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).
Training in Aromatherapy
Training for aromatherapy can include individual courses and certificate programs. Through training, you can learn how to use essential oils for relieving stress, gaining mental clarity, calming nerves, and treating common ailments. You will learn about how to combine the essential oils for healing for your friends and family. You will also learn how to use the essential oils in baths, household products, and gifts.
Pros and Cons of Training in Aromatherapy
Pros
- Learn healing properties of a variety of essential oils
- Know how to blend the essential oils for treating health conditions
- Gain skills that will help you to give consultations to others in aromatherapy
Cons
- All courses in aromatherapy may not be the same quality, so you may need to do some research before enrolling
- You may have to pay for the essential oils, in addition to your course fee
- Basic training may not be enough to start your own business as an aromatherapist, consultant or teacher
Courses and Requirements
If you take an introduction to aromatherapy course, you will learn about the healing qualities of different essential oils and how to use them to treat common ailments. You will also learn about the history of aromatherapy and how to blend essential oils for remedies. Common topics in an aromatherapy course might include:
- History of aromatherapy
- Methods of application
- Creating blends
Online Course Info
You can receive training in aromatherapy online and study the lessons at your own pace from home. You will probably need to pay an additional fee for the essential oils. The length and quality of the courses may vary, so you may want to make sure that your course of choice covers what you're interested in learning.
How to Get Ahead
If you plan on opening your own aromatherapy business, get ahead of your competition by taking a few courses in business. Many aromatherapy training programs don't include instruction on how to establish and maintain a small business, so you will likely benefit from formal education.
Certification in Aromatherapy
If you enroll in a course for certification in aromatherapy, you will learn all about the nature of different essential oils, their healing properties and their practical applications, among other topics relevant to aromatherapy. You will have the opportunity to complete experiential exercises and learn skills about how to assess clients' needs and provide a consultation to help them improve their well-being. You will also learn about blending essential oils and creating remedies for treatment of common ailments, such as muscular pains and stress. In addition, some courses may give lessons in starting your own business. Certification in aromatherapy will prepare you to become a teacher or consultant in aromatherapy. You will also learn how to make aromatherapy products to sell or give to friends and family.
Pros and Cons of Certification in Aromatherapy
Pros
- Be abel to teach others about aromatherapy
- Help others heal their body, mind and spirit
- Improve your own well-being through aromatherapy
- Complement a more traditional practice, such as nursing, with aromatherapy
Cons
- If you decide to teach aromatherapy courses, you may be self-employed, which could mean unstable work*
- You may have to teach students who have difficulty understanding aromatherapy
- Alternative healing methods, such as aromatherapy, are not always respected by those in the field of traditional medicine
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Courses and Requirements
The courses that you take for a certification in aromatherapy will teach you both the fundamentals and advanced topics of this healing modality. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the quality of individual essential oils, how to blend the oils and give consultations to others. You will most likely have to pass a final exam, as well as complete a research paper with case studies. Some common course topics include:
- Methods of treatment
- History of essential oils
- Chemistry of essential oils
- Safety precautions
Online Course Info
You can take aromatherapy courses online for certification, if you need more flexibility in your schedule. By enrolling in a distance learning course, you can go at your own pace and complete your studies at home with the use of a course book and other support materials, such as video. However, you will need to figure out where to get your own supplies of essential oils in order to practice.
Getting Ahead with this Certification
You can stand out by gaining experience in the business and marketing aspect of becoming a consultant or teacher in aromatherapy. You can also have a competitive advantage if you get training and experience in assessing clients' needs and giving consultations. You could also sign up with a recognized association related to this field, such as the Aromatherapy Registration Council.
