Aromatherapist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship

University

You could take a foundation degree or degree in complementary therapies or complementary healthcare. These include units on aromatherapy.

Entry requirements:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could take a college course like:

• Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Complementary Therapies
• Level 3 or 4 Diploma in Aromatherapy for the Complimentary Therapist

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could do a wellbeing and holistic therapist advanced apprenticeship.

This typically takes around 20 months to complete as a mix of workplace learning and off-the-job study.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• 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
• knowledge of biology
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work on your own
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of English language
• physical fitness and endurance
• excellent written communication skills
• knowledge of psychology

What you'll do:

Aromatherapists use essential oils to help improve their clients' emotional wellbeing and relieve everyday stresses.

In this role you may:

• explain treatments to the 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

Location : You could work at a health spa, from home, at a client's home or in a therapy clinic.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends as customers demand

Career Path:

With experience as a self-employed aromatherapist, you could set up your business at home or at other premises or visit clients in their homes.

With further training, you could offer additional treatments to increase your income, like reflexology or massage.