We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I get an Aromatherapy Certification?

By M. L. Millmore
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,409
Share

In aromatherapy, the fragrance of various essential oils and herbs is used to promote healing and health. An aromatherapy certification can be earned online or in the classroom through a school that specializes in aromatherapy and other healing sciences, such as massage therapy. Certification courses also are offered by holistic training centers.

If you plan to practice aromatherapy in the United States, in order to avoid legal problems, you should make sure that the coursework you are completing for your aromatherapy certification meets the standards set by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA). The NAHA’s website includes a list of approved schools that issue certifications in aromatherapy. The NAHA also lists international schools that meet its standards. Along with this list, the NAHA also sets out specific guidelines for exactly what every certified aromatherapist is expected to study in their coursework.

It also is a good idea to find out the criteria to practice aromatherapy in the jurisdiction where you plan to work. Sometimes the requirements are different than the NAHA’s standard, and it is important not only to be certified in aromatherapy according to the NAHA but to also be certified to practice on clients according to the local laws. These laws apply to anyone who touches clients, including aromatherapists and massage therapists, and each state has its own criteria.

A high school diploma is required to enroll in any aromatherapy certification course. The NAHA does not set a required number of hours to be completed in order to earn a certificate. Programs usually require between 200 and 500 hours of study and training, depending on the intensity of the program.

An approved aromatherapy curriculum consists of two levels. The first level includes a study of essential oils and the history of aromatherapy, as well as physiology and the techniques for blending oils. The second level includes basic botany, methods of oil extraction from plants, organic chemistry, business development and familiarization of the a code of ethics. You also must complete a research paper, complete at least 10 case histories and pass the school’s examination process.

Financial aid is available from most schools offering certifications. If financial aid is not an option, however, online courses often are much cheaper, and the certification is the same. An online certification can be as cheap as $1,000 US Dollars (USD) to $2,000 USD. Learning in the classroom usually is a bit more expensive.

Aromatherapists work in many different settings. Aromatherapy work often leads to other careers based on aromatherapy knowledge, such as nursing, perfume development, massage therapy or psychology. However, if an aromatherapy certification is as much schooling as you desire to complete, you could work as a clinical aromatherapist in settings such as a clinic, spa or health retreat.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-get-an-aromatherapy-certification.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.