This is a detailed guide on how to become a certified Aromatherapist.
If you have ever had one work on your body, you will understand how soothing the work of an Aromatherapist could be.
However, if you would love to become an Aromatherapist yourself, this post will address all you need to know to get you started.
So in this post, I will share with you how to become a certified Aromatherapist by taking you through what qualifications you need to become an Aromatherapist.
You will also know aromatherapy schools near you.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy, also known as oil therapy is a type of healing treatment where professional Aromatherapists apply natural plant extracts on the body of their patients to promote their health and well-being.
Aromatherapy got its name from Aromatic and therapy.
This is because it is a type of therapy that uses aromatic oils to improve the physical and emotional health of their patients.
Who Is An Aromatherapist?
An aromatherapist is a professional that practices aromatherapy.
They use the application of essential oils to enhance one’s health and well-being.
These oils discharge strong and pleasant scents that are passed to the brain of the patient and produce relaxation feeling within and without.
The Benefits Of Aromatherapy?
There are many benefits to be enjoyed from Aromatherapy. This ranges from improving mental health to physical, and even correcting emotional anomalies.
Below are the benefits of Aromatherapy.
- The oils used calms the nervous system thereby reducing stress and its effects.
- It has been proved to help relieve anxiety and depression.
- Aromatherapy helps to improve sleep.
- It helps to strengthen the immune system and increase the ability of the body to fight against diseases and infections.
- Aromatherapy also helps to step up energy.
How To Become A Certified Aromatherapist
Since this does not sound like the popular medicine and surgery that we know in the university, you may be asking yourself How Do I Become A Certified Aromatherapist?
Well, in a few steps as enumerated below, I will take you through how to become a certified Aromatherapist.
1. Complete an Anatomy and Physiology Course
I want to begin from here so that even a man with the least or no experience in healthcare can find their way easily.
If you are already in the health system, you may skip this step.
But for a freshman, you would need to take a course either in Anatomy or Physiology.
To get this accomplished you can apply for and go through an online program on Anatomy or Physiology.
2. Complete an Aromatherapy Program
The completion of either an Anatomy or a Physiology course is the foundation laying of your career as an Aromatherapist.
However, like I said you may not need to do that if you are already certified in a related program in the healthcare sector.
Next, after that is to complete an aromatherapy program.
You must complete a course approved by either the Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA) or the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA).
The duration of this program must be up to a minimum of 200 contact hours which is the minimum requirement.
I will provide information about schools that offer aromatherapy courses later in this post.
3. Become A Member Of An Existing Association
At the completion of an Aromatherapy Program approved AIA and NAHA, you will need to become a member of one of these existing associations.
The requirement to become a member of either AIA or NAHA is that you have enrolled in an Aromatherapy program, or you should have completed one.
Applying to become a member can then be done online.
Note that this is one of the important qualifications you need to be an Aromatherapist.
4. Apply For The Certification Examination
The next step is to apply for the Aromatherapy certificate examination.
In the application for this certificate examination which would be online, you will be required to provide your proof of training.
This means that you must have completed the training before applying for the examination.
The examination is conducted by the Aromatherapy Registration Council (ARC), and you can apply through their website.
5. Take the Exam
When you apply for the exam, the system will confirm your eligibility, and the exam date will be fixed.
The next line of action after that will be to start preparing for the exam.
You will find your guide to the exam in the ARC candidate handbook.
This handbook will prepare you for the exam questions.
The examination will consist of 250 multiple-choice questions, and you will be given four hours to write them.
6. Confirm Your Certification
The result of this examination may take up to four weeks before it is being released.
However, at the release of this result, it will be sent to both ARC and to your email (you would have provided one during the registration).
If your result brings success, you will then have to contact the ARC to make sure the information for their registry listings is complete and also accurate.
What Is The Cost And Duration Of An Aromatherapy Course?
How Long Does It Take To Complete An Aromatherapy Course differs from one institution to another?
Nonetheless, it is important to note that while you can get a degree in aromatherapy, a diploma course is sufficient to become an Aromatherapist.
These diploma courses can last for about 2-9 months.
Before you ask the next question of how much it cost to take a course in aromatherapy, I am just about to give you the details.
The cost of taking a course in aromatherapy may differ from different locations, but it should be around an average of $500.
Also See: Top 10 Osteopathic Medical Schools: Best DO Schools
Aromatherapy Schools
Below is the list of schools that offer aromatherapy courses.
These are the schools that run the courses or programs required for the certification examination.
1. Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA)
Alliance of International Aromatherapists is a school that teaches aromatherapy, and it trains students to become professional Aromatherapists.
Visit the Alliance of International Aromatherapists Website here
2. American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS)
ACHS is another institution that offers aromatherapy courses, and you can easily access them online.
Visit the American College of Healthcare Sciences Website here
3. Aroma Apothecary Healing Arts Academy
Aroma Apothecary Healing Arts Academy is an aromatherapy school with a holistic perspective of natural healing. The institution has been existing since 2002, and it is one of the best aromatherapy schools out there.
Visit the Aroma Apothecary Healing Arts Academy Website here
4. Aroma Institute, School of Essential Oil Studies
This is another great institution that offers aromatherapy courses.
It offers intensive science and practical hands-on instruction to encourage its students in the course of study.
Visit Aroma Institute, School of Essential Oil Studies Website here.
5. West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy
This institution that began in 1999 is another prestigious center for aromatherapy studies.
It incorporates an easy-to-understand model of study, and also a fun-filled approach.
Visit the West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy Website here
6. Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies
This is one other institute of Aromatherapy that has existed for almost a decade.
The institution offers learning opportunities at the pace of students and based on their comfortability.
Visit Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies Website here.
7. Flora Medica
Flora Medica is another Institution that offers aromatherapy courses.
It was established in 1998 and has produced many aromatherapists since then.
Visit the Flora Medica Website here.
Kindly note that the list of schools offering aromatherapy courses is not limited to this.
Job Opportunities For An Aromatherapist
Where does an Aromatherapist Work?
The job opportunity for an Aromatherapist is not limited.
Some of the places you can work as an Aromatherapist are spas, salons, health care groups, and so on.
You can also start massage therapy or cosmetology.
How Much Does An Aromatherapist Earn?
Your earning as an Aromatherapist may not be accurately predicted.
This is because it is dependent on some variables like your client, location, expertise, and also reputation.
But in all, some aromatherapists make about $25 to $65 per hour which should be the minimum.
While some others earn up to about $100 per hour.
Summarily, an aromatherapist can earn up to about $25,000 to $45,000 annually.
That is all on How To Become A Certified Aromatherapist.
Hope this was helpful?