementary treatments is reflected in the program.
Kelly Ablard, PhD, RA, MIFPA
CO-PRINCIPAL
Kelly stumbled upon essential oils early on in life and was amazed by their beautiful fragrances and healing benefits. But it wasn’t until years later when she was working on her doctorate degree in biology in 2007 that Kelly was inspired to become a registered aromatherapist. It was then that she witnessed the astonishing connection between essential oil compounds and their use in communication by many species on the planet.
As a Conservation Aromatherapist™, this knowledge continues to help her protect threatened animal and essential oil-bearing plant species, which in addition to aromatherapy, is one of Kelly’s key areas of expertise.
Kelly is a certified and registered aromatherapist and holds a PhD in Biology and an MSc in Conservation. She currently conducts research in Peru on the Endangered rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora) tree. Please click here for her CV.
Expert Faculty
Essence of Thyme's faculty includes internationally acclaimed aromatherapy experts in diverse areas of specialization to help you focus your career goals. We bring these experts — and the experience of learning from them — directly to you, in exclusive lessons that are included in the Professional Level Certification Program.
Ann Harman
hydrosols and their chemistry
Dr. Florian Birkmayer
psychoneuroimmunology; aromatherapy and substance use/abuse
Madeleine Kerkhof
therapeutics and usage of CO2 extracts
Join the hundreds of international Essence of Thyme graduates who are committed to bringing the Gold Standard of professional aromatherapy into the world.
As a graduate of Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies, you'll embark on your career knowing that you have received the Gold Standard for aromatherapy education.
Our strong community and formal recognition by 5 international professional aromatherapy associations will give you a sense of belonging and new friends. You'll be part of a dynamic movement that will support and foster your professional growth, and you'll have many opportunities to make a difference in the field...and in the world!
Deena Peters
EOT Graduate
Kirstin Tomas
EOT Graduate
Angie Kennedy
EOT Graduate
Grace-Anne Post
EOT Graduate
Mary Monteiro
EOT Graduate
Johanne Trudel-Dekam
EOT Graduate
Theresa Edwards
EOT Graduate
Melissa Allen
EOT Graduate
Your benefits don't stop when you graduate!
Even after you graduate, you'll still receive support and benefits:
- lifetime access to your course reading materials
- exclusive discounted tuition on additional expert-led courses at Essence of Thyme
- work collaboratively on research projects and publications
- continued access to our private Student Forum and Essential Library
- the option to partner with us as an Essence of Thyme affiliate, promote our aromatherapy certification programs, and earn income
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the program typically take to complete?
Are some of the same essential oils profiles covered in both programs?
How are the exams laid out?
What books are recommended for each program?
Will support will I receive any support throughout the program?
Does the cost include an essential oil starter kit?
Do you have a payment plan?
What payment methods do you accept?
What is your refund policy?
Do I have lifetime access to the curriculum?
In addition to laptops and desktops, is the online course compatible with iPhones, Android devices, and tablets?
Do you get a discount if you sign up for the Professional Certified and Certified Master Aromatherapy programs simultaneously?
What if it takes longer than 2 years to complete the program?
What are Colleen and Kelly’s qualifications?
Karina Langevin
“Bonuses of being a student are: there is someone available to help out with ANY questions, tutoring options and the monthly lectures are a bonus to gain extra knowledge in the Aromatherapy field.”
Marina Khoury
“After several searches and contacts with other schools, which did not convince me at all (lack of rigor and credibility), EOT was the one that won me over with its personalized, honest and very professional approach led by Colleen and Kelly. ”
Margaret MacLellan
“I am very pleased with my decision to attend Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies and look forward to being able to continue to learn and help others through the safe and effective use of essential oils and aromatherapy."
