New Class! Hydro Distillation/Steam Distillation This class cover the harvesting, preparing and distilling of plants. Bring home what you make! Class is limited to 10 students, and will be offered in the Fall. For more info call 831-462-1807 or check back here for updated information.

Courses:

Level One - 36 Hours    $540 (Correspondence Course = $495 + shipping + tax)
Foundation Course   SCHEDULE  -  CORRESPONDENCE COURSE

The Foundation Course is an introduction to the healing realm of aromatherapy. It is an exploration of how essential oils, originating in plants, work holistically, interacting with and benefiting the human body, its emotions, as well as the mind and spirit. Students look at the use of essential oils in the ancient Egyptian and Greek worlds, their chemical makeup, and study their effects on the Immune System, the Lymphatic System, the Endocrine System and the Limbic Brain. An introduction to skin care and aromatherapy massage is explored. Twenty-three essential oils are introduced. Students practice the skills of blending oils and preparing case studies. This course is a prerequisite to Level II courses.

Level Two - Course One - 20 Hours    $300
The History of Medicine   SCHEDULE

This course is a fascinating study of the evolution of medicine. Students follow the circuitous path of that evolution. Subjects (such as the dark ages of plagues, witch burnings, bloodletting, the islands of healing light of the monastery's herb gardens, the Salem University in Italy and the alchemy of Parcelus) include the present day emergence of herbalism and aromatherapy through the technological advances of allopathic medicine. Students create herbal and essential oil balms and write a short research paper on one figure or therapy from the colorful history of medicine.

Level Two - Course Two - 32 Hours    $480
AromaBotany   SCHEDULE

The abstract and mysterious quality of essential oils become a living botanical reality as students study the plants of their origin. A walk through the fragrant garden begins with the gymnosperms (conifer trees), which are oils from wood, and continues on with angiosperms (flowering plants), which are oils from seeds, roots and leaves. Students study photosynthesis, flower reproduction, as well as exploring the various plant parts.

This class includes field trips to botanical gardens in San Francisco and Santa Cruz. Students also participate in the planting and upkeep of COBHA's botanical gardens.

Level Two - Course Three - 24 Hours    $360
Physiology Part One   SCHEDULE

This course provides a comprehensive study on Aromatherapy and herbal care in relation to anatomy and physiology. The focus of this class will be an in-depth study of the Cellular System, Musculoskeletal System, Dermatological System and the Respiratory System. Students will learn how essential oils may strengthen these systems and offer healing when there are imbalances or disease.

Level Two - Course Three - 24 Hours    $360
Physiology Part Two   SCHEDULE

Continuing the study of the human body, this class focuses on the Cardiovascular System, the Digestive System, and the Urogenital and Gynecological Systems. Students look at using essential oils, herbs, and nutrition as alternative medicine for these systems.

Level Two - Course Four - 30 Hours    $450
Essential Oil Chemistry   SCHEDULE

Students gain a deeper appreciation of essential oil functional groups in this course. It clarifies the meaning of optical isomers, esthers, 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 extraction. It also provides students with a greater understanding of GCMS (Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer) analysis of essential oils and why it is so important to guarantee their quality and purity.

Level Two - Course Five - 32 Hours    $480
Mind & Body   SCHEDULE

This class focuses on how essential oils affect the Limbic Brain, the Nervous System and Immune System, creating a mind-body connection. Students study therapies for for psychoneuroimmunology disease, including spiritual applications. This class elicits a creative response of awareness in the student's psyche of how thoughts and emotions affect one's health. Students learn to recognize methods that prevent disease and create harmony in the body.

Level Two - Course Six - 28 Hours    $420
Clinical Science   SCHEDULE

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 learn how supplements, such as minerals, vitamins and herbs, work well with essential oils in restoring balance to the body. This coursework includes basic training in Red Cross First Aid and CPR techniques.

Level Two - Course Seven - 24 Hours    $360
Energenic Healing   SCHEDULE

This course introduces students to the mystery of the human etheric body, the chakra system, and its connection to the body's endocrine system. Students look at various healing methods that focus on subtle energies including Flower Essences, Homeopathy, Hydrotherapy and Aromatherapy. Through class experience, students explore how their energy fields exist and how essential oils affect these fields. The goal of this class is to discern methods to keep the body's aura healthy and promote spiritual healing.

Level Two - Course Eight - 16 Hours    $240
Communication and Business Skills   SCHEDULE

This course focuses on the ethics of being an Aromatherapy Practitioner. Through communication skills, the student learns how to develop a relationship between the client and the practitioner. Also covered are how to start a business, record keeping, and legal considerations. Students prepare a business plan and/or design a brochure and a business card.

Level Two - Course Nine - 24 Hours    $360
Clinical Practice Theory   SCHEDULE

This course works in conjunction with Course 10 (Clinical Internship). Students discuss their experiences from that class. In this class, clients receive a thorough and holistic consultation with the student offering suggestions and making blends for the client. Final case studies will be completed and discussed.

Level Two - Course Ten - 32 Hours    $480
Clinical Internship   SCHEDULE

During this course, students will apply all the knowledge acquired from all Level I and Level II courses. Students interview clients, assess their condition holistically, create blends, and offer healthy lifestyle suggestions. A focus on the administrative aspect of a clinical setting includes scheduling appointments, publicity, and record keeping. Questions regarding the clinic and its clients are discussed in Course 9 (Clinical Practice Theory).

Level Two - Electives - 68 Hours    (varies)    SCHEDULE

In order to complete the 390-hour program, a student must complete 68 hours of elective credits. As a general rule, each four hours of class or workshop attended equals one elective hour. The College offers at least three workshops a year by well-known national and international teachers. Elective credits are also offered to students attending conferences of the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) and/or the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy (PIA).

Students are encouraged to connect with the national aromatherapy community to expand their professional network.

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

Total cost for 390-hour certification:    $4830 + electives
COBHA reserves the right to change fees.