Question:
Hi there
I'm going back to a few previous posts here - I have qualified through a distance learning course which is accredited by the Complementary Medical Association (which I have joined). There seems to be a lot of courses and Aromatherapists that are in IFA or IFPA, which seems to be the main thing. It troubles me sometimes that although I am confident in all the theory, the main practical stuff I've done is case studies and two lots of short massage courses. I sometimes wonder if I should start again on one of the above courses, which not only means lots more money, but also maybe a waste as most of the courses I have looked at follows near enough the same syllabus I studied. Can anyone tell me if there is an exam I can take to join IFPA? I keep hearing about the regulation of this type of therapy but always wondered how this would work. What about Aromatherapists who have been practising for years but are not in these organisations? How will they get through this?
Also, is there anyone involved with the CMA as their professional organisation?
Just something that's always on my mind and would like to hear other Aromatherapist's thoughts on it.
Thanks
Tracey
Hi (again!)
At the moment there is no regulation whatsoever for therapists practicing aromatherapy. You don't even have to be insured legally to practice. There is talk of change and there are working groups set up to get this going.
Basically you can practice but if you want to work in a clinic, spa or whatever then you will need insurance. If you already have this then there is no problem.
You make a good point. Experience counts for a lot and there must be so many therapists out there without the (recognised) qualifications.
However, when the changes do come, you will have to have a qualification that is recognised by whoever ends up regulating it and those who don't have it, will unfortunately, have to upgrade.
But for now it doesn't apply.
Hope that helps.
Thanks Candie
Your advice and comments since I started on this discussion group have helped a lot (as has everyone elses).
Tracey
I'm going back to a few previous posts here - I have qualified through a distance learning course which is accredited by the Complementary Medical Association (which I have joined). There seems to be a lot of courses and Aromatherapists that are in IFA or IFPA, which seems to be the main thing. It troubles me sometimes that although I am confident in all the theory, the main practical stuff I've done is case studies and two lots of short massage courses. I sometimes wonder if I should start again on one of the above courses, which not only means lots more money, but also maybe a waste as most of the courses I have looked at follows near enough the same syllabus I studied. Can anyone tell me if there is an exam I can take to join IFPA? I keep hearing about the regulation of this type of therapy but always wondered how this would work. What about Aromatherapists who have been practising for years but are not in these organisations? How will they get through this?
Also, is there anyone involved with the CMA as their professional organisation?
Just something that's always on my mind and would like to hear other Aromatherapist's thoughts on it.
Thanks
Tracey
Answers:
Hi (again!)
At the moment there is no regulation whatsoever for therapists practicing aromatherapy. You don't even have to be insured legally to practice. There is talk of change and there are working groups set up to get this going.
Basically you can practice but if you want to work in a clinic, spa or whatever then you will need insurance. If you already have this then there is no problem.
You make a good point. Experience counts for a lot and there must be so many therapists out there without the (recognised) qualifications.
However, when the changes do come, you will have to have a qualification that is recognised by whoever ends up regulating it and those who don't have it, will unfortunately, have to upgrade.
But for now it doesn't apply.
Hope that helps.
Answers:
Thanks Candie
Your advice and comments since I started on this discussion group have helped a lot (as has everyone elses).
Tracey
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