Online vs In-Person Essential Oil Courses Which Is Best for You
                     ONLINE VS IN-PERSON 
ESSENTIAL OIL COURSES: 
WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU?
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Introduction
As someone who used to run a live aromatherapy school in New 
York City, I’ve had the opportunity to teach both ways—in real 
classrooms, and now online. I’ve seen what works and what 
doesn’t. And more importantly, I’ve seen what helps students truly 
succeed.
So in this post, we’re breaking down the pros and cons of Online 
vs In-Person Essential Oil Courses—and helping you figure out 
what’s best for you.
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What are you looking to learn—and why?
Before we dive into logistics, start with your why.
Are you looking to:
• Deepen your personal knowledge about essential oils?
• Use essential oils safely and effectively for family or clients?
• Start or grow a holistic health business?
• Get certified and be taken seriously as a professional aromatherapist?
If you answered yes to any of the above, you’ll want a course that is certified, 
comprehensive, and follows the curriculum standards of the professional aromatherapy 
organizations, like NAHA and AIA.
Whether it’s online or in person, that’s the real marker of quality.
My online certification program, Aromatherapy in Action, is one of the few courses that 
meets—and exceeds—these standards. You’ll learn everything from essential oil chemistry 
and safety, to case studies, consultation skills, blending techniques, and how to actually 
launch your practice. (You can check out the full curriculum here.)
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Let’s talk about learning styles: Can you learn 
this online?
Many people worry that aromatherapy is too “hands-on” to learn online.
But after teaching both in-person and online for years, I can tell you: you absolutely can 
learn essential oils online—if the course is designed well.
In my former NYC classroom, I loved being with students face-to-face. But once I transitioned 
my entire Aromatherapy in Action program online, I realized something surprising: many 
students actually learn better this way.
Why? Because online learning gives you:
• The ability to pause and rewind—no more scribbling notes during a live lecture
• Time to absorb deeper concepts like chemistry, safety, and anatomy at your own pace
• A comfortable environment (at home!) that makes learning feel more relaxed and 
spacious
• Lifetime access to materials and updates—so you’re never left behind
So if you’re asking yourself the Online vs In-Person Essential Oil Courses question and you’re 
worried that you won’t “get it” unless you’re in a room—know this: You absolutely can learn 
essential oils online.
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What about community and connection?
This is a biggie for many of us. One of the beautiful parts of taking a class in person is the 
community—the women you meet, the friends you make, the shared passion.
When I taught in NYC, my classroom felt like a sisterhood. And I wanted to preserve that 
same feeling in my online program.
That’s why in Aromatherapy in Action, you’re not learning alone. You’ll have:
• Access to a private community of students who are on the same path
• Support and encouragement from me and my team
• Opportunities to share your case studies and ask questions
• A nurturing space that helps you feel seen, heard, and guided
The connection is still there—just through a different channel. Many of our students form 
deep bonds and even go on to collaborate or build businesses together.
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What if you’re worried about motivation or 
structure?
It’s true—some people worry that online courses are too easy to “put off.” And it’s a 
valid concern.
But here’s the thing: Aromatherapy in Action is not a passive course. It’s a guided, 
structured experience that gives you:
• Modules with step-by-step lessons
• Clear assignments and case study requirements
• A final exam and graduation process
• Certification upon completion
Plus, we are always available for support. If you need help staying on track or deciding 
how to pace yourself, we’re here. We’ve built the course with both accountability and 
flexibility, so you feel supported without being stressed.
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What about hands-on practice—how do you 
blend without a teacher nearby?
You don’t need a teacher physically standing over you to learn how to blend essential 
oils.
In fact, in Aromatherapy in Action, we teach you how to approach blending with 
confidence—through video tutorials, written guides, and personal experimentation.
You’ll learn about:
• The chemistry behind why certain oils work well together
• How to calculate safe dilutions for adults and children
• Carrier oils and other base materials and how they affect your blend
• Application methods like diffusion, topical use, and inhalation
• Creating custom blends based on case study needs
You’ll build your own toolkit as you go—just like my in-person students did.
And the best part? You can do all this from your kitchen, your bedroom, or wherever you 
feel most inspired.
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Let’s talk cost and access
In-person classes often come with higher tuition fees and hidden costs: 
commuting, lodging, childcare, and time off work.
Online courses eliminate all of that. With an online format like 
Aromatherapy in Action, you can:
• Study on your own time, around your schedule
• Eliminate travel and extra expenses
• Start immediately—no waiting for a scheduled semester or session
This makes high-quality aromatherapy education more affordable and 
accessible to more people—no matter where you live.
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Conclusion
Here’s what I believe, after 25+ years of teaching aromatherapy:
It’s not about the classroom. It’s about the curriculum, the teacher, the support, and the 
intention behind the course.
When done right, online aromatherapy education can be just as effective—and often more 
empowering—than in-person learning.
If you feel called to study essential oils deeply, and you want to be certified, respected, and 
confident in your skills, I invite you to explore Aromatherapy in Action.
It’s more than a course. It’s a journey. And I’ll be with you every step of the way.
amygalper.com