Certification for Aromatherapy
Scents have a powerful effect over human beings--aromas can relax us, revolt us and even trigger memories of days past. Aromatherapy is the practice of using aromas to promote healing of the mind and body. Certification in aromatherapy is available for those who want to pursue the field.
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Program Options
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To get a certification in aromatherapy, you may enter either a diploma program or a certificate program. You will receive certification through either option, but the diploma courses tend to be more in-depth, according to the Pier55 website. The length of your program can vary widely depending on where you study, but you should aim for a program with a minimum of 200 instruction hours.
Coursework
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Regardless of the program you enter, your coursework will provide basic information about how aromas impact people physically and mentally. You may study the properties of essential oils, herbs, incense and other aromatic substances. Anatomy, safety, oil blending and holistic health are other common classes.
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Prerequisites
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There are no educational prerequisites to enter an aromatherapy certification program, according to the Education-Portal website. However, some experience working in holistic medicine or care, such as working in a spa, is useful. You also may find the study of sociology and psychology helpful in understanding the stresses relieved by your work.
Registration
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After you complete your certification training, you should register with the Aromatherapy Registration Council. This organization puts together a list of aromatherapy practitioners who have completed a national aromatherapy exam. Consumers look to this list to find the best aromatherapists. The fact that you cannot get on this registry without completing at least 200 training hours is the primary reason to look for a comprehensive certification program.
Concerns
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As of 2010, there currently are no standards for what needs to be in an aromatherapy certification program, as pointed out by the Pier55 and Beauty Assist websites. Subsequently, there is no real way to ascertain the value of a certification, as you cannot define exactly what a person has done for the certified status. The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists, a non-profit group, is attempting to design standards that will develop such definition. Additionally, certification is not the same as a state license. No state regulates the certification of aromatherapists as of 2010.
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References
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