Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:58 AM AWST
22/07/2026 6:58 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Provide aromatherapy treatment
Provide aromatherapy treatment
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTARO403B
HLTARO403B
State Code
D5766
D5766
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
27/08/2012
Field of Education
061999 - Complementary Therapies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
27/08/2012
Nominal Hours
180
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to administer aromatherapy treatment according to the philosophy and practices of an aromatherapy therapeutic framework
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Manage treatment
- 1.1 Explain the factors which may interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment
- 1.2 Explain how treatment is delivered and managed to the client
- 1.3 Request the client to monitor reactions and contact practitioner as required
- 1.4 Ensure consent for treatment is obtained
- 1.5 Provide aromatherapy treatment according to the treatment plan
- 1.6 Recognise reactions to treatment and promptly responded to if necessary
- 1.7 Clearly explain the time, location and content of future sessions to the client
- 1.8 Document recommendations
2. Apply therapeutic techniques
- 2.1 Apply aromatherapy techniques
- 2.2 Position correctly to optimise their comfort and support while allowing optimum application of techniques
- 2.3 Maintain appropriate postures to ensure a controlled distribution of body weight throughout the treatment
- 2.4 Maintain focused attention throughout the treatment session
- 2.5 Determine treatment sequence, location and degree of pressure applied by assessment indications
3. Advise and resource the client
- 3.1 Educate client in relevant and practical techniques for promotion and maintenance of optimum health
- 3.2 Answer client queries with clarity, using appropriate language
- 3.3 Use honesty and integrity when explaining treatment plans and recommendations to the client
- 3.4 Use appropriate interpersonal skills when explaining treatment plans and recommendations to the client.
- 3.5 Promote client independence and responsibility in treatment wherever possible
4. Review treatment
- 4.1 Evaluate progress with the client
- 4.2 Identify and record effects of previous treatment
- 4.3 Review previous treatment plan
- 4.4 Evaluate need for ongoing and/or additional treatment
- 4.5 Negotiate changes to the plan with the client to ensure optimal outcomes
RANGE STATEMENT
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Factors which interfere with the effectiveness of treatment may include:
Other medical treatment being undertaken
Client's physical and psychological readiness and/or wellness
Cultural and/or religious factors
Contraindications to treatment
Post treatment activity
Overeating
Intoxication
Mode of administration may include:
Requirements for feedback and interaction
Various aromatherapy treatment techniques including:
vaporisation
floral mists
massage
bath
compress
douches
dermal applications
variations in application intensity
Requirement of specified positioning of client
Reactions may include:
Pain and/or discomfort
Feedback - verbal, tactile, visual
Muscular spasms
Temperature discomfort
Interactions with other treatments
Skin reactions
Responses to reactions may include:
Adjusting treatment accordingly
Seeking appropriate expertise
Discussing reaction with the client
Discussing reaction with other health professional if appropriate/relevant
Adhering to clinic guidelines for response to accidents and emergencies
Using first aid procedures as appropriate
Accessing local emergency services
Consent for treatment refers to:
Informed consent according to the local and national regulations and legal guidelines
Attendance of appropriate adult for wards of State and minors as appropriate
Appropriate postures refers to:
Balanced distribution of body weight
Comfort and safety
Relaxation of the body
Size, mobility and flexibility
Aromatherapy techniques may include:
Baths including full bath, foot and hand and sitz bath
Vapourisation both direct e.g. inhalation and indirect e.g. burner and snozelene room (aged care and special needs)
Compress, hot and cold
Floral mists
Poultices
Dermal applications including ointments, creams and lotions
Knowing how to perform a patch test for potential skin sensitivity
Knowing how to prepare appropriate dosages and dosage ratios
Massage techniques including full body, foot and health, head and scalp
Advice and resource the client refers to:
Providing relevant literature or information materials
Referring client to other information sources
Providing advice regarding self-care
Stress management resources
Environmental modifications
Counselling within the parameters of training
Advising client of suggested resources
Providing of details which help to fully inform client of relevant information
Providing of referrals to other health professionals
Availability of products required or suggested for treatment
Practical techniques that promote and maintain optimal health may include:
Postural improvement strategies
Discussion of causes of condition and suggestion of prevention strategies
Simple follow-up activities and/or strategies to work on between sessions
Activities and/or tasks to avoid
Dietary suggestions
Environmental or lifestyle modifications
Stress management strategies
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Factors which interfere with the effectiveness of treatment may include:
Other medical treatment being undertaken
Client's physical and psychological readiness and/or wellness
Cultural and/or religious factors
Contraindications to treatment
Post treatment activity
Overeating
Intoxication
Mode of administration may include:
Requirements for feedback and interaction
Various aromatherapy treatment techniques including:
vaporisation
floral mists
massage
bath
compress
douches
dermal applications
variations in application intensity
Requirement of specified positioning of client
Reactions may include:
Pain and/or discomfort
Feedback - verbal, tactile, visual
Muscular spasms
Temperature discomfort
Interactions with other treatments
Skin reactions
Responses to reactions may include:
Adjusting treatment accordingly
Seeking appropriate expertise
Discussing reaction with the client
Discussing reaction with other health professional if appropriate/relevant
Adhering to clinic guidelines for response to accidents and emergencies
Using first aid procedures as appropriate
Accessing local emergency services
Consent for treatment refers to:
Informed consent according to the local and national regulations and legal guidelines
Attendance of appropriate adult for wards of State and minors as appropriate
Appropriate postures refers to:
Balanced distribution of body weight
Comfort and safety
Relaxation of the body
Size, mobility and flexibility
Aromatherapy techniques may include:
Baths including full bath, foot and hand and sitz bath
Vapourisation both direct e.g. inhalation and indirect e.g. burner and snozelene room (aged care and special needs)
Compress, hot and cold
Floral mists
Poultices
Dermal applications including ointments, creams and lotions
Knowing how to perform a patch test for potential skin sensitivity
Knowing how to prepare appropriate dosages and dosage ratios
Massage techniques including full body, foot and health, head and scalp
Advice and resource the client refers to:
Providing relevant literature or information materials
Referring client to other information sources
Providing advice regarding self-care
Stress management resources
Environmental modifications
Counselling within the parameters of training
Advising client of suggested resources
Providing of details which help to fully inform client of relevant information
Providing of referrals to other health professionals
Availability of products required or suggested for treatment
Practical techniques that promote and maintain optimal health may include:
Postural improvement strategies
Discussion of causes of condition and suggestion of prevention strategies
Simple follow-up activities and/or strategies to work on between sessions
Activities and/or tasks to avoid
Dietary suggestions
Environmental or lifestyle modifications
Stress management strategies
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of performance in the workplace or a simulated workplace (defined as a supervised clinic) is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Assessment may contain both theoretical and practical components and examples covering a range of clinical situations
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Demonstration of the application of commonly used treatment techniques listed under the range of variables
Provision of treatment according to the individual, the condition and the presence of complicating factors. It must be the safest, most effective and cost effective for the client
Assessment of sole practitioners must include a range of clinical situations and different client groups covering at minimum, age, culture and gender
Assessment of sole practitioners must consider their unique workplace context, including:
interaction with others in the broader professional community as part of the sole practitioner's workplace
scope of practice as detailed in the qualification and component competency units
holistic/integrated assessment including:
working within the practice framework
performing a health assessment
assessing the client
planning treatment
providing treatment
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Resources essential for assessment include:
an appropriately stocked and equipped clinic or simulated clinic environment
relevant texts or medical manuals
relevant paper-based/video assessment instruments
anatomical models
demonstration model client
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place
Practical demonstration
Explanations of techniques
Written assignments/projects
Case studies and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
Oral questioning and discussion
Role play simulation
Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting. If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision
Related units:
This unit should be assessed in conjunction with the following related competency unit:
BSBWOR203A Work effectively with others
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of performance in the workplace or a simulated workplace (defined as a supervised clinic) is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Assessment may contain both theoretical and practical components and examples covering a range of clinical situations
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Demonstration of the application of commonly used treatment techniques listed under the range of variables
Provision of treatment according to the individual, the condition and the presence of complicating factors. It must be the safest, most effective and cost effective for the client
Assessment of sole practitioners must include a range of clinical situations and different client groups covering at minimum, age, culture and gender
Assessment of sole practitioners must consider their unique workplace context, including:
interaction with others in the broader professional community as part of the sole practitioner's workplace
scope of practice as detailed in the qualification and component competency units
holistic/integrated assessment including:
working within the practice framework
performing a health assessment
assessing the client
planning treatment
providing treatment
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Resources essential for assessment include:
an appropriately stocked and equipped clinic or simulated clinic environment
relevant texts or medical manuals
relevant paper-based/video assessment instruments
anatomical models
demonstration model client
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place
Practical demonstration
Explanations of techniques
Written assignments/projects
Case studies and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
Oral questioning and discussion
Role play simulation
Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting. If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision
Related units:
This unit should be assessed in conjunction with the following related competency unit:
BSBWOR203A Work effectively with others
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C9074 | HLTARO403A | Provide aromatherapy treatment | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVA74 | HLTARO004 | Provide therapeutic aromatherapy treatments | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D072 | HLT42707 | Certificate IV in Aromatherapy | Qualification |
| J090 | HLT42712 | Certificate IV in Aromatherapy | Qualification |