Advanced aromatherapy techniques are included in the course including lymphatic drainage and acupressure points as well as the holistic approach. The properties of 42 essential oils are studied and the course teaches the uses of the oils to create the remarkable results they provide. Key to the course are the Case Studies undertaken by students. The course commences in February of each year. The ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy comprises of ITEC Unit 3 Aromatherapy, Unit 1 Anatomy & Physiology and Unit 22 Professional Conduct & Business Awareness The qualification has 3 methods of assessment – theory, practical and case studies. The main aim of the ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy is to enable candidates to provide treatments for the purposes of relaxation and stress release with massage and essential oils. It also aims: • to provide skills at Level 3 in the National Qualification Framework for those interested in the Complementary Therapy/Care industry • to provide opportunities for staff in the Complementary Therapy/ Care industry to gain a Level 3 qualification • to qualify candidates as aromatherapists at Level 3 in the Complementary Therapy/ Care industry • to sustain the interest of candidates wanting to work in the Complementary Therapy industry • to encourage knowledge and understanding for the Complementary Therapy/Care industry at Level 3 • to provide opportunities for candidates to focus on the development of the major Key Skills and the wider Key Skills in a therapy context such as communicating with clients, working with others and problem solving • to provide opportunities for candidates to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in employment as an aromatherapist. The candidate will study the theory of aromatherapy treatments as well as the chemistry of the essential oils, contraindications and safety data for each oil, and will also cover the underpinning knowledge and skills required to successfully perform an aromatherapy massage treatment. Case studies are also required to be completed for this award. The case studies form the internal assessment and should be assessed throughout the training by the tutor using the ITEC Case Study Guidance sheet. The case studies are then verified by an ITEC Examiner at the end of the course during the visit for invigilating the practical examination. The case studies ensure that a variety of clients must be consulted and treated in all the above areas and the outcomes of the treatments must be documented in order to gain experience of working with a variety of clients and conditions whilst candidates are still under supervision. Detailed rationales for the type of massage treatment and choices of essential oils and outcomes must be shown, as well as aftercare. The examinations consist of the following: • Unit 3 Aromatherapy multiple choice theory paper of 1 hour duration with a total of 50 questions covering each element of the syllabus, marked externally by ITEC. • Unit 3 Aromatherapy practical exam conducted by an ITEC Practical Examiner for Unit 3. • Internal Assessment of ALL case studies by the College Lecturer and External Verification by the ITEC Practical Examiner. As indicated above, all aspects of the award are examined and/or verified externally by ITEC Examiners.