As defined by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), aromatherapy is the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize, and promote the health of body, mind, and spirit.
Though there is no current state licensure or laws for aromatherapy, aspiring aromatherapists may take the Aromatherapy Registration Council's (ARC) registration exam to enhance their credibility and visibility. To apply for the exam, candidates must have completed a minimum of a one-year program in aromatherapy from a school that is in compliance with current NAHA education guidelines, or equivalent training.
The exam, which is designed to test the core body of aromatherapy knowledge, consists of multiple-choice questions in four areas: administration, scientific principles, basic concepts of aromatherapy, and professional issues. The administration section covers therapeutics, safety, delivery methods, and blending; the scientific principles section covers botany, extraction, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology; the basic concepts of aromatherapy section covers aromatherapy background, essential oils, client assessment, and contraindications; and the professional issues section covers documentation, referrals, follow-up, quality control, compliance, and ethical concerns.
Those who pass the exam become part of ARC's online database of Registered Aromatherapists. After five years, aromatherapists must successfully retake the current exam or meet continuing education requirements in order to maintain their registration.
Become an aromatherapist, and make a holistic difference in the lives of others. |
