Aromatherapy - What To Expect

If you’re a firm believer in the power of the natural world and want to help others improve their physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health; a career in aromatherapy may be calling your name. You’ll find a fantastic range of aromatherapy courses available below, as well as everything you need to know about what this exciting industry is all about.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is about tapping into the healing powers of plants to treat a wide range of health issues. Aromatherapy isn’t a recent phenomenon, with evidence of aromatherapy being practised as far back as 40,000 years ago.

It primarily involves extracting natural oils from flowers, leaves, roots, bark, and stems, and then distilling and applying these oils using a variety of methods. Most commonly, oils are applied directly on the skin, often by way of massage or alternatively, they are heated and their aroma inhaled.

An average day for an aromatherapist can include any of the following tasks;

Meeting with clients
Blending oils
Creating treatment plans
Conducting research
Applying oils
Maintaining client records

Aromatherapy in Australia

Australia’s alternative health therapies sector (which includes aromatherapy) has gone from strength to strength in recent years; in fact, it has grown by 3.9% over the past five years and now includes almost 10,000 workers.

Most of Australia’s aromatherapists work either in private practice or as part of a natural health therapy team; the average salary ranges between $45,000–$60,000. Another important statistic is that roughly three out of every four aromatherapists are women.

The average working week typically involves regular business hours, however, evening and weekend work is also sometimes required. The majority of jobs are based in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.

While you don’t need a licence to practice aromatherapy in Australia, to be registered with organisations such as the Australian Natural Therapists Association you will often need aromatherapy qualifications that meet the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Aromatherapy Courses Available

There is a lot more to aromatherapy than simply learning about plants, flowers and oils, as you will also need to know a great deal about the way the human mind and body works. Getting the training you want and need is easy at TAFE, because you’ll find everything from aromatherapy certificate programs through to bachelor level courses in aromatherapy, along with a wide range of aromatherapy courses online.

Certificate

A certificate in aromatherapy offers a well-rounded introduction to the basics of this ancient practice and can often be completed in as little as 6-12 months. These popular courses cover the theory, practice and products used in modern day aromatherapy and they will develop your problem-solving, communication and customer service skills and deepen your understanding of the healthcare system.

Diploma

A Diploma of Aromatherapy will take a closer look at the scientific aspects of diagnosing and treating health issues and train you in a wide range of aromatherapy practices designed to treat many common conditions. You’ll also have the opportunity to focus in on an area of interest, such as dealing with chronic illness or mental health and mastering the art of sourcing and preparing your own aromatherapy products.

Bachelor Degree

Those interested in broadening their knowledge of alternative health will benefit from a bachelor degree aromatherapy course. Here you will seriously enhance your understanding of health and wellness in modern society and tackle topics such as nutrition, ageing and mental health; as well as pain management, biochemistry, and immunology. A bachelor level study of aromatherapy will also typically include workplace learning segments where you’ll get to put your skills and knowledge into practice.

Career Prospects in Aromatherapy

Over the last few years Australians have been seeking our alternative health therapies in record numbers, so much so that it’s becoming increasingly common for disciplines such as aromatherapy to now even be covered by private health funds.

According to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, this shift towards natural therapies appears set to continue, with as many as 12,400 alternative health therapists expected to be working across the country by 2020.

Is a Career in Aromatherapy Right for You?

To thrive in aromatherapy, you’ll need to possess an unshakeable belief in the healing powers of the natural world and a strong desire to help others live healthier and happier lives. Clear communication, active listening and a positive attitude are a must, and you’ll also need to stay up-to-date on the latest research as your clients will be counting on you for an informed opinion.

The following skills will certainly come in handy as well;

High level organisation
A mind for science
Creative problem solving
Social perceptiveness
A keen sense of smell

If you’re ready to take your next step in natural therapies, you’ve come to the right place, because you’re sure to find an aromatherapy course to suit your needs as well as your schedule right here at tafecourses.com.au.