This class is a fascinating study of the evolution of medicine. Students follow circuitous path of herbal and Western Medicine. Students follow the circuitous path of herbal and Western Medicine. Subjects (such as the dark ages of plagues, witch burnings, blood-letting, the islands of healing light, the Salem University in Italy, and the alchemy of Paracelsus) include the present day emergence of herbalism and aromatherapy along with the technological advances of allopathic medicine. Students create herbal and essential oil balms and write a research paper on one figure or subject from the colorful history of medicine.

This course provides a comprehensive study of Essential Oils and herbal care in relation to Anatomy and Physiology.  The focus of this class is an in-depth study of the human cell and skin, the Skeletal and Muscular System, and the Respiratory System.  Students learn how essential oils may strengthen these systems and offer healing when there are imbalances or disease.

Students gain a deeper appreciation of essential oil functional groups in this course.  The meaning of optical isomers, ethers, and oxides is clarified, along with the reason why some essential oils heal and others are toxic.  The class offers some hands-on experience in distillation using equipment for steam, steam and water, and solvent extractions.  Larry Jones provides students with a greater understanding of GC/MS (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry), analysis of essential oils and why it is important in order to guarantee their quality and purity.

This course covers the study of disease, addictions and pathology, as well as the study of viruses, bacteria, fungi and some of the many illnesses that they may cause.  Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, obesity and drug addiction are reviewed.  Students study nutrition and learn how supplements, such as a minerals, vitamins, herbs, and enzymes work well with essential oils to restore balance to the body.

This course focuses on the ethics of being an Aromatherapy Practitioner.  Through communication skills, the student learns how to develop a sound relationship with clients.  Also covered: How to start  a business, keep records, and maintain other legal considerations.  Students prepare a business plan and/or design a brochure and a business card.

During this experiential course students apply the knowledge acquired from all Level I and Level II courses.  Students create a clinic atmosphere, schedule appointments, publicize their clinic to the community, and maintain records. During the Clinic, they interview clients, assess their condition holistically, do a reflexology treatment, create a custom blend and offer healthy lifestyle suggestions. They follow up with clients.

In order to complete the 440–hour program, a student must acquire 60 hours of elective credits. As a general rule, each four hours of class or workshop attended equals one elective credit.  The College offers at least three workshops a year by well known national and international teachers. To complete the program, students are required to take Intro to Reflexology which will be offered on a weekend. Elective credits are also offered to students attending conferences of the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA), and/or the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy (PIA).

These elective workshops are available to all students of COBHA and to the general public.