Frequently Asked Questions: Aromatherapy
- Confused about which Aromatherapy Massage course?
- Why train on a course accredited by the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA)?
- Why do I need to belong to a reputable professional organisation like the IFA?
- Why choose Jubilee College?
- What entry qualifications do I need?
- When do the courses start?
- How long does the course last?
- What happens if I can't get to all the training dates?
- Are there any exams at the end of the course?
- What qualification will I get?
- Don't I have to do an introductory course first?
- How much does the course cost?
- Are there any extra costs incurred on top of the basic course fees?
- Can I pay by interest free instalments?
- How do I book for the Practitioner's Diploma?
Confused about which Aromatherapy Massage course?
There are many Aromatherapy Massage courses all apparently offering the same level of qualification and training. However, as many students find out, this is not always the case.
Firstly, find out if the course you are interested in is set at level 4 and accredited by the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA).
If the training establishment is offering a City and Guilds, ITEC or VTCT course, you will have to do more training later because these qualifications are not accepted by the IFA.
Secondly, find out if the school you are proposing to study with enables you to join the CNHC, via the professional organisation it is accredited with. For example, Jubilee College is accredited by the International Federation of Aromatherapists, which can guarantee you access to the CNHC (once you have successfully gained your Diploma).
Finally, find out if the course is delivered entirely by the college you are thinking of joining. Some training establishments will 'farm out' part of their training (particularly Anatomy and Physiology) to online training providers - you may then not get the necessary teaching support for this element of the course. Jubilee College trains all its student for 100% of the course, giving dedicated contact teaching.
Why train on a course accredited by the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA)?
The IFA is the world's foremost professional Aromatherapy organisation. Members have included illustrious names such as Robert Tisserand, Daniele Ryman, Julia and Alec Lawless, Vicki Pitman, and Valerie Ann Worwood. They have more members worldwide than any other Aromatherapy organisation and their Diploma course is recognised not just by the UK government, the NHS and the CNHC, but all over the world.
Why do I need to belong to a reputable professional organisation like the IFA?
- Use of the letters MIFA after your name (once qualified)
- Free listing on the IFA’s "Find an Aromatherapist" register
- Low cost advertising in Yellow Pages
- Use of the organisation's logo on all your advertising literature
- Peer group support from local area groups
- Latest industry information via newsletters and the 'Aromatherapy Times' magazine
- Access to "Members Area" on the IFA website
- Aromatherapy advice from full time staff
- Low cost, high cover, insurance policy from a reliable insurance company
- Fully accredited CPD events and international speakers
Jubilee College is currently one of the largest complementary training schools in the UK. It has training venues in Birmingham, Leicester, Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds, Harrogate and Nottingham/Derby. (NB: the Aromatherapy Diploma is currently only offered at the Nottingham/Derby and Sheffield venues).
David Wayte, the College Principal, is the only Reflexologist in the UK to be a member of the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM), is a fully qualified lecturer (CertEd), having trained at DeMontfort University, and is currently a Director of Professional Reflexology. He has also been a Fellow of the Association of Reflexologists (AoR).
Marie Wayte has been in practice for 20 years. She teaches Aromatherapy at our Nottingham/Derby and Sheffield venues, is also a fully qualified teacher and one of only a handful of people qualified as an Aromatologist (medical aromatherapist) in the UK.
Jubilee College operates a 'lifetime support' system for all graduates.
What Entry Qualifications Do I Need?
- Be over 18 years at the start of training
- Have an adequate level of written and spoken English
- Have sufficient ability to perform massage techniques
- Have IFA Student Membership within four weeks of starting the course
To succeed on this course, it is more about determination and hard work (since the course is intensive) rather than previous qualifications. A GCSE in Biology will be helpful, but it is not essential.
The IFA have the following entry requirements for the Aromatherapy Massage Diploma:
An IFA-recognised Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology Diploma - either the Centralia AP&P Diploma, the ABC Awards A&PP Diploma, or the IFA A&PP Diploma.
NB: If you already have a Centralia or ABC Awards level 3 diploma in Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology (Qualification code T/501/9101) AND Less Common Pathologies (Qualification code D/501/9111) - these qualifications are already accredited by the IFA, so you don't need to study them again. Exemptions from Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology also apply to GPs, physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors. You can study A&PP alongside your Aromatherapy Diploma if you don't already have this qualification.
The Aromatherapy Massage Practitioner's Diploma starts each September in Nottingham/Derby and Sheffield.
How long does the course last?
The Practitioner's Diploma course normally runs for one academic year (Sept - July). Students can, if they wish, split the course into two modules, studying Anatomy Physiology and Pathology one year, and then Aromatherapy Massage the next.
What happens if I can't get to all the training dates?
100% attendance is strongly recommended for the duration of the course in order to pass the exams. However, if you can't make a date at your chosen venue, you are welcome to attend the same lesson at the other venue. We do understand that life is full of unexpected events, so if you need to arrange a catch-up session, Marie is also able to carry out 1-2-1 training sessions.
Are there any exams at the end of the course?
Yes, at the end of the course, there are two exams:
-
Practical Aromatherapy Massage
-
Aromatherapy Massage Theory (2 hours)
There is no exam for AP&P, as this is assessed by students building a portfolio of evidence.
What qualification will I get?
You will qualify with the IFA's Level 4 Practitioner's Diploma in Aromatherapy Massage and Centralia's Level 4 in Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology. As an IFA qualified Aromatherapist, you will automatically qualify for entry to the CNHC and be paid by many private healthcare companies.
Don't I have to do an introductory course first?
No. Some Further Education colleges may tell you that you need to do an entry-level Aromatherapy course first. This is completely unnecessary.
How much does the course cost?
The full Practitioner's Diploma (including A&PP and Aromatherapy Massage) costs £2400.00 and is payable in monthly instalments.
Aromatherapy Massage only (this assumes you already have a Centralia or ABC Awards Diploma in Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, or are covered by the exemptions explained above) - £2000.00, payable in monthly instalments
Are there any extra costs incurred on top of the basic course fees?
Everything you need to pass the course is included in the total cost, with the following exceptions:
-
Student membership/insurance to the IFA at £25.00 (price correct to date).
-
Massage couch (optional, but highly recommended - you can't do your case studies at home without one). NB: your couch must comply with the IFA's requirements which are fully explained in the Welcome Pack sent to you once you have booked your place on the course
-
You will need to start creating your own stock of essential and carrier oils.
-
Uniform
-
Consumables, such as pillows, towels, couch covers, antiseptic wipes, folders, etc
Can I pay by interest free instalments?
Yes you can. This is done by Standing Order and is arranged at the beginning of the course in September.
How do I book for the Practitioner's Diploma?
Click here, and scroll to the bottom of the page, then click the 'Buy Now' button. Alternatively, fill out the application form (available here) and post it with your deposit of £200 to:
Jubilee College
128 Main Street
Newthorpe
Notts
NG16 2DG