Aromatherapist
What is the work like?
Aromatherapists use aromatic oils from herbs, flowers, trees, spices or fruit to help improve their clients' sense of well-being and relieve specific medical conditions.
As an aromatherapist your work would typically include:
- taking details of the client's medical history, diet and lifestyle
- selecting the oils you feel are appropriate to treat the client
- mixing the oils in blends for massage, bathing or inhaling
- applying oils by full or partial body massage
- keeping records of treatments and the blends of oils used
- supplying blended oils and instructions for clients to use at home.
Aromatherapy may be used in medical environments such as hospitals or hospices, or alongside other complementary treatments.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You could start your study of aromatherapy by doing a short basic course at a local college. This will give you an introduction to aromatherapy, but will not qualify you to practise professionally, so you will need to complete further study.
You must aged be at least 18, and will need CRB clearance if you will be working with children and vulnerable adults.
Many courses lead to qualifications at diploma level, such as those awarded by City & Guilds, ITEC and VTCT.
You could also complete a foundation degree or degree, but these usually include aromatherapy modules alongside other complementary therapies. If you decide to complete a degree course, you should make sure that it will qualify you as a practitioner rather than just covering theory.
By completing a qualification that meets the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for aromatherapy and the Aromatherapy Council (AC) Core Curriculum, you will be able to register with the General Regulatory Council for Complementary Therapists or the British Register of Complementary Practitioners (held by the Institute for Complementary Medicine). Registration is voluntary, but you may find it useful when looking for employment or promoting your service to clients.
See the Aromatherapy Council website for details of NOS, the AC Core Curriculum, a list of awarding bodies and aromatherapy associations offering recognised qualifications, and advice on choosing courses. Entry requirements vary, so you should check with course providers.
What further training and development can I do?
You will need to keep your skills up to date throughout your career, and as a registered aromatherapist you will be expected to complete a certain amount of continuing professional development (CPD).
The professional associations listed on the Aromatherapy Council website usually have CPD schemes for members, and run short courses and workshops.
Where can I go for more information?
Goldsmiths HouseBroad Plain
Bristol
BS2 0JP
Tel: 0117 922 1155
Desborough
Kettering
Northamptonshire
NN14 2YX
Tel: 0870 774 3477
London
SE16 7QZ
Tel: 020 7231 5855
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Your income would depend on the number of clients and your location. Many aromatherapists are self-employed and charge an hourly rate which can vary between £20 to £45 an hour.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Most aromatherapists are self-employed and run their own practices. This means that you could choose your own working hours, although you may have to offer evening and weekend appointments to meet the needs of your patients.
You would normally work from treatment rooms that may be at your home or in an alternative therapy or natural health clinic, or a beauty salon. You may also visit patients in their own homes.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a caring approach
- the ability to inspire clents' confidence and trust
- good communication and listening skills
- accurate record-keeping skills
- the ability to recognise when to refer clients to a qualified medical doctor
- commercial awareness and business skills if self-employed.
What opportunities are there?
As a qualified aromatherapist you could set up your own business. You could work from home, from a clinic, in clients’ homes, or in a combination of the three. You could also offer additional therapies such as reflexology or massage to supplement your income.
You may also find opportunities for work in hospitals, health spas and private clinics.
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
