IFA Aromacare Carer's Certificate Course

Guided Learning Hours: 35 

Manual: Provided 

 

Modules: 6

Level: 2 (Equivalent)

Age Restriction: 18

Fees: Set by our Approved Providers


Overview

Purpose

The IFA Aromacare Carer’s Certificate course is a practical, hands-on course, teaching learners about touch and massage to communicate caring and understanding with the elderly, children and as a means of stress relief for those who have prohibitive physical and mental conditions. It enables learners to add a new dimension to their care and provides a myriad of skills to safely and effectively apply and experience essential oils for those who, for whatever reasons, are unable to tolerate a standard massage on a couch or the more invasive therapies. Carers will learn there is much that specific essential oils can do to support the path to rehabilitation and wellness and also as a means of self-care. Whether the person in your care is verbal or non-verbal, Aromacare conveys a new channel of communication by way of light touch, inhalation and creates a soothing and nurturing ambience.

Who is this course for?

Aromacare provides a core programme of experiences to address what is described as the “triad of impairments”, social communication, impaired imagination and high levels of anxiety. Attendees will be adults who care for vulnerable people, for example, children with additional needs or adults or elderly people who are particularly vulnerable due to age related or health conditions, for example dementia or physical incapacity. Your role as carer maybe at a care centre or in the family home and what you produce during the course is completely personalised to your situation.
The IFA Aromacare Carer’s Certificate course is suitable for those who are responsible for the elderly, people with special needs or the physically impaired. All components on the course are mandatory.

What does the course cover?

This course will develop your interpersonal skills and enable you to work confidently with essential oils, apply light touch and massage through stories, create personalised aroma games and other soothing devices that will help reach the recipient in a new way. The course is taught over 5 days by an IFA Aromcare teacher. Aromacare practitioners spend 70 hours in the study of massage and are able to use 20 essential oils. By the end of the course, participants will:

  • Know the basic concepts of emotional health and wellbeing
  • Know the main stressors arising from personal and environmental situations
  • Know the effect of stress and anxiety on the body systems
  • Know the importance of nurturing touch in supporting emotional wellbeing
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skill in a range of light touch techniques
  • Demonstrate a full understanding of all commonly used essential oils and carrier oils
  • Demonstrate the knowledge and professional skills required to use aromatherapy in the context of a carer
  • Understand basic anatomy and physiology as it relates to aromacare
  • Learn to create targeted resources for those with complex needs
  • Access a range of further information, including study guides

What could this qualification lead to?

This course is designed for personal use to provide stress relief for those in your care. It is not intended as a stand-alone qualification and is a certificate course. It is also applied in health and social care settings including hospitals, hospices and special needs schools alongside existing skills set and provisions.

Graduates are automatically entitled to be eligible for IFA CARER membership with the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA). For a full list of benefits click here.​​​​​​

Who supports this course?

This qualification was created and is regulated by the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA).

In 2008 it was accredited by LANTRA regulated by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation).

It has been praised by the National Autistic Society

It has featured in local and national newspapers for its contribution to communities

Participants have been sponsored by Knowsley Council and Everton Football Club, oh yes and not forgetting the IFA set a new Guinness World Record with it!

Structure

Structure

The course is taught from the IFA Aromacare Manual, which is provided to each learner via their tutor, containing all course notes, diagrams and clear instructions to refer to throughout your studies.

MODULE TITLE

GUIDED LEARNING HOURS (GLH)

SELF STUDY HOURS (SSH)

Aromatherapy Theory 

3

2

Anatomy and Physiology 

5

5

Essential Oils 

10

06 - 10

Holistic Approach and Integral Biology

03

03 - 06

Case Studies, Client Care and Record Keeping

04

12

Skin, Touch and Massage

10

12

*Guided Learning Hours (GLH): include an estimate of the time allocated to contact hours with the tutor, this could be in the classroom, via zoom or other means of structured learning time i.e., directed assignments or other means of supportive individual study and practice. 

*Self-Study Hours (SSH): includes the hours a learner independently studies which include revision, portfolio, case studies etc.

Duration

Minimum period of tuition 05 days + 01 day for assessment
Maximum period of tuition over 06 months

Learners must undertake the IFA assessment within 1 year of completing the course. 
 

Delivery

All components of the course are mandatory and will be taught as described in the manual. It is not a requirement by the IFA that the course be delivered in any particular order and teachers may retain their own unique emphasis on certain subjects to reflect the needs of their learners. This course can be undertaken partly via distance learning but not in its majority to benefit the most from the course.

Assessment

Assessment

Learners are required to demonstrate their understanding through formative and summative assessments in order to attain the IFA Certificate of Professional Competence. Each learner is required to submit coursework, which provide evidence of the learners progress and understanding. On completion of the course learners are required to illustrate their knowledge by undertaking the IFA practical assessment.

Compulsory Assignments

All compulsory assignments below are assessed and verified by your principal tutor before being presented to the IFA Quality Assurance Assessor at the practical assessment, which will be externally graded. Learners will present their coursework in a portfolio. The portfolio will also include the learners own course notes and assignments set by their tutor to measure performance and any other evidence of other related training and qualifications. 

Case Studies Assignment
Learners are required to complete case studies consisting of 16 individual treatments, for example 4 ‘clients’ receiving 4 treatments. The case studies must include evaluations and reflective practice. Case studies provide evidence of the learner’s practical skills and ability to develop and adapt treatment plans and create appropriate remedies. 

Compulsory External Assessment

In order to be awarded the IFA Certificate of Professional Competence, learners must successfully complete the IFA three (3) hours external practical assessment. Before entering the IFA examinations the learner must have completed all the compulsory coursework components, as prescribed above and have a minimum of 100% attendance record. This includes:

  • Basic knowledge of and applied contextual competency in relation to the adherence to related legal policy and procedure.  For example, Health and Safety, Care and Protection of Children, the Elderly and Vulnerable Adults – professional and public awareness and responsibility, legislation and advice.
  • Basic understanding of and applied contextual competency in relation to Emotional Health & Wellbeing.
  • Basic knowledge of and competency the application of Essential Oils in context.
  • Basic knowledge of and competency in the application of massage techniques in context.
  • Basic knowledge of and competency in applying understanding or Anatomy and Physiology in context.
  • Case Studies and Client Notes.

An IFA Quality Assurance Assessor will visit the Centre to conduct and invigilate the assessment. The Centre tutor will arrange assessment dates with the IFA Head Office who will confirm the date. Please refer to your tutor for all questions relating to assessments.

Aromacare Course Providers

Approved Centres

To discuss your requirements, including information relating to terms times, schedules and course fees please contact an IFA approved Centre directly. To locate an IFA Aromacare approved centre to undertake training please enter your postcode.

Aroma Plant

T: (+81) 662440600JP Flag - small.jpg
E: school@aromaplant.co.jp
W: www.aromaplant.co.jp
Provides: Aromatherapy Diploma, Aromacare
Language of Delivery: Japanese

Aroma Plant Details

〒603-8053 京都市北区上賀茂岩ヶ垣内町96 
ナカイビル
96 Iwagakakiuchi-Cho
Kamigamo
Kita-ku
Kyoto
603-8053
Japan

Teacher(s): Masako Kawasaki (MIFA 5603)

ICAA

T: (+82) 025088359Korean flag - small.jpg
E: kyc64@hotmail.com
W: https://icaa.co.kr
Provides: Aromatherapy Diploma, PEOT & Aromacare
Language of Delivery: Korean

ICAA Details

서울특별시 강남구 논현로98길 6 (역삼동) 신화빌딩 5층
F5, Shinhwa Building
6 Nonhyun ro 98 Gil
Gangnam Gu
Seoul
06140
South Korea

Teacher(s): Eunjeung, Kim Lee, Louise (7484)

Lindsay Woodman Aromatherapy

T: 07748970986UK flag - small.jpg
E: lawoodman@btinternet.com
Provides: Aromacare Carer Course 
Prerequisite: Must be a qualified aromatherapist
Language of Delivery: English

Lindsay Woodman Details

Lindsay Woodman Aromatherapy
Valley View
Slaughterford
Chippenham
Wiltshire
UK

Teacher(s): Lindsay Woodman (MIFA 3652)

Spa Atm

T: (+886) 225362013Taiwan Flag - small.jpg
E: spaatm8@gmail.com
W: www.spaatm.com.tw
Provides: Aromatherapy Diploma, Aromacare
Language of Delivery: Cantonese

Spa Atm Details

台北市中山區中山北路二段16巷15號2樓
2/F, No.15, Lane 16
Zhongshan North Road
Zhongshan District
Taipei
10491
Taiwan

Teacher(s): Chin Yueh Ping (MIFA7100)

Aroma Specialist International Institute

T: (+852) 66000121Hong Kong Flag - Small.jpg
E: admin@asii.hk
W: 
Provides: Aromatherapy, PEOT Diploma, Aromacare
Language of Delivery: Cantonese

Aroma Specialist Details

香港銅鑼灣禮頓道103號力寶禮頓大廈22樓
22F Lippo Leighton Tower
103 Leighton Road
Causeway Bay
Wan Chai
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong

Teacher(s): Chan Yuen Ying, Jessica (MIFA 7602)

Institute of Alchemical Transformation

T: 01189721236UK flag - small.jpg
E: info@colleenoflaherty.co.uk
W: www.colleenoflaherty.co.uk
Provides: Aromacare Course
Language of Delivery: English

Transformation Details

14 Woodlands Road
Sonning Common
Reading
Oxfordshire
RG4 9TE
UK

Teacher(s): Colleen O'Flaherty-Hilder (MIFA 1245)

Llegend International Training

T: (+852) 3563 5631  Macau Flag - small.jpgHong Kong Flag - Small.jpgChinese Flag - small.jpg
E: info@liti.com.hk
W: www.llegendgroup.com
Provides: Aromatherapy Diploma, PEOT & Aromacare
Language of Delivery: Mandarin, Cantonese, English

Llegend Details

Hong Kong
香港九龍長沙灣道833號長沙灣廣場2座5樓502室
Unit 502 5/F, Tower 2
Cheung Sha Wan Plaza
833 Cheung Sha Wan Road
Kowloon
Hong Kong

Teacher(s): Cheng Pui Wai (MIFA 15576), Cheng Wing Tung (MIFA 6100), Chow Lok Man (MIFA 17472), Kan Mei Yi (MIFA 18998)

 

Macau Branch
澳门南灣大馬路665 号 志豪大廈 23室
Flat 23, 665 Avenida da Praia Grande
EDF Great Will
Macau

Teacher(s): Choi Yuet Ling (MIFA 16375), Chow Lok Man (MIFA 17472), Fok Soi Teng Parris (MIFA 11823), Guo Wang Xing (MIFA 14482)

YHC Funchain Life School

T: (+886) 422600515Taiwan Flag - small.jpg
E: life@yhc-aromarte.com
W: www.yhc-aromarte.com
Provides: Aromatherapy Diploma & Aromacare Course
Language of Delivery: Cantonese

YHC Funchain Details

40241台中市南區五權南一路61號
1F, No.61, Wuquan S. 1st Road
South District
Taichung City
40241
Taiwan

Teacher(s): Chu Shu-Hsin Enya (MIFA 647), Ou Yang Cheng (MIFA 2001)

Elderflower Aroma Institute

T: (+86) 18680902323Chinese Flag - small.jpg
E: office@elderflower-institute.info
W: www.aifuyue.com
Provides: Aromatherapy Diploma, Aromacare Course
Language of Delivery: Mandarin

Elderflower Details

Chongqing Branch
庆市渝北区栖霞路融创金贸时代北区8栋502
Room 502, Building 8, Bei Qu
Rong Chuang Jin Mao Shi Dai
No 16th, Qi Xia Rd
Yubei District
Chongqing
China
401120

Teacher(s): Zheng Juan Juan (MIFA 90), Yang Jie MIFA 6805)

 

Guangdong Branch
广州市荔湾区周门北路38号协晟大厦309室
Room 309, Xiesheng Mansion
38 Zhoumen North Road
Liwan
Guangzhou
Guangdong
China

Teacher(s): Tang Lu (MIFA 8743)

* provides Professional Aromatherapy Diploma only

 

Zheijiang Branch
浙江省杭州市西湖区西溪路537号和静商业中心5号楼2单元102室
Room 102, Unit 2, Building No.5
Hejing Business Centre
No. 537 Xixi Road
Xihu District
Hangzhou
Zhejiang

Teacher(s): Feng Min (MIFA 12754), Yan Wenbo MIFA 13108), 

* provides Professional Aromatherapy Diploma only

IFHA

T: (+852) 68918505Hong Kong Flag - Small.jpg
E: info@ifha.org.hk
W: www.ifha.org.hk
Provides: Aromatherapy, PEOT Diploma, Aromacare
Language of Delivery: Cantonese

IFHA Details

香港灣仔駱克道447-449號中威商業大廈14樓2室
Room 2, 14/F Chung Wai Commercial Building
447-449 Lockhart Road
Causeway Bay
Wan Chai
Hong Kong Islands
Hong Kong

Teacher(s): Chan Yuen Ying, Jessica (MIFA 7602)

Pure Aroma Healing Academy

T: (+886) 225955110Taiwan Flag - small.jpg
E: info@purearoma.tw
W: www.purearoma.tw
Provides: Aromatherapy Diploma, Aromacare 
Language of Delivery: Mandarin

Pure Aroma Healing Details

台灣台北市大同區民族西路61號2樓
2/F No.61 MinZu West Road
Datong District
Taipei City
Taiwan
103

Teacher(s): Cheng Yawen Vivian (8405), Chang Yu-Wen Regina (8624)

Vivat Holistic Training

T: (+81) 333557388​​​​​​​JP Flag - small.jpg
E: info@aromapot.co.jp
W: www.aromapot.co.jp
Provides: Aromatherapy Diploma & Aromacare Course
Language of Delivery: Japanese

Vivat Details

160-0011 東京都新宿区若葉1-22-16 四谷ステイ106号
1-22-16 Yotsuya-stay #106
Wakaba
Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 
160-0011
Japan

Teacher(s): Tomoko Bendzel (MIFA 3605)  

All learners who attend an IFA course will be issued with a student ID card from the IFA head Office. Please note, some companies are falsely claiming to be an IFA approved Centre, or are alluding to accredited status by making statements such as ‘Adhering to IFA standards’ or misuse of the IFA logos etc. This deception is not permitted and the IFA will take appropriate action against any company who make such claims. If a company is not included in this list, they are not approved by the IFA. If you still have any doubts about a company or an individual claiming IFA status, please contact us for clarification.

Cannot find an approved centre near you? Unfortunately, the IFA do not currently have approved centres in all countries and regions delivering this course and therefore you will be required to travel to the nearest provider to you to complete. 

Testimonials

Denise Savage
Staff Member, Sense UK
My best course for years. I really enjoyed making the aroma artefacts, and involving the students to make something special that they could use. All the people in my case studies benefited from the treatments and activities. I enjoyed being creative and sharing new ideas. I’ve also learnt that essential oils can help me in my daily life by reducing stress and tension. Without thinking, I use breathing games with confidence with my team.
Jessica Brook
Staff Member, Sense UK
This has been a personal journey for me, each week I have learnt more about the young people I work with. Aroma Story massage and breathing games have been such fun.
Julia Couves
Staff Member, Sense UK
I work with people who are tactile defensive and it was so rewarding to see the gradual change in their responses to touch. Teenage boys loved my train stories.
Demi Dixon
Staff Member, Sense UK
Working across the age range has been a learning experience. I found I could adapt my activities and achieve different outcomes. I added laughter for older people and used essential oils for calming younger children. Wonderful course
Jasmin Gamble
Staff Member, Sense UK
I learnt to understand the benefits of using essential oils as part of an activity. Students started to identify their preferences and relax when their favourite oils were used.
Roxanne Mugumbi
Staff Member, Sense UK
Child Care staff and parents reported that several clients now were more relaxed, looked forward to hand massage or an aroma massage story at night and as a result slept much better. It’s been lovely to help my colleagues in this way.
Angela Billington
Aromacare Practitioner
January, a new year and the month of my birthday! Yay! A special day in our house. It's never a day off of course. Mine is a busy house and let's just say two of my four children are a little complex! Laura is the third of my four children. She is now 19 and was born with congenital birth defects including a cleft palate and a cranial defect which were both operated on when she was small. She has severe learning difficulties, is non-verbal and has autism. She is partially sighted and is photophobic as her irises didn't form properly. Her behaviour can be quite challenging to say the least and what she lacks in height she makes up for in personality! Once met never forgotten, my little ginger whirlwind who adores a back massage and the aroma of mandarin. Joe is my youngest. My platinum blonde gentle giant. He is 17, he has profound and multiple learning needs and severe epilepsy. He is wheelchair dependant and depends on me for everything apart from drinking which he does himself with a special cup! He loves a foot massage and a story massage too! He is non-verbal too, however this doesn't stop him letting me know his likes and dislikes. He is sensitive, mild mannered and loves sleep! There's an element of nerves when starting anything new. This, mixed with excitement, my love of meeting new people and, I'll admit, even a little bit of skepticism. With all of this, I embarked on and fell in love with Aromacare! At the risk of quoting an 80's cult classic, when you care for someone with complex medical and learning needs, 'life moves pretty fast......' You really do have to stop, take stock, make time for yourself, recharge and never ever feel guilty for doing so. A glass half full family we try not to dwell on the more challenging days and move onwards with life making memories.... It's not just myself that has embraced the world of essential oils. Touch is a huge part of everyday life in my house. My two non- verbal children have had to find other ways to communicate. Both are completely dependent on me for their daily cares. Strong aromas can affect their mood and the level of pressure when being held can be interpreted as pain if given too softly. Massage and oil blends have become part of our daily routine. They have their individual favourites - as do I. Aromacare has not only brought with it new skills and new friends, it has given me the opportunity to share my experiences and my new found knowledge with others. I would love to give back to my own community, to the IFA who funded my place on the course and to those who, without it, may not experience something so simple as just holding someone's hand.

Fees and Course Schedules

The IFA is the awarding body and examining body of this courses and qualifications. The courses themselves are delivered by our Approved Providers. To discuss term times, methods of delivery, fees and payment plans, please contact our approved course providers on the separate tab.