AROMATHERAPY

Accredition of Aromatherapists

Currently, there is no official form of Aromatherapy accreditation in the US. Among professionals in the trade, certainly schools and practitioners who maintain high levels of quality are more widely reputed. Neither Aromatherapy nor essential oils are regulated by any governmental body. Although there is no official accreditation, many schools may offer a diploma or certificate which shows successful completion of their coursework.

Aromatherapy is currently governed by several associations: The Educational Standards in Aromatherapy Association in conjunction with the Natural Oils Research Association (NORA); The American Alliance of Aromatherapy; and The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA). Generally schools and practitioners affiliate with one of these associations. Each of these associations is presently attempting to set educational, certification and accreditation standards in the United States for Aromatherapy education. The accreditation goals of these organizations include ensuring compliance with educational standards through an examination process, ensuring ethical considerations are upheld across the community, and upholding other professional requirements to obtain and keep certification as an Aromatherapist. These organizations, of course, have many other functions besides the coordination of educational standards. These functions include serving as a focal and meeting point for members of the professional Aromatherapy community, creating guidelines for the safe use of oils, and serving to improve public awareness of Aromatherapy throughout the US.

Schools for Aromatherapy and other Alternative Medicines Practices