The Work

• Undertaking patient consultations to gain information about lifestyle, symptoms, current and previous physical/medical history.
• Identifying appropriate essential oils for treatment.
• Blending oils together.
• Applying oils (often via therapeutic massage) and creating blends of oils that can be used for bathing and/or inhaling.
• Advising clients about the use of remedies.
• Liaising with GPs and making referrals to specialists.
• Providing advice about diet, exercise and lifestyle.
• Keeping accurate confidential patient records.
• Keeping up-to-date with research and new developments in the profession.
• Managing stock levels; teaching/supporting trainees.
• Marketing and promoting the business/practice.

Further Information

• Aromatherapist - from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

There are many pathways into a career using practice in aromatherapy. Some counsellors and clent support care staff use aromtherapy in their practice. 

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Beauty Therapy, alternative health & well being/ complimentary therapies (minor module), Beauty Therapy (major award) NFQ Level 5-6 Search our FET Coursefinder

FET PLC Courses: Occupational Therapy, Beauty & body Therapy, complimentary therapies, holistic & well-being studies, healthcare, and social care courses at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship: Advanced healthcare practicioner, Sales, Retail supervision Apprenticeship avaulable at NFQ level 6 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Healthcare, Occupational Therapy NFQ Levels 6-8 Search our CAO coursefinder

Postgraduate Study Options Occupational Therapy NFQ level 9

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €45k

Salaries vary based on employer (self employed, state, private practice), location, experience, duties, and role).

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Indeed/ Glassdoor/ Salar explorer

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment growth was below average for therapy professionals, with levels in 2022 remaining below that of 2020. Although LFS data does not allow for a detailed breakdown of employment in this group, Census data for 2016 and 2022 shows detailed employment as follows.

Despite the lack of overall employment growth in recent years, issues with recruitment resulted in a number of therapist roles (occupational, physiotherapists and speech and language) being added to the Critical Skills Employment Permit List in June 2022. A total of 53 new permits were issued in 2022, primarily for physiotherapists with a small number for occupational and speech & language therapists.

The delivery of the Sláintecare report, particularly in terms of community care and mental health services, will require additional staffing in these occupations and, while a combined total of 100 additional training places are planned for occupational, physio, and speech/language therapists in Ireland and Northern Ireland’s education system, given the duration of training programmes, recruitment difficulties for these posts are unlikely to ease in the short-to-medium term. However, as employment levels are not increasing and the data does not allow for detailed analysis, it is not possible to determine if shortages exist for this occupation at present.

• Association of Registered Complimentary Health Therapists of Ireland (ARCHTI)

  • Ballydaniel, Camolin, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford
  • 087 316 8381
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• International Federation of Aromatherapists

  • 7B Walpole Court, Ealing Green, London W5 5ED, UK
  • +44 (0) 20 8567 2243
  • Click Here