For 40 years Shirley Price Aromatherapy has provided an accredited aromatherapy diploma completed by over 6000 students. 
PROFESSIONAL COURSES FOR BUSY PEOPLE. Aromatherapy is the wonderful art of using essential oils to bring a sense of well being to both giver and recipient. Here at the Shirley Price International College of Aromatherapy we offer courses from the most basic level of training upwards to qualification as a professional aromatherapist.

MODULE ONE A fascinating introduction to the wonderful world of aromatherapy. You will learn a body massage and how to make simple health assessments. Essential oil knowledge will begin by learning about the history of aromatherapy, the ten most versatile oils and their uses, how to blend and treat individual people and their conditions and the basic chemistry. This is a five day module. A Certificate of Attendence will be awarded on completion of your course, when you will be deemed competant in home use. The certificate is also your passport to the Aromatherapy Diploma (Modules 2-5). Sp's charge for module one is £500.

Every year distinguished international aromatherapists join the tutors to teach the class.  This year we have a real treat for you.  

Modules 1-4 Shirley Price Aromatherapy Diploma, Therapeutic Massage Diploma, Essential Oil Science Diploma, Practical Aromatherapy Diploma, Advanced Practical Aromatherapy

Tutor: Penny Howell MIFPA, Venue: Shirley Price Aromatherapy, Hinckley LE100PR

Accredited by the Federation of Holistic Therapists

Module 5 upgrade and examination, 

Tutor: Penelope Howell MIFPA DTLLS,  Venue Hinckley

The Sp tutors Sara Gelzer MIFPA (distance learning) (switzerland), PennyHowell MIFPA (Hinckley) have tutored Aromatherapy students and have been in the industry for many years.  You can find out more about becoming an aromatherapist on www.Ifparoma.org including details of 22 aromatherapy schools in addition to our own.  Our diploma class begins with the weeklong module one in April and September each year.

An accredited Anatomy and Physiology Diploma needs to be acquired before Module 1, Courses are taught inhouse over 12 weekends or can be acquired by online distance learning.

The Aromatherapy Practicioner Diploma Course consists of five in–house modules taught at our training rooms in Hinckley UK. Four are of 5 days each and the fifth module is 5 days, plus home study and practice relevant to each module. In addition a qualification in anatomy and physiology is required (there may be exemption from the A&P modules if the student already holds a relevant qualification). A First Aid certificate is also required by the end of the course and is included in Module 5.

The Aromatherapy Practicioner Course takes an academic year to complete.  The classes begin each quarter.  The minimum period for the completion of all 5 in-house training weeks for international students from Korea, Japan, China and Singapore is 6 months leading to the day of practical and theory examinations in August, followed by four months for completion of case studies and essays: the time usually taken is 12 – 24 months. The maximum time recommended for completion is 36 months. To secure the practical and theoretical skills learned during the day.

Comprehensive course notes and handouts are given out for each module. Treatment couches, towels, essential oils, carrier oils, and other aromatherapy products used during the course are provided. Textbooks, accommodation and food are not included in the fees.

SPICA Module 1 Therapeutic Massage - £500 

• Aromatherapy massage, its principles and benefits
• The properties and effects of 12 of the most popular essential oils
• Methods of extraction, storage and blending and the use of carrier oils
• History of aromatherapy and massage together with the philosophy of holistic healing
• Introduction to botany, plant cell function and photosynthesis

Attendance on the foundation module is enough for those who wish only to use essential oils safely at home, to help their family and to enhance their own life. 10 case studies and 5 essays should be completed before Module 2

SHIRLEY PRICE AROMATHERAPY

PRACTITIONER DIPLOMA

MODULE 1: Therapeutic Massage Diploma

Learning outcomes

After this in house module and a period of self-directed study the student will be able to:

1. Describe the evolution of massage from earliest documented times to the present day
2. Describe briefly the various types of bodywork
3. Name the classical strokes used in massage and briefly state their benefits
4. Describe the essentials of the IFPA listed techniques
5. List conditions requiring caution, providing reasons for caution and possible alternative actions
6. Carry out massage treatment for a range of clients, demonstrating consultation and recording techniques, safe positioning and appropriate strokes and client care
7. Demonstrate compliance with IFPA requirements for clinical practice, client management, and legal, financial and ethical requirements of massage practice
8. Explain the need for an awareness  of current research into massage
9. Explain the need for appropriate self care for the therapist and ongoing professional development

Time: 5 days

Cost: £500

Method of delivery: handouts, power-point presentation, discussion and practical demonstrations. Students will practice on one another

Assessment: Formative: this module will be assessed by a combination of multiple choice/short answer questions on each of the theory outcomes.

Massage skills will be assessed continuously throughout the module and with a summative assessment of short consultation and full body massage.

Reading List

Cassar MP (1999) Handbook of Massage Therapy Oxford, Butterworth Heinemann

Claire T (1995) Bodywork William Morrow & company

DeDomenica G & Wood EC (1997) Beard’s Massage 4^th Edition Philadelphia, WB Saunders

Lidell L (1984) The Book of Massage Gaia Books

Maxwell-Hudson C (1988) The Complete Book of Massage  Dorling Kindersley.

Mitchell, A and Cormack, M (1999) The Therapeutic Relationship in Complementary Health Care Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone

Lacroix N (1991) Massage for Total Relaxation Dorling Kindersley

Price L & Price S (2011) Aromatherapy for Health Professionals 4th edition, Edinburgh: Churchill Livingston

Salvo  SG (2003) Massage Therapy, Principles and Practice 2^nd edition Missouri, Saunders

Tappan F(1988) Healing Massage techniques  Appleton & Lange

SPICA Module 2 - Essential Oil Science £500

• Comprehensive appreciation of body analysis for assessment of clients
• Selecting and blending essential oils for a personal treatment plan
• Choosing appropriate oils, creams and lotions for the aromatherapy treatment of specific ailments and conditions
• Extended massage principles are demonstrated and practiced thoroughly
• Introduction to plant families and therapeutic and physical properties of essential oils and their pharmacological effects on the body
• Properties and effects of 15 essential oils are studied
• Introduction to hydrolats
• Hygiene, health and safety and professional practice management

15 case studies and 5 essays should be completed before Module 3.

SHIRLEY PRICE AROMATHERAPY

PRACTITIONER DIPLOMA

MODULE 2: Essential Oil Science Diploma

Learning outcomes

After this module and a period of self-directed study the student will be able to:

1. Provide a brief history of essential oil use from ancient times to the modern day
2. Define holism in relationship to orthodox and complementary medicine
3. Provide a brief overview of the current state of aromatherapy in the UK and the rest of the world
4. Explain the terms  “voluntary and  statutory regulation” and “professional association” as they relate to aromatherapy and  outline the position of the various bodies, especially the IFPA, involved in this
5. Give a definition of aromatherapy
6. Describe the various processes of extraction and name oils produced by each
7. Define the various terms used for products used in aromatherapy
8. Explain the code of ethics and practice of the IFPA and their importance for the aromatherapist
9. Describe the essential oil from the Lamiaceae family in terms  of their country of origin, extraction method, botanical family, Latin name, chemistry, properties, uses and hazards
10. Describe the carrier oils covered in terms of family, Latin name, major constituents, properties, uses and hazards.

Essential oils: Basil, Clary sage, Lavenders, Peppermint, Sage, Thyme, Hyssop, Melissa, Patchouli, Mountain savory

Carrier oils: Sweet almond, sunflower seed, apricot kernel, peach kernel, rosehip

Time: 5 days

Cost: £500

Method of delivery: handouts, power-point presentation, discussion

Assessment: Formative: this module will be assessed by a combination of multiple choice/short answer questions on each of the theory outcomes.

Reading List

Battaglia, S (2003)  The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy 2^nd Edition. Brisbane.

                                                            The Perfect Potion                                                           

Bowles, J. (2000) The Basic Chemistry of Aromatherapeutic Essential Oils. Australia

Buckle J. (1997) Clinical Aromatherapy in Nursing. London. Arnold.

Buckle J. (2003) Clinical Aromatherapy. Essential oils in Practice. Edinburgh. Churchill Livingstone

Price L & Smith I (1999) Carrier oils for aromatherapy and massage, England. Riverhead

Price S & L (1999)    Aromatherapy for Health Professionals (2^nd edition) Edinburgh

Rhind J (2009) Essential Oils. A Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice. Edinburgh. Napier University

Schnaubelt K (1998) Advanced Aromatherapy. Vermont. Inner Traditions International

Schnaubelt K (1999) Medical Aromatherapy. Berkley. Frog Ltd

SPICA Module 3 - £500

• Specific techniques in massage including foot reflex massage.
• Information on plant families and essential oils is expanded
• Organic chemistry and essential oil components awareness
• Toxicity, essential oil purity and safety
• 15 carrier oils are discussed in depth
• Allergy and substance sensitivity.
• The properties and effects of 15 essential oils are studied.

10 case studies and 5 essays should be completed before Module 4.

SHIRLEY PRICE AROMATHERAPY

PRACTITIONER DIPLOMA

MODULE 3 : Practical Aromatherapy Diploma

Learning outcomes

After this module and a period of self-directed study the student will be able to:

1. Describe briefly the system of classification used for plants and the various families from which essential oils are derived
2. List the biosynthetic pathways by which essential oils are produced in the plant
3. Describe the process of photosynthesis
4. Explain the role of essential oils in plants and describe where they are stored in the plant
5. Explain the importance of a knowledge of chemistry to the aromatherapist
6. Describe the various compounds found in essential oils  and where appropriate their properties, uses and hazards
7. Describe how essential oils might be damaged and the principles of safety, storage, use and dilution
8. List the methods of application of essential oils
9. Describe the essential oils covered in terms  of their country of origin, extraction method, botanical family, Latin name, chemistry, properties, uses and hazards
10. Describe the carrier oils covered in terms of family, Latin name, major constituents, properties, uses and hazards.

Essential oils: Compositae: Chamomiles, Yarrow,  Burseraceae: Myrrh & Frnkincense, Geraniaceae: geranium  Pinaceae: Pine & Cedar cupressaceae: Cypress & juniper

Carrier oils: Hazelnut, walnut, cocoa butter, jojoba, olive

Time: 5 days

Cost: £500

Method of delivery: handouts, power-point presentation, discussion.

Practical session : different methods of application

Assessment: Formative: this module will be assessed by a combination of multiple choice/short answer questions on each of the theory outcomes.

Reading List

Battaglia, S (2003)  The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy 2^nd Edition. Brisbane.

                                                            The Perfect Potion                                                           

Bowles, J. (2000) The Basic Chemistry of Aromatherapeutic Essential Oils. Australia

Buckle J. (1997) Clinical Aromatherapy in Nursing. London. Arnold.

Buckle J. (2003) Clinical Aromatherapy. Essential oils in Practice. Edinburgh. Churchill Livingstone

Price L & Smith I (1999) Carrier oils for aromatherapy and massage, England. Riverhead

Price S & L (1999)    Aromatherapy for Health Professionals (2^nd edition) Edinburgh

Rhind J (2009) Essential Oils. A Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice. Edinburgh. Napier University

Schnaubelt K (1998) Advanced Aromatherapy. Vermont. Inner Traditions International

Schnaubelt K (1999) Medical Aromatherapy. Berkley. Frog Ltd

Websites: www.ifparoma.org

SPICA Module 4 - £500

• Differences between plant medicine and orthodox medicine
• Comprehensive study of common ailments, including those arising from care for the elderly, pregnancy and paediatrics, depression, special needs and massage with cancer patients
• Olfaction and its psychosomatic effects
• The properties and effects of 12 essential oils are studied.
• Techniques of neck and shoulder massage and relaxation are included in this module.

5 case studies and written homework should be completed before Module 5.

SPICA Module 5 - £500

• Rudiments of business and management procedure are taught and cover some of the aspects of starting up and running a successful clinic including the client/therapist relationship.
• Research
• Reflective practice
• First Aid is included
• The exam is on the final day, both practical and theory. Successful students will be entitled to wear academic dress appropriate to this level and append the letters SPICA to their name.

The course is assessed by independant examination:

• 2 and a half hour written examination
• 2 and a half hour practical assessment
• 200 hours of case studies
• Continuous assessment by homework and class work