Studying aromatherapy isn't just about learning the benefits of essential oils—it’s a gateway to a variety of meaningful, flexible, and in-demand careers in natural health and wellness. Whether you're looking to start a new career, expand your current practice, or launch your own brand, aromatherapy education can open up exciting possibilities.
At the Australian College of Aromatherapy, students gain accredited, in-depth training that equips them to support others, work in holistic health, and grow professionally in this growing industry.
Here are 10 robust career paths you can explore with one or more ACOA courses:
1. Clinical Aromatherapist
A Clinical Aromatherapist applies essential oil treatments in wellness or medical-adjacent settings to support clients with chronic conditions, emotional stress, or pain. This path is ideal for natural health professionals who want to deepen their clinical offerings with evidence-based aromatherapy applications.
Courses to study: Clinical Aromatherapy, Aromatherapy and the Body Systems, Anatomy & Physiology
2. Aromatherapy Massage Practitioner
Blend the power of essential oils with hands-on therapy. Aromatherapy Massage Practitioners use targeted massage techniques enhanced with essential oil blends to address tension, anxiety, fatigue, and more. Often found in spas or wellness clinics, this is a perfect pathway for those passionate about touch-based healing.
Courses to study: Aromatherapy Massage, Aromatherapy Consultant, Practice Management
3. Natural Skincare Formulator
Create your own range of clean beauty products using essential oils and botanical ingredients. Skincare formulators often go on to build their own brands or supply artisan retailers. This career suits detail-oriented creatives with a passion for eco-conscious skincare.
Courses to study: Aromatherapy for Rejuvenating Skin Care, Aromatherapy Consultant, Practice Management
4. Wellness Retail Business Owner
Open a physical or online store selling essential oils, diffusers, skincare, and more. Use your knowledge of aromatherapy to educate customers and curate meaningful wellness collections. This career path combines natural product knowledge with small business strategy and customer care.
Courses to study: Aromatherapy Consultant, Practice Management, Holistic Aromatherapist Qualification
5. Holistic Wellness Coach (with Aromatherapy Focus)
Use essential oils as tools to support emotional balance, stress management, and lifestyle change. Holistic Wellness Coaches work one-on-one or in groups, helping clients adopt healthier, more aligned ways of living—with aromatherapy woven into their self-care journey.
Courses to study: Aromatherapy and the Psyche, Holistic Aromatherapist Qualification, Aromatherapy Consultant
6. Product-Based Aromatherapy Brand Owner
Design, formulate, and sell your own line of essential oil-based products—like candles, rollers, or bath soaks. This path is perfect for creatives who want to merge passion with entrepreneurship and build a brand from the ground up.
Courses to study: Aromatherapy Consultant, Aromatherapy for Rejuvenating Skin Care, Practice Management
7. Aromatherapy Educator or Workshop Facilitator
Teach others how to safely and effectively use essential oils in everyday life. Run classes, host webinars, or create online content for schools, organisations, or your own community. Ideal for confident communicators who want to inspire others.
Courses to study: Aromatherapy Consultant, Holistic Aromatherapist Qualification, Aromatherapy and the Psyche
8. Hospitality or Spa Wellness Coordinator
Design scent-based guest experiences, coordinate spa treatments, and help hospitality venues integrate aromatherapy into their wellness offerings. A great fit for professionals with a background in beauty therapy, hotel management, or luxury guest services.
Courses to study: Aromatherapy Massage, Aromatherapy for Rejuvenating Skin Care, Clinical Aromatherapy
9. Birth & Postnatal Aromatherapy Support Worker
Use aromatherapy to support mothers through pregnancy, labour, and early postpartum recovery. Work with doulas or midwives, offering scent-based comfort, emotional support, and natural pain relief tools. This role blends compassion with deep knowledge of maternal wellbeing.
Courses to study: Aromatherapy for Women, Clinical Aromatherapy, Aromatherapy and the Body Systems
10. Palliative or Aged Care Aromatherapy Support Worker
Enhance the lives of those in aged care or palliative settings with gentle, comforting aromatherapy. Support emotional ease, restful sleep, and peaceful environments through appropriate essential oil use. This career is for those drawn to dignified, end-of-life support work.
Courses to study: Aromatherapy and the Psyche, Clinical Aromatherapy, Holistic Aromatherapist Qualification
Final Thoughts
Aromatherapy is more than a wellness trend—it's a professional pathway that blends science, soul, and service. Whether you're interested in hands-on healing, education, formulation, or emotional support, there’s a course—and a career—waiting for you.
