Aromatherapist
Aromatherapists use essential oils to help improve their clients’ emotional wellbeing and relieve everyday stresses
Salary Range: Variable
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
You could take a foundation degree or degree in complementary therapies or complementary healthcare, which includes course units on aromatherapy.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More information
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
You could take a college course like the Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Complementary Therapies.
Courses usually take around 9 months and include practical experience.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 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
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Professional and industry bodies
You could join an accredited register managed by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council or the Federation of Holistic Therapists.
Further information
You can find out more about working in aromatherapy and how to choose a training course from the Aromatherapy Council.
Skills and knowledge
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
Restrictions and requirements
You’ll need to:
- have insurance
- pass enhanced background checks
Day-to-day tasks
In this role you may be:
- explaining the therapy to the client
- taking details of the client’s medical history, diet and lifestyle
- selecting the oils you feel are appropriate for helping the client
- blending the oils to be used
- applying oils by full or partial body massage
- keeping records of the blends of oils used
- supplying blended oils and instructions for clients to use at home
- referring clients to their GP when necessary
Working environment
You could work in a therapy clinic, at a health spa, in an NHS or private hospital or at a hospice.
You may need to wear a uniform.
With experience as a self-employed practitioner, you could set up clinics at home or at other premises, or visit clients in their homes.
With further training, you could offer additional therapies, like reflexology or massage, to increase your income.