Career Suggestion

Aromatherapist

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

Average salary (a year)

£0.0 to £0.0 (starter to experienced)

Typical hours (a week)

24.0 to 37.0 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends as customers demand

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

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

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.

More Information

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could register with an accredited organisation for professional recognition and networking opportunities.

Organisations include the:

Further Information

You can find out more about working in aromatherapy from the International Federation of Aromatherapists.

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:

Day-to-day tasks

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.

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.

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