How to Become an Aromatherapist

Aromatherapists are health care specialists who use the healing power of essential oils to improve the quality of life of their clients.Most of them are already licensed in another healthcare profession(nurses,massage therapists,naturopathy doctors), and study aromotherapy as a supplement for helping their pacients.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Begin taking prerequisite courses ,such as anatomy, chemistry, biology, psychology,speech and english.Because most of the aromatherapists are self-employed, courses like bussiness, computer and math will help if you want to run a successful business.

2. Find an aromatherapy school that is acredited by NAHA (National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy).NAHA guidelines for these schools require that the aromatherapy programs hould include courses in history of aromatherapy, physiology, botany, chemistry, safety and methods of application and bussiness planning.The lenght of studies varies from a few months to 4-year programs.Many vocational schools, community colleges and even universities offer aromatherapy programs.Decide if you want to practice aromatherapy only or combined with another proffession,such as massage therapy,nursing etc.These proffessions have additional licensing and educational requirements.

3. Currently there is no certification or licensing requirement for aromatherapists, but if you want to combine this career with another healthcare proffession, you have to be licensed fot that profession.

Tips & Warnings

• Aromatherapists who run their own spas or develop their line of aromatherapy products can easily earn six-figure incomes.
• Those who have another health care proffession as the base career and add aromatherapy as a supplement, tend to earn higher incomes than those specialising in aromatherapy alone.

[goodselfme]

on 4/5/2009 Becoming an aromatherapist sounds like an interesing field to pursue. You composed this article well. TX 5*