Aromatherapist
Aromatherapists use essential oils to help improve their clients' emotional wellbeing and relieve everyday stresses.
- Typical hours24 to 37 a week
What you'll do
As an aromatherapist, you could:
- explain treatments to a client
- take details of the client's medical history, diet and lifestyle
- select the oils you feel are appropriate for helping the client
- blend and keep a record of the oils you use
- apply oils during massage treatment
- supply blended oils and instructions for clients to use at home
- refer clients to their GP when necessary
Working environment
You could work at a health spa, from home, at a client's home or in a therapy clinic.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- excellent verbal communication skills
- active listening skills
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to work well with your hands
- customer service skills
- a desire to help people
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to sell products and services
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to become a aromatherapist
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- training with a professional body
College
You could take a college course like:
- aromatherapy
- complementary therapies
Courses like these may help you to get a trainee position, for example with a professional aromatherapist or business offering spa services.
Entry requirements
There are no set entry requirements for this route.
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Wellbeing and Holistic Therapist Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
This typically takes up to 2 years and is a mix of workplace learning and off-the-job study.
Entry requirements
To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Other routes
You could take a training course offered by a private training organisation or professional body, like the International Federation of Aromatherapists.
It's important to check courses carefully to make sure what's being offered is right for you.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- have insurance
- pass enhanced background checks
Career path and progression
You would usually be self-employed or you might do this as a second career, fitting it around your other commitments.
With further training, you could offer extra treatments, like reflexology or massage, to attract more clients and increase your income.
Professional and industry bodies
You could register with an accredited organisation for professional recognition and networking opportunities.
Organisations include the:
- International Federation of Aromatherapists
- Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council
- Federation of Holistic Therapists
Guides for this industry
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