aromatherapist

The work

Aromatherapists use essential aromatic oils (extracted or distilled from herbs, flowers, trees, spices or fruit) to create a range of blends which can used, for example, in massage, for bathing and inhaling.

It is suggested that the natural oils used have unique healing properties that can either improve a person's sense of well-being or treat specific medical conditions.

Aromatherapists begin a consultation by taking a detailed medical history, followed by further exploration into their client's lifestyle and allergies. The therapist uses this information to select the oils they feel are appropriate to treat the client at that time.

Aromatherapy may also be used by professionals in a medical environment such as a hospital or a hospice.

Hours and Environment

There are no set working hours. Unsocial hours may be required to accommodate clients.

They are likely to work in a quiet room where their clients can lie comfortably on a couch. Some offer a service in clients’ homes. Many aromatherapists have gentle music playing while they work to help clients relax.

Aromatherapists spend a lot of time on their feet, bending over clients.

Skills and Interests

To be an aromatherapist you should:

• be comfortable with close contact with clients
• be able to develop empathy with patients
• have good listening skills to determine the best treatment
• have a genuine desire to help people
• be emotionally stable and self-aware
• recognise when to refer clients to a qualified medical doctor
• have commercial skills to help you run a business
• have a driving licence; this is useful if you need to travel to see clients.

Entry

Although there is no single regulatory body for aromatherapy, it is important to achieve a qualification recognised by one of the professional bodies (noted in Training section) in order to gain recognition within the field.

Recognised qualifications are usually diploma level but it is possible to study for a degree in, for example, Complementary Medicine specialising in aromatherapy. Shorter courses tend to be introductory or for general interest only.

Entry requirements will vary depending on the level of course you choose to do. GCSE/S grades or their equivalent, including biology, anatomy, physiology and pathology, are useful. Knowledge and understanding of these subjects may be compulsory when studying aromatherapy at higher levels. Some aromatherapy courses may include an introduction to anatomy and physiology.

The entry requirements for a degree are likely to include five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus two or three A levels/H grades. An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements. 

Many people get into aromatherapy as a second career. Experience of working in the caring or medical professions, in beauty therapy or massage may be useful.

There is no minimum age for training but you do need to be able to win clients’ confidence, so a mature and caring attitude is essential.

Training

Several awarding bodies have developed courses within this field. Courses will involve studying anatomy and physiology as well as aromatherapy products. Students are usually required to undertake supervised practice.

The International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA), International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC) and Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT) have each developed a Diploma in Aromatherapy course. Entry to the ITEC Diploma requires the applicant to have completed the ITEC Diploma in Holistic Massage or an ITEC-approved equivalent. Please check with the individual awarding bodies for details of course providers (see Further Information).

Diploma courses are likely to be part-time and last six to 18 months. Degree courses can take three or four years of full-time study. Those already holding qualifications in massage may be exempt from parts of courses.

The British Register of Complementary Practitioners (held by the Institute for Complementary Medicine) and the Aromatherapy Consortium both accept applicants who have successfully completed a comprehensive course plus a substantial amount of supervised practice.

As a registered practitioner, it is often a requirement to undertake on-going training to update your skills. Professional Bodies may run Continuing Professional Development (CPD) schemes, made up of short courses.

Opportunities

There are opportunities to work in a variety of settings from hospitals to health farms. Aromatherapists may also work from home, from a rented room in a clinic, in clients’ homes, or other premises.

Some aromatherapists may also offer additional therapies such as reflexology or massage.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Many aromatherapists are self-employed and charge an hourly rate which can vary between £20 to £45 an hour.

Newly qualified aromatherapists may earn around £15,000 to £20,000 a year, or less depending on the number of clients and location.
When the practice is established, it may be possible to earn as much as £30,000 to £50,000 a year.

Further information

3rd Floor
Eastleigh House
Upper Market Street
Eastleigh
Hampshire
SO50 9FD
Tel: 023 8068 4500
4 Heathfield Terrace
Chiswick
London
W4 4JE
Tel: 020 8994 4141
PO Box 194
London
SE16 7QZ
Tel: 020 7237 5165
P.O.Box 6522
Desborough
Kettering
Northamptonshire
NN14 2YX
Tel: 0870 774 3477
61-63 Churchfield Road
London
W3 6AY
Tel: 020 8992 9605

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