Aromatherapist
Help people feel more relaxed and positive by giving them a massage with aromatic oils you mix specially for each person.
About the job
What it's like
You would mix aromatic oils into a special blend for a person and massage them with the oil to help them feel more relaxed and positive.
Your client would describe how they are feeling physically and emotionally. You'd then choose from a variety of strong-smelling oils to create a mixture specifically for the person. You'd aim to ease their symptoms, rather than cure them.
You would:
Explain the treatment to the person
Take details of their medical history, diet and lifestyle
Choose the oils you feel are right for them
Blend the oils
Apply the oils with a full or partial body massage
Keep records of each person's treatments and oils
Give people blended oils to use at home
Aromatherapy is a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Research suggests the different smells in the essential oils can improve people's emotional wellbeing and relieve the symptoms of ill health.
You would not diagnose individual conditions. Sometimes you'd refer clients to a qualified medical doctor.
You might do aromatherapy in a medical environment such as a hospital or hospice, or alongside other complementary treatments.
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Top skills
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It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- respecting
- empathising
- verbal communication
- listening
- positive attitude
Your skills are important
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Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Human Biology
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Science
You'll need to complete a course that meets aromatherapy National Occupational Standards.
An HNC/HND in Complementary Therapies (SCQF Level 7/8) often include relevant units in aromatherapy. You could also complete a privately funded course.
To enter an HNC/HND usually requires National 4/5 qualifications and two Highers or an HNC.
There are a number of private courses in aromatherapy but it important to check they are accredited by SQA or the Aromatherapy Council and meet the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for aromatherapy.
Qualifications that show an understanding of the industry and health and wellbeing such as:
Skills for Work Beauty (SCQF 6)
SQA Wellbeing Award
Enterprise & Employability (as most aromatherapists are self-employed).
To begin practising as an aromatherapist you need to:
Be 18 years old
Have insurance
Become a member of the British Register of Complementary Practitioners (held by the Institute for Complementary and Natural Medicine) or the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).
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