Aromatherapy Certification and Training at a Glance
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for healing. Essential oils are taken from plants to treat a variety of conditions and to promote physical, emotional, and mental health. Training in aromatherapy teaches you about the nature and healing properties of many different essential oils, as well as how to blend the essential oils and use them to help people achieve more wellness in their lives. Certification in aromatherapy will allow you to provide consultations and teach others about how to use essential oils for healing, as well as how to make aromatherapy products to sell or give to others. According to the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), many professionals learn aromatherapy to complement their other profession, such as nursing, massage therapy, acupuncture or medicine.
Self-enrichment teachers are instructors who teach subjects for self-improvement, which can include aromatherapy. Employment for these teachers was expected to increase by 21% between 2010-2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Although there is no state required certification for aromatherapists, the NAHA and Alliance of International Aromatherapists offer certification through certain programs. Additionally, aromatherapists can become registered through the Aromatherapy Registration Council by passing an exam.
| Training | Certification | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | People who want to learn about aromatherapy or make aromatherapy products | Individuals who want to consult or teach others about aromatherapy or make aromatherapy products |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate average annual income) | - Self-enrichment teacher ($41,000)* | - Self-enrichment teacher ($41,000)* - Massage therapist (extra training and licensing required; $40,000)* - Registered nurse (extra training and licensing required, $69,000)* |
| Time to Completion | Anywhere from a day to 9 months | Anywhere from two days to 9 months |
| Common Graduation Requirements | None beyond the required coursework | Some require: - Final exam - Research paper - Case studies |
| Prerequisites | None | None |
| Online Availability | Yes | Yes |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011).
