Distance Education in Animal Aromatherapy: Learning Options

Distance learning programs in animal aromatherapy are not common and are typically offered through businesses and for-profit schools, which may or may not be accredited. Programs in general aromatherapy are available online from several public and private, not-for-profit schools.

Animal Aromatherapy Courses and Programs

Online learners can find animal aromatherapy programs and individual classes as part of related holistic animal care programs. Basic and advanced courses may be available for animal enthusiasts, pet owners and pet caregivers. Some institutions may offer their own certification to those who successfully complete the course requirements. In other cases, students may earn a certificate of completion. Programs may be approved by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
There may be firm start and end dates for classes, or learning may be completely self-directed at a student's own pace. Some programs may require students to purchase essential oils as part of their studies; however, many of these programs do not feature hands-on work.

Content

Animal aromatherapy courses and programs that are available online typically cover the theories of how and why aromatherapy works and discussion of practical application. The curriculum may also include discussion of how to prepare and use essential oils and blended oils, such as through topical application, massage, inhalation-diffusion or hydrotherapy. Course materials may also cover common cautions that practitioners should keep in mind, such as the toxicity of various substances in certain quantities.
Animal aromatherapy programs may be intended for a single kind of animal, like horses, or they may be appropriate for those who seek to care for a variety of domestic animals. Some classes may also include special considerations, such as treating grieving pets or pregnant animals.

Prerequisites

In general, there are no formal education prerequisites for animal aromatherapy programs. Some programs expect that students have completed high school and be at least 18 years old. Prerequisite aromatherapy courses may be required before taking advanced classes.

Program Delivery Options

In some programs, course materials may be exchanged by email only. In other cases, students may participate in more dynamic online learning activities such as online discussions. Some classes also require that students complete projects, essays or exams. Course materials may be provided electronically, or students may need to obtain their own textbooks.

General Aromatherapy Learning Options

Online courses or programs in general aromatherapy are also available online through accredited schools. While these programs don't typically cover therapeutic aromatherapy treatments for animals specifically, they do cover the preparation and use of essential oils to provide relaxation, stress relief and overall general health and wellness. These classes may be intended for aspiring aromatherapists or other holistic healthcare or bodyworkers seeking to add aromatherapy as another modality that they can practice in.
These programs may include more formally structured lessons that include DVDs and self-directed hands-on learning activities in preparing aromatherapy treatments in an interactive online learning environment.