Training in Aromatherapy

Whether you're an Association, a Training Provider, a member of the public, or a prospective student the first document you should read if you want to know more about training standards is the Aromatherapy Core Curriculum which you can download by clicking here. If you're looking for an aromatherapy practitionertraining course which will be recognised by the AC and registerable with the CNHC read on:

Where possible, go and meet the tutor and find out about their experience in aromatherapy. You have to commit to working with this person for at least 9 months (one academic year), so it is important that you feel comfortable with them.
If the tutor is a practising aromatherapist, it is useful to pay and book yourself in for a treatment with them so you can be assured of their technique and knowledge.
Always check to ensure that the course is benchmarked to the NOS and AC Core Curriculum. Ask for the course syllabus and it should give you this assurance. If the course is approved, you will be completing 60 treatments outside of the classroom and complete reflective practice evaluation on each of the case studies (usually at least 10 individuals).
Check on the times of the classes and make sure you can attend them all. Most courses insist on 80% completion of in-class hours in order to graduate.
You can do the theory by distance learning, but as per the Aromatherapy Core Curriculum, you will need to complete at least 94 hours in class for practical work, business studies, understanding research and therapeutic relationships. Those distance learning courses that meet the requirements will give you information on attending workshops and you have to complete the minimum 94 hours for registration.
Look at what the course is offering for the price. Some courses are more expensive, but they may include exam fees, essential oils, field trips, books etc.

The other document to which we refer is the National Occupational Standards for Aromatherapy. These describe the standards expected of a qualified practitioner and are not a training document. You can read the NOS by clicking here

A useful guide to training was written by Carole Preen of the AC in May of this year, click here to read, for Choice Health Magazine

Its well worth reading as it states clearly what the standard is for aromatherapy training and has been written by the Honorary PR Officer of the AC and one of the UK's foremost aromatherapy trainers, Carole Preen FAAPA

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS BEWARE

There are many courses being advertised which claim to be full practitioner qualifications. Some of them are only days in length and some entirely distance learning.

These courses will not meet the NOS and the Aromatherapy Core Curriculum and will not be registerable with the CNHC.

They may claim to be asociated with the names of training providers given on this site. If in doubt contact the over arching provider or association and check them out. Many people have wasted valuable time and money on training which, in some cases, is potentially unsafe. Aromatherapy uses bends of complex chemicals - knowledge and caution are of the essence so don't be fooled - check the course out before commiting time & money!

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Contents

Click on the tabs below to read more about the AC Associations

AAPA

The Aromatherapy & Allied Practitioners' Asscociation was formed in 1994 to represent aromatherapists, massage therapists & reflexologists. It's a small friendly association high on standards. It has London Licensing exemption for all three of its therapies which are also recognised for verification with the CNHC . It accredits a number of college & university qualifications and its officers wrote the modules for massage & aromatherapy for City & Guilds whose training partners we are.

APNT

The Association of Physical & Natural Therapists is a national multidisciplinary organisation established in 1986 with the aim of representing practitioners of complementary medicine who have reached the requisite standards of training and education. APNT aims to represent members in educational, professional and political matters. To this end the Association is a member of and plays a very active role in the following professional bodies: BCMA, AC , GCMT and RF. The APNT also sets and maintains standards for training and assessment in complementary therapies, and has a network of accredited schools that offer APNT professional and vocational training and postgraduate courses for qualified therapists.

BRCP

British Register of Complementary Practitioners was established in 1989, is a Register of Practitioners and Therapists who have proved their competence to practise by either completing an approved course or through an assessment made by the BRCP Registration Panel. It is a multi-disciplinary Register containing 24 Divisions, each having several different practises, administered by the ICNM. The BRCP has Practitioners in the UK together with countries outside of the UK.

CThA

The CThA is a leading professional organisation representing complementary therapists in the UK and Ireland.
We provide our members with professional help and advice on:
Specific questions on therapies, setting up and running a successful business, Taxation, legal matters both business and personal, counselling, health and safety advice and customer care

IFA

The International Federation of Aromatherapists is the Oldest and Largest established governing body for Professional Aromatherapy in the world. Founded in 1985, we are very proud to hold our charitable status. The IFA is a truly international organisation with training schools and members all over the world. It is a self-governing body supported by its Members and Friends with official Codes of Practice and Ethics, ensuring that standards and quality are sustained. Since its formation, the Federation has been at the forefront of developments within the aromatherapy profession and has pioneered the use of aromatherapy in hospitals, hospices, special care units and general practice. We all work hard to set and maintain the highest standards in Aromatherapy worldwide

IFPA

The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists is one of the largest professional aromatherapy practitioner organisations in the world and is a strong, respected voice in the field of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).
Its inception in 2002, an amalgamation of the International Society of Professional Aromatherapists and the Register of Qualified Aromatherapist, was the result of a vision by the UK's major international professional aromatherapy organisations to become the best they could.
The IFPA is a registered charity with clear, defined aims and objectives and is supported through its membership in the UK and worldwide

IHAF

The International Holistic Aromatherapy Foundation was formed in 1988 by practicing therapists who aim to practice in a true holistic sense. There are thousands of organizations, each with a specific purpose or goal. We are an association of professional practitioners of holistic therapy known as Aromatherapy.

You've decided to train as an aromatherapist - what should you do next?

Have you ever had a treatment? It sounds obvious but some people fall in love with an idea so before going any further book a treatment with a properly qualified therapist - a member of one of the AC Associations. Most associations have practitioner directories, sometimes on line or you can use yellow pages or the internet.

Make sure you have the time to devote to studies. More study is done at home than in college and you will be required to carry out at least 60 treatments on clients.

Remember you'll need to buy equipment - a couch, essential & carrier oils, a carrying case, towels, clothing and stationery. Also allow some money for marketing if you're self employed which a lot of therapists are.

Decide what sort of qualification you want - a diploma or degree. This may be conditioned by time and/or money but remember it doesn't matter which qualification you have as long as it is registerable with the CNHC when you qualify. Most importantly its the love of what you do and the desire to help others which is important as aromatherapy is a vocation as well as a profession.

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