Complete Guide on How To Become A Certified Aromatherapist In 2023

Aromatherapy is an alternative healing practice that utilizes essential oils to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

The influence is frequently felt through the sense of smell, which is related to the deepest portions of the brain that control your basic impulses, thoughts, and emotions.

Additionally, aromatherapy can assist to relieve muscular aches and pains, increase circulation, relieve sinus congestion, and act as a powerful antioxidant.

For thousands of years, plant extracts have been used for their exquisite scents and natural healing capabilities.

Plant oils, which are high in botanical activity and antioxidants, restore vibrant, healthy skin by functioning at the cellular level to maintain the skin supple and youthful.

Aromatherapy seeks to improve our physical, mental, and emotional well-being by utilizing therapeutic characteristics of plants.

It has gained popularity in recent years as people seek natural and holistic approaches to health and wellness.

If you’re interested in becoming a certified aromatherapist in 2023, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to get started.

From understanding the education and training requirements to learning about the certification process, this guide will help you embark on a rewarding career in aromatherapy.

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a healing technique that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being.

It’s also known as essential oil treatment. Aromatherapy is a medical practice that uses fragrant essential oils to promote the health of the body, mind, and soul. It benefits both physical and mental wellness.

Aromatherapy is an art as well as a science.

Yet, aromatherapy is gaining popularity in the domains of science and medicine.

How Does Aromatherapy Work?

There is a precise chain of action involved in aromatherapy that begins the moment you enter an aromatherapy chamber.

Aromatherapy uses natural oils to trigger smell receptors in your nose, which carry messages straight to your brain’s limbic system.

The limbic system is in charge of your emotions, memory, learning, appetite, and sexual drive.

Inhaling essential oils induces a variety of physiological reactions, including breathing patterns, blood pressure, and heart rate.

Aromatherapy can be used to treat a wide range of mental and physical issues.

Pain relief, muscle aches and pains, improved attention, skin health, digestion aid, and relaxation of the body and mind are all possible.

There are numerous essential oils that can aid in the healing process.

Aromatherapy can be used in a variety of methods, including direct inhalation, vaporization, humidification, scent, and aromatherapy diffusers.

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What Are Aromatherapy’s Advantages?

Aromatherapy can be used for a variety of purposes, and by understanding the benefits of each, you can select (or build) a personalized blend to fulfill your mental and physical health needs.

That being stated, aromatherapy has the following advantages:

1. It lowers stress.

Everyone is affected by stress in different ways.

While avoiding it is nearly impossible, there are strategies to manage stress.

Aromatherapy is available to you.

Lavender essential oil soothes the neurological system. As a result, it decreases blood pressure, heart rate, and rewires brain waves to help you relax.

2. Reduces Anxiety

According to Anxiety and Depression Association of America data, 18.1% of U.S. adults had an anxiety condition in the previous year.

That is to say, 40 million people are affected by this mental ailment every day!

As a result, an aromatherapist’s job has proven to be a dependable option.

Hand massages using an essential oil blend of lavender, bergamot, and frankincense are given to patients once a day for one week to relieve anxiety.

The findings of the therapy show that massage with this essential oil mix has a stronger therapeutic power for pain and depression management.

3. Enhances Sleep

If you regularly have trouble sleeping, an aromatherapist can assist you.

Natural sedative characteristics make essential oils appealing.

Lavender oil has been shown in studies to enhance comfortable sleep.

4. Improves Immune System Strength

The ability of the body to combat infections is referred to as immunity.

A weakened immune system can be a nightmare because one is regularly exposed to infections.

Essential oils such as peppermint, ginger, lemon, and oregano, among others, are known to have antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties that help the body’s immune system.

5. Increases Energy

Individuals frequently prefer stimulants such as tea, coffee, and other illegal substances to increase their energy levels.

Aromatherapy, on the other hand, is a natural energy booster.

Several essential oils, like cinnamon, jasmine, and tea tree, are known to increase blood circulation in the body, invigorating both the body and the mind and keeping your energy levels high.

All citrus oils, particularly lemon, contain antioxidant terpenes like limonene, which are inherently invigorating.

6. It Maintains Hormone Equilibrium

If you are suffering from PCOS or infertility, essential oils such as rose and geranium have been scientifically proved to benefit ladies with low estrogen levels.

According to a study published in Neuro Endocrinology Letters, essential oils can impact estrogen and help women experiencing menopausal symptoms and low estrogen levels.

Who Is An Aromatherapist?

Aromatherapy is a sort of medicine that is practiced by aromatherapists.

This therapy promotes relaxation and a sensation of well-being by using essential oils that emit powerful, pleasant aromas.

What Is the Role of an Aromatherapist?

Aromatherapists deliver holistic medicinal therapies to patients by applying natural oils topically or inhaling them.

They also collaborate with various pleasant odors to deliver a natural type of healing.

Many people choose this more natural and holistic approach to healthy living over standard medication.

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How Can I Become An Aromatherapist?

The Aromatherapy Certification Program is a self-paced, online self-study program.

There are measures to take if you wish to become a certified aromatherapist.

Step 1. Finish an Anatomy and Physiology Program

This level is only for people who have no prior experience in the healthcare area.

With merely a high school diploma or GED, such individuals are expected to enroll in an online certificate program focused on human anatomy and physiology.

These programs can also include at least 12 credits and cover areas such as the immune, neurological, and cardiovascular systems.

Step 2: Finish an approved Aromatherapy Program.

They will be required to complete an aromatherapy curriculum approved by the Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA) or the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy after completing an anatomy and physiology program (NAHA).

To achieve their standards, the programs must have at least 200 contact hours.

Many of the aromatherapy programs accessible online go above and beyond the bare minimum.

Students will also learn about business procedures and the basics of aromatherapy, and programs can take up to nine months to finish if enrolled full time.

Step 3: Become a member of the AIA or NAHA.

Before proceeding to certification, you must first join an established association.

Current organizations such as AIA and NAHA are open to people who are now enrolled in or have recently finished an aromatherapy program.

You can complete any of the membership applications online.

Step 4: Register for the Certification Test.

You can register for the Aromatherapy Registration Council (ARC) certification exam after finishing the online training.

An application can be filed through the ARC website, which will validate the individual’s qualification and enable for the scheduling of a test date.

In addition, proof of training, a Candidate Consent Form, and agreement to the ARC disciplinary policy are required when seeking to take the exam.

Please keep in mind that application and examination costs can be mailed.

Step 5: Take the Exam

After you’ve successfully applied and been scheduled for the certificate exam, the following step is exam preparation and the exam itself.

The ARC candidate handbook, which is available online, serves as the primary guide for the exam’s material.

Candidates get four hours to finish the exam, which comprises of 250 multiple-choice questions.

In addition, suitable credentials will be necessary to take the exam, and the results may take up to four weeks to be ready.

Step 6: Confirm Certification

Test results will be mailed to ARC and the candidate several weeks following the exam.

Applicants who pass the exam must contact ARC to ensure the information on their register listings is comprehensive and accurate.

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How Long Will It Take To Finish An Aromatherapy Course?

The length of an aromatherapy course varies slightly depending on the institute.

An aromatherapy course, on the other hand, takes 2-9 months to complete.

How Much Does It Cost To Attend An Aromatherapy Course?

Programs cost around $500 on average, but this varies by region.

Schools That Offer Aromatherapy Courses

Aromatherapy is a job, not simply a hobby.

To be a competent aromatherapist, one must have a thorough understanding of various aromatic oils and the benefits they give.

As a result, if you want to become a registered aromatherapist, you should look for colleges that offer aromatherapy.

1. Alliance of International Aromatherapists

AIA, as it is affectionately known, is dedicated to teaching aromatherapists, healthcare professionals, and the general public on all elements of aromatherapy.

The Association of International Aromatherapists is a diversified network of professionals who work together to improve aromatherapy and serve the public.

The first school on our list teaches Aromatherapy and how to become a certified Aromatherapist.

2. American College of Healthcare Sciences

American College of Healthcare Sciences is an approved online college with a global reputation.

The American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) places a high value on “holistic aromatherapy,” the belief that health can be achieved by recognizing and addressing the full person: body, mind, and spirit.

3. Aroma Apothecary Healing Arts Academy

Aroma Apothecary Healing Arts School is a therapeutic aromatherapy school that emphasizes natural healing from a holistic perspective.

Natural healing practices and nature’s pharmacy are taught at Aroma Apothecary Healing Arts Academy.

Since 2002, the academy has provided professional aromatherapy certification courses to health practitioners, holistic retailers, and individuals interested in learning more about the art and science of aromatherapy.

They also provide self-paced distance learning and virtual classrooms, as well as individualized support and mentoring via email, phone, and one-on-one Skype meetings.

4. Aroma Institute of Essential Oil Studies

Through our cutting-edge online learning programs, Aromahead Institute makes the study and therapeutic application of essential oils widely available to casual learners and healing arts professionals all around the world.

The evidence-based curriculum approach of the institutes integrates both intensive science and practical hands-on education to inspire individuals and professionals to study and share the many benefits of Aromatherapy.

5. West Coast Aromatherapy Institute

Beverley Hawkins founded the West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy in 1999 and has been instructing aromatherapy courses and aromatherapy workshops through her aromatherapy school for over 20 years.

She provides aromatherapy training for everyone, from beginners to professionals.

The aromatherapy certification courses offered by West Coast Institutes provide in-depth thorough material in a clear, enjoyable, and easy to understand format.

You can also begin whenever you are ready and learn from the convenience of your own home.

6. Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies

Colleen launched her Aromatherapy Certification Course in 2012.

Her expertise in product development and formulation, aromatherapy practice, commerce, and adult education is reflected in the aromatherapy course curriculum.

The course, on the other hand, allows students to work from home and at their own pace.

Several optional, interactive course features aid in the formation of a community among students in a virtual classroom-like setting.

Since the course’s inception in 2012, hundreds of students from all around the world have enrolled in the Essence of Thyme course.

7. Flora Medica

Valerie Cooksley, RN, OCN, FAAIM, CERT, and Laraine Pounds, RN, MSN, co-founded the Institute of Integrative Aromatherapy and the Integrative Aromatherapy Certificate Program in 1998, and have worked together to bring the vision of Integrative Aromatherapy to the forefront of the nursing and healthcare professions today.

They provide course participants with over 50 years of combined expertise and professional knowledge in a variety of interrelated topics.

This is a comprehensive course certification program for both healthcare and non-healthcare workers.

8. Heart of Herbs Herbal School

The establishment of Heart of Herbs Herbal School in 1998 was a 20-year-long goal realized.

It provides fully supported online education, with audio, video, and other traditional learning tools.

9. Lorrie Hargis International School of Aromatherapy

This online aromatherapy certification program will provide you with the knowledge and hands-on experience you need to practice the art and science of aromatherapy safely and successfully.

The digital curriculum consists of training modules that include videos, online textbooks, pamphlets, and numerous ways to mix using crucial tools to fulfill international requirements for blending aromatherapy-based personal care products.

It also provides online coaching calls to assist with case study questions while you study to become a certified Aromatherapist.

10. School of Essentria

Rachael Dean, Nikki Fraser, and Rhonda Greenbury are all NAHA Level 3 Certified Clinical Aromatherapists and Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists Certified Aromatherapy Health Practitioners (CAHP) (CFA).

The School of Essentria is an online school that offers NAHA-recognized courses as well as the CAHP course with the Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists.

11. Parker University

Students at Parker University can pursue a progressive education programme in Aromatherapy and Massage Raindrop Therapy.

The course offers six hours of continuing education credits and is designed exclusively for licensed massage therapists.

Current massage school and chiropractic students are welcome to attend as long as they have completed the prerequisite courses.

The program discusses the history and present applications of essential oils, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of aromatherapy and raindrop therapy.

12. Bastyr University.

Bastyr University is a private, non-profit educational institution that is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Medical Schools.

It provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in natural health, including acupuncture, naturopathy, Asian medicine, and nutrition.

The institution also offers continuing education courses in aromatherapy and other aromatherapy-related disciplines such as meditation and yoga.

Massage therapists, estheticians, acupuncturists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals are welcome to attend, but students and members of the general public who want to learn about alternative medicine are also welcome.

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Where Can An Aromatherapist Work?

As an aromatherapist, you can operate in a variety of settings, such as spas, salons, health care groups, or as a private consultant.

Aromatherapy is sometimes combined with another profession, such as nursing, massage treatment, or cosmetics.

How Much Do Aromatherapists Make?

An aromatherapist’s remuneration is determined by the customers, location, expertise, and reputation.

An aromatherapist, on the other hand, can earn between $25 and $65 per hour.

Some earn more than $100 per hour.

An aromatherapist should earn between $25,000 and $45,000 per year.

Conclusion