This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Essential knowledge

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of

History and development of aromatherapy

Effects of aromatherapy application to the body

Fundamental theories of aromatherapy

Basic aromatherapy terminology and pronunciation

Sociology of health and the health care system

Ethical issues in natural medicine

OHS requirements in the workplace

Current political context of health care

Dynamic interchange between the physical mental social environmental and spiritual landscape

Rationalistic analytical approach to an understanding of disease

Vitalistic empirical approach to health

Aromatherapy integration of these approaches to health

Qualitative quantitative cultural and traditional lines of evidence used in aromatherapy

Philosophy principles and practices of other alternative and complementary therapies for example shiatsu naturopathy massage

Principles of aromatherapy and its epistemology within the therapeutic systems of the east and west

How aromatherapy works with the conventional medical model

Philosophies principles and tools of aromatherapy practice

A range of alternative and complementary therapies

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to

Communicate in group and onetoone settings

Correctly identify client information needs

Provide client with required information

Appropriately record details of client enquiries according to clinic guidelines

Work or model work which demonstrates an understanding of underpinning values and philosophies in the aromatherapy framework

Explain relevant products and services

Demonstrate communication skills in a onetoone and group setting

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

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

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 practitioners workplace

scope of practice as detailed in the qualification and component competency units

holisticintegrated 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 andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Resources essential for assessment include

appropriate assessment environment

an appropriately stocked and equipped clinic or simulated clinic environment

relevant texts or medical manuals

relevant paperbasedvideo assessment instruments

skilled assessors

Method of assessment

Observation in the workplace

Practical demonstrations and simulations

Written assignmentsprojects including short tests and essays

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

Oral Questioning and discussion

Role playsimulation

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

Central philosophies must include:

Major methods of treatment must include:

Other Contemporary therapies may include

Aromatherapy assessment techniques may include but are not limited to

Information on other complementary therapies may include::

Relationships between therapies may include:

Enquiries may require explanation of:

Appropriate information may include:

Clinic's guidelines may include:

Legal and regulatory guidelines may include:

Relevant documentation may include: