ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy: fast-track

What is the course about?

This is an extensive course covering all theoretical and practical aspects of Aromatherapy. The course provides a progressive learning structure enabling you to reach the standard set out by ITEC syllabus and complete a practical exam. On successful completion of the course students will gain the ITEC (International Therapy Examination Council) Diploma in Aromatherapy which will allow you to gain insurance via EMBODY and practise Aromatherapy professionally.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- You should be aware that a minimum of 80% attendance is necessary to complete the course.
- Students will be required to undertake 60 case studies
- Due to the nature of this course, you will not be entitled to transfer to a different course after the course has started.

Please note that your exam dates are set by ITEC, and cannot be changed.

What will we cover?

ITEC syllabus unit iUCT40 - Provide Aromatherapy for Complementary Therapies

The course is wide ranging and you will cover the following from the ITEC syllabus:
Theory: History, definition and development of Aromatherapy; concepts and theories as to how and why it works; therapeutic effects - psychological; philosophy of complementary medicine; essential oils - what they are and their countries of origin and how they are produced; therapeutic properties of essential oils; use, care and storage of oils, base oils and ancillary products, a knowledge of carrier oils and their effects and benefits, introduction to other natural therapies; a revision of anatomy, physiology, massage; basic knowledge and recognition of skin types; integral biology; simple blending of oils/synergies; dangers of overdose and safety considerations; contraindications - possible reaction to treatment for practitioner and client; professionalism and ethics, consultations, case histories and record keeping, basic knowledge of accelerators - radiant heat/infra red.
Practical:
A good working knowledge of 42 essential oils; client/patient assessment procedures to include recognition of common ailments, physical/psychological health, posture, recognition of skin types; referral procedures for liaising with medical practitioners; aromatherapy massage - full body, facial, scalp; frequency and duration of treatment to suit individual requirements of the client; selection and blending of oils; consultation and case history taking and record keeping; other uses of essential oils; lymph drainage and pressure points; use of creams, masques, compresses, clay pots and bath oils; and methods of application (massage, inhalation, burners etc.).

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Prepare yourself and an appropriate treatment environment in accordance with current legislation and working practice
- Consult with clients, recognise and evaluate contraindications and precautions and recognise referral procedures
- Perform and be able to adapt aromatherapy treatments where necessary
- Blend and apply essential oils
- Identify methods of extraction, chemical constituents, storage and blending techniques of over 42 oils
- Utilise a variety of treatment methods to include: massage, compresses, inhalation, clay work
- Detail the history, philosophy and role of Aromatherapy and evaluate its physiological and psychological effects
- Explain the structure, function and nature of plants in relation to essential and fixed oils and other media
- Provide suitable after care advice
- Reach the standard required to sit the theory and practical examinations set by ITEC.
On successful completion of the course, students should be able to set up in practice as an Aromatherapist, working within a standard code of professional ethics enabling them to obtain professional insurance to practise.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy

You would have completed all units from the syllabus of the ITEC Level 3 Diploma in massage (or equivalent)

(equivalent being an Ofqual recognised qualifaction e.g. City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Massage - Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Massage - VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Massage).

EQUIVALENT QUALIFICATIONS
For a qualification to be considered an equivalent, it must be a recognised level 3 certificate or diploma and be registered under: The Qualifications and Credit Framework: QCF.

If you do not have a QCF qualification, it is YOUR responsibility to have the qualification validated by the appropriate awarding body. There may be charges associated with this which are not included in the course fees.

If you have an international qualification, then you can use the NARIC validation service, www.naric.org.uk
There is a charge for this service and again, this is not included in the course fees.

CITY LIT DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY IF YOU FAIL TO VALIDATE YOUR QUALIFICATION AND ARE SUBSEQUENTLY UNABLE TO COMPLETE THE COURSE. IN ADDITION YOU WILL STILL BE LIABLE FOR PAYMENT OF THE COURSE FEES.


You will also need to have sufficient literacy, numeracy and ICT skills to complete assignments to the required standard. If you are unsure whether you meet the required standard, please contact the department on Health@citylit.ac.uk.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Teaching methods include lectures, discussions, power point presentation, group work, Q&A, role play, demonstrations, practical and pair work.

A minimum of ten hours of home study per week is essential to successfully complete this course.

- You will need to find clients to undertake case studies outside of the class time.
- It is essential that you have access to a massage couch outside of class.
- You will need to also have access to a computer and the internet in order to research project work (facilities are available at City Lit).

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

AROMATHERAPY OILS
You will need to purchase your own oils, which is a substantial cost.
You can purchase a kit of 42 aromatherapy oils. These are available from www.naturaltoucharomatherapy.com
Kit 14 ITEC 42 Essential Oils mainly 10 ml - £210
Please note, these details are provided for your information only, City Lit is not responsible for any purchases. OTHER SUPPLIERS ARE AVAILABLE.

COURSE BOOKS - An Introductory Guide to Aromatherapy by Louise Tucker - further recommended reading will be provided by the tutor.

Practical sessions at Collage:
- The collage will provide towles, wipes,sanitiser and massage oils for practice in collage and for exams.
- The collage will provide 1 gender neutral branded Polo Shirt, this is included in the course fees.

You will need to purchase the following items-
You will need to provide your own trousers and shoes for the practical exam. The trousers should be smart black trousers, notracksuits or joggers will be allowed. Shoes need to be Black, closed toes and flat - Sketches shoes or something similar are a good choice, trainers are ok but they need to be fully black and not blazoned with logos or coloured stripes etc.

THE UNIFORM COSTS ARE INCLUDED IN THE COURSE FEES, THERE IS NO REDUCTION IN THE COURSE FEES FOR STUDENTS WISHING TO PROVIDE THEIR OWN UNIFORM. If students wish to provide their own uniform, it must meet the standards set by the institute.

Theory sessions:
• Course books
• Folders for handouts
• Pen and paper

You will also need access to or purchase a massage couch to undertake treatments outside of the classroom time and you will need your own towels, oil, wipes and sanitiser for performing treatments on clients outside of City Lit.


The exam fee is included in the course cost. This fee is non-refundable and the exams must be taken on the date set by the Institute.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Setting up your own practice. Expand your skills with other professional practitioner courses such as: Reflexology; Deep Tissue Massage; Indian Head Massage; Facial Skincare, or one of our many CPD courses.