The aromas of certain plants are used by aromatherapists to help people deal with the physical and emotional demands of everyday life.They know what the oils can do to the body and how to use them.There are many schools that offer training programs for people who want to practice aromatherapy.Students who want to become an aromatherapist only need a certification from an accredited school.
Step 1: Search by school.
There are a lot of schools that will teach you how to be an aromatherapist.Many of the programs will give you a certification.There is no legal basis for this certification, but it shows that you have completed courses related to the subject.Look for a school that is accredited by the National Association forholistic Aromatherapy.The minimum requirements for the educational and ethical standards of the NAHA are met if the school is accredited by this body.You can find a list of schools in the US and a few other countries here.
Step 2: Choose between online, in-person or combination courses.
If you have a busy life and don't want to attend an in-person course, online courses are more suited for you.If you want to learn everything you need to know, you can take an online course.With an in-person class, you can ask questions and get feedback on how to use oils correctly.A combination course will allow you to do most of your learning online, but also give you the chance to practice what you have learned in-person with an instructor.You can ask them to answer any questions that may have arisen during your online learning.
Step 3: Understand the amount of time it takes to complete a program.
You will have to complete at least 200 hours of training if you complete a program that is accredited by the NAHA.This is the highest level of certification offered, though the NAHA is working on a level 3 certification.The courses are as short as a few hours.If you don't care much about receiving any kind of certification, and just want to learn a thing or two, a course such as this might be a good place to start.
Step 4: Find out what you have to do to get into each program.
If you are attending an NAHA accredited school and working towards your level 2 professional aromatherapy certification, you will need to take and pass an exam.You don't need to pass an exam if you are working on a level 1 certification at an NAHA accredited school.A level 2 certification requires you to complete a research paper, complete several case studies, and complete oil profiles on at least 25 essential oils.
Step 5: Financial aid can be searched for.
Depending on the program, the cost can be as high as $500.There are different ways to get financial aid if you need help covering the costs of the course.Subsidized loans that are regulated by the government are offered by The Department of Education.
Step 6: Enroll in a school.
Once you have decided on a program, contact the school to find out how you can start.Make sure that you carefully read through all of the information that the school gives you, and take note of whether you must purchase equipment such as books and oils yourself, or if this will all be provided for you.If something isn't clear to you, it's a good idea to talk to a representative of the school.It is important that you find a place where you will feel respected and comfortable.You should be aware that courses can change a lot.Some courses will have lectures given by experienced aromatherapists.You can attend seminars with teachers and other students where you can work with different oils.It will be difficult to interact with the course instructor and other students in online courses.You might have to work with the oils on your own.
Step 7: A complete course of study.
If you attend an NAHA accredited school, you will learn about how high quality essential oils are produced, basic physiology, how certain aromas interact with emotional states, ethical and safety issues, as well as how to use them.A list of what you can expect to learn.Don't be afraid to learn more than what is being taught in your program.Ask your teacher if you are curious.Try to find information on the internet if you want to know something.
Step 8: The NAHA would be a good place to join.
If you completed a program accredited by the NAHA, you will be able to become a professional member.There are several benefits to doing so, such as access to the latest research in the area of aromatherapy, the right to use the NAHA logo, as well as the opportunity to advertise your services on their website.The cost of a professional membership in the US is $125.The cost for international members is $155.
Step 9: Find a job.
An aromatherapist can work in many different places.Many spas, fitness centers, hospitals, and yoga studios may want to hire an aromatherapist to help their customers.You can find jobs on the internet and in your local newspaper.If you are willing to relocate for work, there are many interesting opportunities available to you.
Step 10: Consider a private practice.
If you don't want to work for someone, you could open a shop where you can offer aromatherapy consultations to people who are interested in using it as a means of health care.You could also offer workshops where people can learn how to use essential oils in their daily lives.It can be rewarding to open your own business, but it can also be very challenging.No matter how well you run your business, it may not succeed.
Step 11: As part of a massage therapy practice, you can use essential oils.
If you are already a massage therapist or are working toward getting a license in massage therapy, you can combine them into one.You can use your knowledge to help your clients.If you have a client who is extremely tense and stressed, you can use specific oils in their massage that will help them relax through a combination of scent and massage.
Step 12: It's a good idea to use aromatics as a medicine.
An aromatherapist can act as a consultant on the benefits of aromatics for a healthy lifestyle.If someone comes to an aromatherapist with a problem, they can take their knowledge and make recommendations about how to improve the problem.An aromatherapist shouldn't think of themselves as healthcare providers.This recommendation might include certain oils and combinations of oils that can be used to treat pain without the use of traditional medication and other lifestyle improvements.Getting exercise, eating healthy, drinking water.It is not possible for aromatherapists to prescribe or perform procedures.It is a good idea to make sure the person you are talking to understands that you aren't a doctor and are not making diagnoses.
Step 13: Hospice or nursing care can be improved with the use of aromatherapy.
Research shows that the well-being of patients under hospice care can be positively impacted by the use of aromatics.It is becoming very popular in the nursing field.If you are a nurse or a hospice worker, you can use aromatherapy to help patients with pain and/or well-being while they are under your care.If you are not a nurse or hospice worker, you may be able to work as an aromatherapist in some clinics, where you will help deal with the specific needs of patients.
Step 14: The practice of yoga can be improved with the addition of aromatics.
People who practice yoga are believed to have many physical and emotional benefits.The benefits of yoga can be enhanced even more with the use of aromatics.If you want to become a yoga instructor, you can incorporate your knowledge of aromatherapy into your practice to make yourself stand out and to enhance the experience of your clients.In larger yoga studios, you may be able to be hired as an aromatherapist without being a yoga instructor.
Step 15: Your skills can be used to help friends and family.
You can help family and friends and use your knowledge to help yourself if you don't want to work.If you have a family member who is suffering with a health condition, and you think that you can help them, consider giving them your knowledge.If you offer to help someone but they say they aren't interested, then be respectful of their wishes.
Step 16: There is no regulation of this profession.
In the United States, the government does not regulate the aromatherapist profession.There isn't an official accreditation or certification program.This doesn't mean that the benefits of aromatherapy are worthless.You will be able to help people understand the value of the field if you are a trained aromatherapist.
Step 17: You should know the governing bodies of aromatherapy.
In order to become an aromatherapist, there must be standardized educational and examination procedures, as well as standards for certification.The Educational Standards in Aromatherapy Association is one of the governing bodies.Natural oils research associationThere is a group called the American Alliance of Aromatherapy.The NAHA is a national association.
Step 18: Become involved in the community.
A large and rich community of practitioners, researchers, and followers can be found in aromatherapy.It is possible to learn more about the history of aromatherapy, stay up-to-date with new findings, and possibly lead to personal opportunities as well as job opportunities if you get involved with it.You can find local networking opportunities on the internet, but you can also attend conferences where you will meet a lot of interesting people.