Elective Course

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy introduces students to the safe, professional use of essential oils in bodywork. Students explore dilution, contraindications, client sensitivities, and practical blending for massage sessions, compresses, and simple spa-style applications.

16 Total Hours 8 lecture hours and 8 lab hours
Prerequisite Level I Foundational Courses plus a high school diploma or GED
Textbook No textbook required

What Students Build

Technique Development
Client Safety
Applied Learning
Professional Readiness

Overview

Course Description

A wellness and spa elective designed to support safe, informed, client-centered practice.

What You Learn

Course Overview

Students build foundational aromatherapy knowledge while learning safe blending, topical application, client screening, and essential-oil integration within massage sessions and simple spa-style services.

  • Outcome 1 Explain basic aromatherapy concepts, safe use guidelines, and common cautions.
  • Outcome 2 Calculate proper dilution rates for topical use and adapt for special populations.
  • Outcome 3 Create simple blends and integrate them into a massage session workflow.
This elective supports safe practice, applied learning, and professional communication within massage therapy scope.

Learning Outcomes

Course Outcomes

Students strengthen practical skills and professional decision-making through guided theory and hands-on learning.

By the End of This Course

  • Explain basic aromatherapy concepts, safe use guidelines, and common cautions.
  • Calculate proper dilution rates for topical use and adapt for special populations.
  • Create simple blends and integrate them into a massage session workflow.

Hours Overview

Lecture and lab hours are evenly balanced to support both theory and hands-on application.

Schedule

Course Structure and Resources

Course pacing blends lecture and lab practice to support both theory and applied skill development.

Instructional Time

Total instructional time is 16 hours, including 8 lecture hours and 8 lab hours. This structure supports theory, supervised practice, and skill integration.

A detailed schedule with dates, activities, policies, and assignment expectations is typically issued to enrolled students.

Evaluation

Grading Summary

Student progress is measured through coursework, labs, and final assessment activities.

Graded Items
Value
Homework / Self-Study
10%
Labs
60%
Final (Written or Practical)
30%
Total
100%

Course Planning Note

Aromatherapy supports safe essential-oil use, client-centered planning, and wellness-focused practice within the AFSM elective curriculum.

Note: Prerequisites include Level I Foundational Courses and a high school diploma or GED.