This page looks at training to become an
aromatherapist, the importance of an anatomy and
physiology level 3 diploma and how this can be
achieved by home study / distance learning.
Gone
are the days when a career was for life. More and
more people change careers and it is getting increasingly
common to hear that people want to leave the “rat
race”, maybe become self-employed, and investigate
different philosophies of life. Complementary Healthcare
is a rapidly expanding industry and many adults
come to it wanting to help themselves and others
lead a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Aromatherapy is a popular Complementary
Therapy with ancient roots. Aromatherapy is defined
as the controlled therapeutic administration of
highly concentrated oils extracted from plants.
The therapeutic potential of Aromatherapy has yet
to be fully realised. Although plant extracts have
been used in association with medicine for thousands
of years, we still have a great deal to learn about
their attributes. What is becoming more widely
accepted however, is that Aromatherapy can be a
truly holistic (whole) treatment. As well as having
effects that can be of benefit to physical conditions,
Aromatherapy can help to relieve stress and tension.
In general, holistic Aromatherapy treatments tend
to create a sense of well being, both physically
and emotionally, balancing the mind, body and spirit.
So if you fancy training to become an Aromatherapist
where do you start?
Anatomy & Physiology is the Starting Point for training in Aromatherapy
A
Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy, Physiology and
Pathology is
the starting point for most careers in Complementary
Healthcare. Before you can progress to study
you chosen therapy you must develop an understanding
as to how the body works. This is quite sensible
when you think about it. It would be unprofessional,
and indeed dangerous, to perform any hands-on
treatment without a detailed understanding
of the body’s structure and function.
After all, you wouldn’t attempt to improve
the performance of a car if you didn’t
understand the mechanics of its engine.
Some aromatherapy courses may
incorporate elements of anatomy, physiology and
pathology.
Other courses require a Level 3 Diploma as a pre-requisite. You will often hear
the phrase Accredited Prior Learning (APL). If
anatomy, physiology and pathology is listed as APL for a course
then it is necessary for you to hold a qualification
in anatomy, physiology and pathology before you begin.
So Why a Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy & Physiology?
Before you, as an Aromatherapist,
begin to treat any members of the public you must
take out insurances to protect both your clients
and yourself. You will have to show that you hold
an accepted qualification in Aromatherapy and that
your anatomy & physiology is up to the required
standard. The industry standard for anatomy & physiology
is the Level 3 Diploma. A word of warning – if
the anatomy & physiology is run in tandem,
find out if a separate qualification in anatomy & physiology
is given. If not, you may have problems getting
insured and, despite your studies, your anatomy
and physiology may not be accepted as APL for another
qualification. It is worth the extra effort to
gain the Level 3 Diploma because this will open
many doors for you in the future.
Which Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy & Physiology should I take?
To help ensure that your Level
3 Diploma will be accepted as APL, wherever you
choose to study, it is wise to select an awarding
organisation that is regulated. The Qualifications
and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA)
is the Government agency that is responsible for
developing the curriculum, improving and delivering
assessments, and reviewing and reforming
qualifications. The Office of Qualifications and
Examinations Regulation (OFQUAL) is now responsible
for the regulation of qualifications, examinations and
assessments. Basically the QCDA develops and OFQUAL
regulates. It is also important to ensure the
qualification you take is on the NDAQ (National
Database of Accredited Qualifications). A Level 3
Diploma on the NDAQ should be universally
accepted. The VTCT (Vocational Training Charitable
Trust) are an approved and regulated awarding
organisation and offer a
Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy Physiology and Pathology
for Complementary Therapies
that is on the NDAQ.
Confused
about Awards, Certificates and
Diplomas? Click here.
What Then?
It is important that you find
an Aromatherapy course that suits you. You could
contact your local college to see what they have
to offer. You could also try contacting the International
Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA)
at www.ifparoma.org,
the International Federation of Aromatherapists
(IFA) at www.ifaroma.org,
or the Aromatherapy Council (AC) at www.aromatherapycouncil.co.uk .
Need Extra Help?
Click
here for our Aromatherapy Training Products
Click
here for our VTCT Level 3 Online Diploma
in Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, UK & International
Course
