AROMATHERAPY PROFESSIONAL PRACTITIONER DIPLOMA
(IFPA ACCREDITED)
There is a growing interest in the science and art of aromatherapy and an increasing acceptance that aromatic compounds have an effect on our emotional, mental and physical well-being. By contacting this school you have demonstrated an understanding of the need to establish and maintain high standards of education within the profession. The School is committed to evidence based medicine and encourages students in researching many aspects of complementary therapy.
The aims of the course are:
- To develop an understanding of the origins & development of aromatherapy
- To explore and develop an understanding of the science and issues around the production and composition of essential oils in order to practise safely
- To explore and develop methods of safe application of essential oils and related products
- To develop in-depth knowledge of 40 essential oils, essences and resinoids and 14 carrier oils.
- To explore and develop the safe practise of blending for individual clients, client groups and conditions
- To develop the skills necessary for effective consultation and safe treatment with essential oils and related products
- To develop an understanding of the ethics, limitations and business requirements of the practice of aromatherapy
- To develop an awareness of current research into aromatherapy and associated products used in its practice and evaluate its usefulness to practice.
Course Duration
This course is offered on a four modular basis, each module consisting of five days (weekends) spread over a period of three months. Each module must be successfully completed before progressing to the next level (e.g., Foundation I, Level II, Level III, Level IV (Diploma).
Pre-requisites to Training
Students wishing to study through to the Professional Practitioner Diploma level qualification must possess an Anatomy & Physiology qualification to school standard and a massage qualification to school standard, or be working towards achieving one.
Foundation Module
The following topics will be comprehensively covered:
- History and philosophy of aromatherapy
- Differential definitions of essential oil, resinoid, absolute & essence
- Extraction and quality control issues in aromatherapy
- Safety considerations, precautions and contra-indications
- The principles and practices of natural medicine
- Study of four carrier (fixed) oils
- Essential oils for the musculo-skeletal and integumentary systems
Assessment occurs through completion of assignments and practical assessment.
Level II Module
The following topics will be comprehensively covered:
- Biosciences (part I) (botany and chemistry of essential oils and carrier oils)
- Prescription and administration of essential oils
- Essential oils for respiratory and digestive systems
- Psychology of aroma
- Ethics and professional conduct
- Carrier (fixed) oils
Assessment occurs through completion of assignments and detailed case studies comprising at least 20 hours of treatment.
Level III Module
The following topics will be comprehensively covered:
- Biosciences (part II)
- Business study and marketing
- Supervised open clinics
- Essential oils for nervous and lymphatic systems
- Herbal oils
- The Therapeutic Relationship
- Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) and research into complementary medicine
Assessment occurs through completion of assignments and detailed case studies comprising at least 20 hours of treatment.
Level IV Diploma Module
This module will cover the following topics:
- Further applied chemistry and botany
- Pregnancy, childbirth and other life-changing situations
- Essential oils for the circulatory and reproductive systems
- Clinical audit
- Supervised open clinics
- Incorporating hydrosols into clinical practice
Assessment occurs through completion of one assignment (3000 words) relating to an aspect of aromatherapy, detailed case studies with evidence of at least 20 hours of treatment, and written and practical examinations conducted by an external IFPA examiner.
EQUIPMENT
All essential oils, nut & seed oils, herbal oils, hydrosols, lotion, creams and ointments used during formal tuition will be provided by the School.
Examinations
On completion of all coursework, there will be the following formal examinations:
- Aromatherapy written theory examination (3 hours)
- Practical assessment of aromatherapy and massage skills (2.5 hours)
