question for qualified aromatherapists...help?

[pendipidy]

Hi,

I am looking to do a distance learning course for aromatherapy. i understand i need to do a anatomy and physiology course too. What i don't understand are all the levels, certificates and diplomas there are and also all the different professional bodies and registrations.
Can somebody please clarify for me what level i need to be a practising therapist and whether or not this course i have found looks like it is ok.

Aromatherapy Courses | Home Study Aromatherapy

Anatomy and Physiology Courses | Home Study Anatomy and Physiology

They are registered with The International College of Holistic Medicine.

I don't understand if it is a suitable registering body and also i read somewhere you need to have 94 hours to practical massage to qualify, which makes sense, but it doesn't mentioj that anywhere. Is that correct, that you do?

Could anyone help please?

Thanks,

Jill

[Crowan]

From the Aromatherapy Council's website:
You can do the theory by distance learning, but as per the AC’s Core Curriculum, you will need to complete at least 94 hours in class for practical work, business studies, understanding research and therapeutic relationships. Those distance learning courses that meet the requirements will give you information on attending workshops and you have to complete the minimum 94 hours for registration.

[pendipidy]

but the problem is there seem to be several regulatory bodies, not just the aromatherapy council? Various companies offering training seem to be registered with different bodies. How do i know which is best? does it matter?

[Crowan]

Originally Posted by pendipidy

but the problem is there seem to be several regulatory bodies, not just the aromatherapy council? Various companies offering training seem to be registered with different bodies. How do i know which is best? does it matter?

Yes. I'm way out of date - it's about 20 years since I was an aromatherapist - but the main one was the IFPA. But any good organisation should require much the same - plenty of supervised practice in addition to the theory and the anatomy and physiology.
With luck someone who is still practicing can be more up to date.

[Atarah]

Hi Jill.
I have just compleated my training as an aromatherapist. The course I compleated was a VTCT Complementary therapies diploma(this was full time & it took me 2yrs!!) so I am also qualified in reflexology & Swedish massage too. You have to start at level 2 then progress to level 3. No short cuts unless you have already got a suitable anatomy & physiology qualification. The A&P is a large chunk of the qualification. To be an effective therapist you have to have a good understanding of how the human body works. eg circulation, nerveous system....
VTCT also do evening classes which usually run for around 6mths. For aromatherapy you have to compleate around 42 treatments( case studies) and 3 practicle assesments. You also need to work on clients in a commercial setting which is usually achieved in a college salon. I have been working on clients for 2 years & basically this is where you aquire your knowledge of essential oils. I am trained in 45 essential oils so they are the only ones I will be insured to use.
Basicly there is no quick route as essential oils are potent & poweful & also truely effective & wonderful too.
I would certainly recommend the VTCT course I have loved every minute of it. Hope this helps. Ger

[mrsjkn]

I have recently finished VTCT Aromatherapy. It was a year long course, 9 hrs a week in class and at least the same again for case studies, home work, oil profiles, practicing the massage routines and everything else that went along with it.

I looked at all the short courses that you are considering and I am so so glad I went ahead with a properly accredited college course. Dont waste your money on short courses - you will be out of pocket hundreds of pounds and disappointed afterwards.

[plumtree]

Hi I'm studing through the S.E.E.D Institute The S.E.E.D. Institutewhich is IFPA recommended. It is mainly correspondence and really flexible. Alison Perrot os very good.Having studied A+P and massage a few years ago. IFPA is a recognised Aromatherapy body.
Good Luck