Aromatherapy for Professional Use

Schools for Education

To be considered a professional aromatherapist, you need a minimum of 300 hours and ideally, 500 hours of study.

This course of study needs to include:

Science courses such as:

• Anatomy and Physiology to cover all systems of the body with knowledge of herbal and oil remedies,
• Botany with exposure to all aspects of plants including genetics, photosynthesis, taxonomy, and botanical families,
• Chemistry to include all functional families and basic organic chemistry principles,
• Clinical Science for pathology, nutrition, vitamins, enzymes, and natural treatments for certain diseases.

Alternative Health courses such as:

• History of Medicine Its development since 500 AD, western medicine, alternatives like homeopathy with a focus on herbal and essential oil medicine
• Mind-Body for psychoneuroimmunology, the brain both electrical and chemical, parts of immune system and how to keep it strong, endocrine system, and integrative medicine
• Energetic Medicine Exploring the human energy system in the aura and chakras, looking at alternative energy methods like Flower Essences, Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Hydrotherapy, and of course, Aromatherapy
• Communication and Business skills Developing a clear and supportive relationship between the client and practitioner, how to start a business, record keeping, and legal considerations
• Clinic Practice Theory and Internship Giving the graduating student clinical experience in directly seeing clients and supporting fellow students in this hands-on class. Using all they have learned to directly work with clients.

Electives such as:

Every semester the school needs to offer workshops and short classes in more depth in the class information covered. Experts in science, healing modalities, and alternative medicine can enrich the academic experience for students. 60-100 electives should be required.

Results of Education

The above education would enable a graduating Aromatherapy Essential Oil therapist to be a practitioner in a holistic medical office or clinic. They would be fluent in the Latin names of every oil and herb they studied. They would have knowledge of at least 50-60 oils and 20-30 herbs. They would feel comfortable in doing Case Studies (at least 30 required in the educational setting) and creating custom blends for clients. They need to have nutritional, herbal, lifestyle changes to recommend to clients. If they are not practicing massage therapists, they would have 30-60 hours in Reflexology, which would allow them to apply oils to the appropriate part of the foot for different diseases or imbalances.

With all of the above knowledge and experience, they are ready to open their own practice or work with holistic doctors and nurses in a hospital or clinical environment.

Recommended Schools

College of Botanical Healing Arts

A 390-hour program Aromatherapy Practitioner Certification Program is a California 501C3 non-profit that has received State certification from the Private Post Secondary for Vocational Education Agency. It is located in Santa Cruz, Ca. The program can be completed in 1 and ½ years, but many take 2-3 years. It seeks to provide excellence in education and illuminate the innate wisdom within each student.www.cobha.org, cobhasantacruz@yahoo.com, (831) 462-1807.

Fees to charge for Aromatherapy Treatment

Practitioners

Well-trained Aromatherapy Essential Oil Practitioners can charge $80-100 an hour for their interview, holistic advice and ability to offer custom blends and reflexology. There would be repeat visits and adjustments in the blend as the client’s holistic condition improves.

Perfumers

An educated and experienced Perfumer who offers custom perfumes after an interview can charge $100-$150 for the blend. One of my graduating students is earning up to $700 a perfume.

Vocations for Graduating Aromatherapists

Other careers for educated people with Aromatherapy training are:

• Spa workers as Massage Therapists and Aestheticians
• Consultants or marketing managers with Essential Oil companies
• Teachers in Aromatherapy schools, Massage schools, Community Colleges, Elementary and High schools
• Nurses who add essential oils to their work can practice at Hospitals, Elder care homes, Burn clinics, Hospice practice, Physical therapy service, Pediatric clinics, Women’s clinics
• Specialists in Environmental Fragrances for Dental and Doctor offices, Schools, Corporate offices, and Stores
• Veterinarians who offer natural treatments for animals
• Doulas can use essential oils in the birthing process.