Aromatherapist

Aromatherapist job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Aromatherapy involves therapeutic treatment that uses essential oils to promote physical and emotional well being. The typical responsibilities of an aromatherapist include:

• undertaking patient consultations to gain information about lifestyle, symptoms, current and previous physical/medical history and to select remedies
• identifying appropriate essential oils
• planning and explaining treatment requirements
• blending oils together
• applying oils (often via therapeutic massage) and undertaking treatment; creating blends of oils that can be used for bathing and/or inhaling
• advising clients about the use of remedies
• liaising with GP’s and making referrals to specialists/other health care practitioners
• providing advice about diet, exercise and lifestyle
• keeping accurate confidential patient records
• keeping up-to-date with research and new developments in the profession
• managing stock levels; teaching/supporting trainees
• marketing and promoting the business/practice.

Most aromatherapists are self-employed, working full or part-time from home, from clients’ homes or from their own practice. Many work as part of a team of alternative health practitioners for private practices such as specialist and complementary health care clinics and health farms. Some aromatherapists provide additional therapies including massage and reflexology. A very limited amount of contract work may be available with some GP practices and National Health Service (NHS) Trusts (in hospitals, hospices and community health centres). Vacancies are advertised online and in specialist journals.

Qualifications and training required

It is possible to do NVQs in aromatherapy at most further education colleges. You could also do a degree in aromatherapy. All aromatherapy courses have to adhere to the standards set by the National Occupation Standards for Aromatherapy.

Pre-entry experience gained working in a clinic or medical setting is helpful, although it may be difficult to obtain. Massage or beauty therapy experience can also be useful. It is necessary to have a good understanding of anatomy and physiology in addition to detailed knowledge of essential oils and their preparation.

Key skills for aromatherapists

Excellent organisational, interpersonal, listening and communication skills are essential. Aromatherapists also need to possess a mature, confident, sensitive and empathetic temperament.