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The S.E.E.D. Institute

Aromatherapy, Ayurveda, Diploma & Post-graduate/CPD Training

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Diploma in Clinical Aromatherapy

Tutor: Jane Rose    DL Moderator: Alison Perrott

Location: Dorset and Distance-learning

Summary: Our Clinical Aromatherapy Diploma Course is accredited by the IFPA, the syllabus of which has been developed at Level 4/5 of the Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA). (NOS being at level 3).


The Diploma Course is booked as a number of separate elements:

Distance Learning Modules:
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Aromatherapy Massage Module:
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Aromatherapy Practical Module:
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Overview

The S.E.E.D. Institute (TSI) is a Holistic Training School that has been training Clinical Aromatherapists for over 30 years. TSI is registered with the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA) and, as such, our Students are trained to International Standards.

This level 4/5 Diploma Course can be attained with or without the massage element. Massage training can be added at a later date by attending our Massage Qualification Course.

Aromatherapy can be the basis of a satisfying and profitable business, and certification by a recognised body helps your customers (and insurers) to trust that you can perform it safely.

It is our experience that students require a flexible approach to training, so we have formulated a modular Course that is a combination of distance-learning and in-house (classroom based) teaching. The 2 In-house modules are UK based, whereas the 4 x Aromatherapy Distance-learning Modules can be studied from the comfort of your own home anywhere in the world.

Training Options

Whether taking the Aromatherapy Diploma 'with massage' or 'without massage' - all Students are required to take the 4 x Aromatherapy Distance Learning Modules: (ARDL) - that include full back up support from our Distance-learning Moderator.

Each of the Distance-learning Modules is designed to equate to 5 full days of in-house training. However, each student varies as to the amount of time it takes them to complete each module.

Clinical Aromatherapy Diploma 'with Massage' Qualification

Students pursuing the Diploma with Massage are required; in addition to the 4 x Distance-learning Modules, to attend the five-day in-house Aromatherapy Practical Module and the seven-day in-house Aromatherapy Massage Module to include all of the practical elements of the course.

On completion of their massage training students are required to complete a 50 hour massage-log. This Massage Log is to be submitted to the tutor prior to beginning work on the required case-studies (see below).

Clinical Aromatherapy Diploma 'without Massage' Qualification

Students who do not want to include the massage element are required; in addition to the 4 x Distance-learning modules, to attend the five-day in-house Aromatherapy Practical Module.

Such students who have obtained a Clinical Aromatherapy Diploma without Massage are also eligible to join the IFPA as a full member. You would not be required to attend the Practical Examination and could add the massage element at a future date should you wish to by attending our Massage Qualification Course.

For Qualified Massage Therapists

Those who already have a massage qualification are to submit details of their Massage qualification (minimum level 3) if they want to apply for exemption from the Aromatherapy Massage Module. Such Students will be issued with a Clinical Aromatherapy Diploma.

Should qualified massage therapists wish to be issued with a Clinical Aromatherapy Diploma with Massage, they will be required to attend the practical examination and have their consultation and massage assessed alongside their aromatherapy skills.

Should qualified massage therapists wish to attend the massage training but not take the practical examination, they would be issued with a certificate of attendance.

Completion Period

Training in Professional Clinical Aromatherapy (level 4/5) must take at least 9 months to complete.

The maximum period within which the training course must be completed is 3 years (unless there are exceptional circumstances), although completion is recommended within 2 years.

On completion of the Course, all qualifying Students (whether taking the Diploma 'with massage' or 'without massage') will be eligible to join the IFPA as a Full Member.

Exemptions

Exemptions are available for the Aromatherapy Massage Module for those who already have a recognised massage qualification. We would need to have a copy of your massage certificate on file.

Case Studies

In addition to completing the In-house and Distance-learning Modules, each student is required to complete case-studies. These are submitted to the tutor for guidance notes prior to submitting the final examination case-study. There are fewer case-studies to complete for those students who already hold a massage qualification (minimum level 3).

Clinical Aromatherapy Diploma 'with Massage' Qualification

Prior to completing their case-studies, Students must have completed the 7 day Massage Module, their 50 hour Massage-log, the 5 day Aromatherapy Practical In-house course and DL Modules 1 & 2.

Clinical Aromatherapy Diploma 'without Massage' Qualification

Prior to completing their case-studies, Students must have completed the 5 day Aromatherapy Practical In-house course and DL Modules 1 & 2.

Examinations

Clinical Aromatherapy Diploma 'with Massage' Qualification

Students pursuing the Diploma with Massage must take both the Aromatherapy Theory examination and the Practical Examination; the latter demonstrating their consultation skills, client assessment, massage skills and essential oil knowledge/choices.

Clinical Aromatherapy Diploma 'without Massage' Qualification

Students pursuing the Diploma without Massage must take the Aromatherapy Theory Examination.

Please note: The 4 x DL modules and the 5 day In-house Aromatherapy Practical Module must be completed before taking the Theory Examination.

Theory Examination

The theory examination may be taken via Zoom, but you may also take it under the supervision of a Doctor, Lawyer, Clergyman/woman or other suitable professional. If the latter option is chosen it is the responsibility of the Student to arrange and advise us of the qualified supervision - please ask us for details as to who we will accept as invigilators. Theory examiniations will be arranged individually and can be taken locally (to the Student).

Practical Examination

The Practical Examination (for those pursuing the Diploma with Massage) takes place in Church Crookham or other locations dependent on the availabilty of examiners.

Application Requirements

The minimum age for students is 18 years. There is no maximum age. Applicants will be selected on merit, with emphasis on caring disposition, general aptitude and maturity.

Take Note: It is a requirement that Students are covered for any claims made personally against them. Students can take advantage of the student premium with Balens Insurance that was arranged specifically for this purpose. All Students MUST be covered with Student Insurance PRIOR to attending an in-house training module and/or beginning their Massage-log or Case-studies.

Students are required to show an accepted qualification in Anatomy & Physiology (e.g. ITEC or VTCT) before sitting the examinations. Students must also show a current First Aid Certificate before their Diploma can be issued. Students can obtain these qualifications elsewhere but may also obtain them from The S.E.E.D. Institute:

Please contact our Head Office on +44(0)1963 362048 or +44(0)7761 185630 if you wish to discuss any of the course requirements.

Accreditation

Presently, the minimum level of training is the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Aromatherapy, originally drawn up in consultation with the Aromatherapy Council and Aromatherapists throughout the country and refined by the Skills for Health Team.

IFPA accredited schools teach to the IFPA syllabus which has been developed at Level 4/5 of the Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA) (NOS being at level 3).

Currently the IFPA Course Qualification is equivalent to NVQ Level 4/5 in terms of descriptors and outcomes. The outcomes on an IFPA accredited course are equivalent to levels 4/5 within a Higher Education Programme for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) purposes.

For further information about IFPA Education and Training Standards, Code of Practice and Ethics please visit the IFPA Website.

Fees

Distance-learning modules (4) - £400 per module. If all four modules are bought together there is a discount of £150 = £1450.

Aromatherapy Massage - £800 (exemptions apply)

Aromatherapy Practical - £675

Practical Examination - £180

Theory Examination - £150

Upgrade

Wanting to upgrade your current Aromatherapy qualification to an IFPA Accredited Qualification?

We offer an IFPA Upgrade that has been formulated for qualified Aromatherapists who want to upgrade to the standard required by the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA). The syllabus of this course has been developed at Level 4/5 of the Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA). (NOS being at level 3).

Testimonials

"Working through the modules, I have surprised myself with the development of knowledge and the satisfying feeling of achievement. Support documentation for each module gave it a completeness, just spot on!"

"Module one has been a very good, in-depth introduction - it actually contained more than I thought it would. It was very good and has satisfied me enormously and opened all kinds of new horizons".

"Excellent course-work hand-outs, easily understood, even for a mature person returning to work".

"The Tutor was fantastic. Great listener, incredibly knowledgeable on a great range of health and emotional issues and of course, Aromatherapy. Interested and interesting - well balanced theory and practical. Covered a huge amount in just enough detail. Able to learn a lot in a very enjoyable, fun, engaging and interactive way. Loved making the different potions and combining the different smells".

"The Tutor managed to combine professionalism with a sense of humour - creating a very relaxed atmosphere".

"I am very happy with the way the Course was conducted - with the teaching, support, environment, Course-notes etc. It has been a very enlightening and enriching experience".

"Very interesting and informative Course with a good level of support and guidance".

"The Tutor was amazing - I think she is the best I've ever had".

"I enjoyed myself immensely and was made to feel relaxed, welcome, 'at home'. I am aware of the Tutors knowledge and intuitive abilities. I liked the combination of two different approaches in the morning and in the afternoon".

"Thought I must write and let you know my progress as an Aromatherapist (2 years). As you may remember I always wanted to spend time working with cancer patients and the terminally ill. Well, I've incorporated Aromatherapy into my Nursing as much as possible, but it's been very inadequate and quite frustrating at times. However, it's been worth it since the hospice has asked me to do an extra day as an Aromatherapist and I shall be paid, and not just that, I am running workshops on basic hand and foot massage and am being referred to as the Aromatherapist Co-ordinator! I shall prescribe blends and those who can do the hand/foot massage can use the specific blend on the patient. I'm also setting up policies and guidelines in conjunction with another therapist who works at the hospice. So it's all happening!"

"You may be interested to know that since I graduated from your course I have gone on to become a qualified reflexologist and also a healer with the NFSH. Thank you so much for that wonderful introduction to complementary therapies and the appetite you gave me for learning more to enable me to help others."

"I have had some good news, I have just been offered the post of Complementary Therapy Coordinator with my local Cancer Hospice. My Aromatherapy Diploma and the knowledge gained from the programme of study definitely contributed to the success of my application. So thank you for your help and guidance".

"I can honestly say that the day I started my studies with the SEED Institute in 2005 was the day my life started to radically changed for the better. I am now and have been for the past five years earning a good living by doing a job I love and helping people to better health and, I hope, happiness".

"I picked this course because of being able to do the majority of the work via distance-learning, as I was able to fit study in around childcare and other commitments: this worked really well for me, and I was able to go at a pace that suited me. I also liked the way this enabled me to learn - through my own research during the assignments, rather than through lectures or just learning course notes. I found that I retained far more knowledge this way than through previous more traditional courses I have done.

The structure of the course was well planned and certain topics were referred back to for reinforcement, such as the chemistry of the essential oils, which was really helpful. The theory was far-ranging in topics, and a lot of different areas were covered to just the right level of complexity, so that I felt that I learnt a huge amount, but it was never overwhelming. Assignments were always marked quickly and any feedback was really useful. It was great having Alison there to check whenever I was unsure about something, and she always responded quickly to any queries I had.

It was a really enjoyable experience from start to finish, challenging and always interesting, and I have certainly learnt a huge amount which I'm looking forward to putting into practice. Thank you!"