There are so many ways to heal ourselves, and with the demand for natural healing as opposed to medicine, so is the demand for aroma therapists. Aroma Therapists are people that use oils to improve the physical and mental health of a patient. Using the extracted oils from plants, aroma therapists create a therapeutic atmosphere, relieving stress and increasing patients’ overall well-being. Aroma therapists can work in a shop, a spa, medicine clinic, health clubs, and/or work in the education field and inform people of natural healing,
Since this is one of the newer career choices job prospects are very good. Landing a job as an aroma therapist can happen in two ways: having certification demonstrating knowledge and passing all exams relating to the subject, or acquiring knowledge through previous work experience, teaching or writing about aromatherapy.
Aroma Therapist Job Responsibilities
Aroma therapists are responsible for knowing the different scents of oils and what each one does for the body. They talk to clients and inform them of the best methods for treatment through consultations. Aroma therapist must know the patient’s medical history before therapy. They will use these fragrances to relieve pain and provide massages. They must know how to mix oils to perfection and know about concentrated aromatic solutions. Must know what aerial and topical applications are and be an expert at it; know what herbal distillates are and possess intelligence about it. They must know equipment like diffusers, steamers, vaporizers and dry evaporators to apply to patient’s bodies. If something must be inhaled, aroma therapists must know what it is and how to do it. If a product is working or not working, they must inform them and/or direct them to a different treatment. They must document their progress regularly. When new trends come forward, aroma therapists must have knowledge of that as well.
Sometimes aroma therapists may work with other people like acupuncturists, massage therapists and reflexologists to help with the healing situation. Combined, these professions can make healing easier and more effective for any patient.
Aroma Therapist Training and Education Requirements
Having an education to become an aroma therapist used to be preferred, but now it is required. To prove that the appropriate training and are fit to handle client/patient contact, a degree in aromatherapy will help. If aromatherapy isn’t available, it is mainly associated with cosmetology or holistic medicine education programs.
There are alternate routes to getting the degree if any of the above options are not available or not preferred. Instead, get a bachelors degree in botany, biology, or chemistry with at least second class honors. If pursuing a master’s degree, get one in botany, biology, or chemistry.
Aroma Therapist Salary and Wages
Aroma Therapists is a new career so the salary and wages does fluctuate. Depending on the career path, as of now expect to earn between $15,000 and $45.000. The margin is wide because people working in this environment can work in a variety of places.
Benefits differ once again depending on workplace. In a spa, medical clinic, working part-time or working independently/self employed, there are no benefits. Taking the education route will provide full benefits like medical and paid vacation.
Aroma Therapist Certifications
There are no state licenses for aromatherapy. They do offer a certification, but is not required. However, getting a certification helps to advance in the career of aromatherapy. By getting certification, higher salaries and more opportunities to grow await. Certification comes from the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), where they require 200 hours of training and practice in aromatherapy.
People pursuing this certification must know the history and safety of natural oils so they can distinguish the difference between different types of oils and how each type of oil will affect the body. Aroma therapists must know the healing properties of oils and common therapeutic applications. Pursuing a certification requires intelligence in the following areas: elements of botany, methods of oil applications, chemical blending techniques, and medical and holistic properties of therapeutic. They also should already know an extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology. Register to take the Aromatherapy Registration test, which is held in various US locations twice a year. Make sure you meet their requirements before taking the exam.
Aroma Therapist Professional Associations
The only professional association connected to this occupation is the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy or the NAHA. They are an educational, non-profit organization dedicated to make more people aware of the benefits of aromatherapy. The main goal is to customize blends of oils for the best treatment for each individual patient. Aroma therapists do not treat medical conditions or offer diagnosis. They honor a code of ethics and expect everyone involved in the profession to do the same. All certified people are registered with them to add to their credibility.
