Standards of aromatherapy training and education vary widely. In addition, there are a number of different types of aromatherapy. In recent years, several professional aromatherapy organizations, such as the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy and the Alliance of International Aromatherapists, have emerged in an attempt to voluntarily regulate the industry. However, there are no government guidelines or regulations currently in place for complementary therapies such as aromatherapy.
Standards
Aromatherapy training is offered by both aromatherapy schools and qualified aromatherapists. As the industry is unregulated, almost anyone can offer aromatherapy training with little or no experience. Aromatherapy courses vary from one-day courses to yearlong courses and can be conducted in a classroom setting or on line. Reputable aromatherapy training providers usually run courses that require hundreds of hours of study and case work. It is usual to take an examination at the end of the course. Shirley Price, in “Aromatherapy Workbook,” writes that many short aromatherapy courses do not meet the requirements of a professional aromatherapy organization.
Types
Aromatherapy is practiced in a number of ways. Consequently, types of aromatherapy training are different. Common types of aromatherapy practice include aromatherapy massage, aromatology, cosmetic aromatherapy and clinical aromatherapy. In addition, many people often confuse the popular use of fragrance oils with essential oils in aromatherapy. Essential oils, which are extracted from plants, are used therapeutically in aromatherapy, whereas synthetic fragrance oils are predominately used for cosmetic purposes. Fragrance oils are not used by a trained aromatherapist for therapeutic purposes.
Clinical Training
Clinical aromatherapy is not as popular in the United States as cosmetic aromatherapy because many insurance companies do not recognize the use of complementary therapies. However, Shirley and Len Price, in “Aromatherapy for Health Professionals,” write that aromatherapy is slowly making an appearance into health care in the United States through the recognition of massage as a proven therapy. Clinical aromatherapy training is more comprehensive and complex than a shorter, cosmetic aromatherapy course because the full therapeutic benefits and effects of the use of essential oils in aromatherapy must be understood.
Registration
The Aromatherapy Registration Council was set up in the United States in 2000 in an attempt to establish independent credibility of aromatherapy through a voluntary assessment of the training of an individual aromatherapist. Make an application to take the National Examination in Aromatherapy after completion of an eligible aromatherapy course. Successful applicants who pass the examination are entitled to use the trade mark “Registered Aromatherapist” in professional practice.
Professional Organizations
Professional aromatherapy organizations attempt to establish the credibility of aromatherapy as a complementary therapy and individual aromatherapists through set membership criteria. For example, the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy was set up in 1990 to establish certain standards of training and education for members. The Alliance of International Aromatherapists is another fairly new organization established to maintain the same principles and standards in aromatherapy training and practice.
Credibility
Although there are no set government or regulatory standards and guidelines for aromatherapy training in the United States, consider a number of factors before taking aromatherapy training. You will need to establish the experience, qualifications and credibility of an aromatherapy training provider and you need to study the opportunities for continuing education after basic aromatherapy training. Also, consider your eligibility to become a member of a professional aromatherapy organization. These factors will demonstrate your final credibility as a professional aromatherapist.
References
- “Aromatherapy Workbook”; Shirley Price; 2000
- “Aromatherapy for Health Professionals”; Shirley Price, Len Price; 2002
- Aromatherapy Registration Council: Registered Aromatherapist
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