SAQA

All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Diploma: Therapeutic Aromatherapy

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
71823	Diploma: Therapeutic Aromatherapy
ORIGINATOR
Institute of Natural Health
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National Diploma	Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services		Promotive Health and Developmental Services
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	360	Level 6	NQF Level 06	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		EXCO 0415/23	2021-07-01	2023-04-18
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-04-18		2028-04-18

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:

This Qualification will equip health workers with the skills to provide the community with accessible therapeutic aromatherapy services to meet the preventative, palliative, rehabilitative and maintenance needs of patients in order to improve their quality of life and empower them to fulfil their roles/ positions in the community as economic contributors.

The qualifying learner will be competent to manage the allocated area of work within the therapeutic aromatherapy setting, by planning, preparing and treating patients through the use of purposeful activities and technical skills. The learner will be equipped to promote health according to the four pillars of primary health care. The graduates from this qualification will be multi-skilled and equipped to perform specific therapeutic aromatherapy skills independently within their scope of practice.

The qualification will provide the learner the necessary academic skills to function as independent, life long learners in order to progress through the professional career path of the integrated health field.

Rationale:

This Qualification will provide learners with the necessary therapeutic aromatherapy competencies to function as practitioners within the health care service of South Africa. This qualification will equip learners to function as health workers and will address the shortage of health services, especially in rural community and government sector.

The learners with this qualification will be equipped with the necessary skills to promote health according to the four pillars of primary health care in the community as well as to provide affordable access to integrated health services. The development of this qualification is also in line with government policies to provide the necessary professional career path for learners to get access to a higher qualification.

The creation of self-employment opportunities is a priority within the South African context and is supported by legislation, national policies and strategies. In order to meet the Health Sector requirements, within the context of a quality assured environment and processes, it is important to be able to identify and recognise competent Integrated Health Practitioners.

This qualification will provide a means to give recognition to practitioners entering the Integrated Health field, thus making it possible for practitioners to increase their employment prospects, and at the same time provide a means whereby organisations can appoint practitioners in line with proven competencies.

The Diploma will provide a means to recognise core skills and knowledge for Integrated Health practices in general, but also allow for specialisation in one of three specialist Integrated health professions roles:

Therapeutic Reflexology.

Therapeutic Massage.

Therapeutic Aromatherapy.

On gaining this qualification, the learner will be able to apply for registration with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA). This affords career opportunities within the ambit of the integrated health professions according to legal and ethical requirements stipulated by AHPCSA. The qualification will enable practitioners to deliver a therapeutic massage treatment.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

It is assumed that learners are competent in:

English at NQF Level 4.

Biology at NQF Level 4.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

Where applicable, all forms of formal and non-formal learning through recognition of prior learning will be acknowledged. Evidence of learning within the stated specific outcomes should be proven. The necessary evidence as required, and presented by the learner, should meet the following principles: currency of evidence, sufficiency of evidence, validity of evidence and authenticity of evidence.

Access to the qualification:

This programme has open access for all learners who have a:

Grade 12 School Leaving.

Senior Certificate (Level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework).

Further Education and Training Certificate or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

Components; Credits Allocated; NQF Level:

Fundamentals; 25; 6.

Core; 260; 6.

Electives; 75; 6.

Total Credits: 360 at NQF Level 6.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Communicate in a variety of ways to demonstrate professional behaviour in all areas of work.

2. Manage a small business according to business management practice which is in line with national health and safety guidelines.

3. Minimise health and safety risks in an Integrated Health environment.

4. Provide Therapeutic Aromatherapy advice and treatment.

5. Manage patients effectively within an Integrated Healthcare environment.

6. Conduct basic research in the field of therapeutic massage.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

The programme aims to develop the SAQA critical cross-field outcomes listed below:

Identifying and solving problems within the context of the work environment in which responses indicate that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.

Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.

Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others in terms of the primary healthcare philosophy.

Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation, hence the focus on holistic health care.

Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making individuals aware of the importance of:
> Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
> Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
> Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
> Exploring education and career opportunities; and developing entrepreneurial opportunities.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Verbal, written and electronic communication is conducted within the business environment.

Interviews with patients, family and caregivers are executed according to the subject's needs, and are recorded, recalled, summarised and used according to requirements.

Conversations with patients and other professionals, family, community, caregivers and authorities are initiated, maintained and ended in a professional manner.

Positive and negative feedback is given and received in an objective, assertive and professional manner.

Personal relationships with the community are established and maintained in a responsible, reliable and professional manner.

Meetings are planned and conducted according to protocols and organisational procedures.

The impact of one's personal interactive style on one's relationship with a patient is analysed and explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

An understanding of managerial expertise and administrative capabilities is demonstrated.

A business plan for a small business is developed.

Financial planning and control functions for a small business are performed.

Insight into the legal environment of a selected industry is demonstrated.

The concepts and principles of business ethics in the professional environment is explained and applied.

The various forms of enterprises as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each are analysed and compared.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Insight into the basic health and safety work principles and procedures in a workplace is demonstrated.

Knowledge of HIV/AIDS to a specific business sector and a workplace is applied.

Knowledge and understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 (as amended) and the responsibilities of management in terms of the Act are demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Knowledge and insight of the normal anatomical and physiological functioning of the body and its constituents are demonstrated.

Knowledge and insight of the anatomical and physiological functions of body systems in diseased states is demonstrated.

Patient assessment in therapeutic aromatherapy is conducted.

Appropriate essential and carrier oils for the treatment of the normal and diseased body are selected.

An aromatherapy treatment plan for patients to improve their quality of life is developed.

A patient specific therapeutic aromatherapy treatment is delivered.

Knowledge and insight of the benefits of therapeutic aromatherapy treatment are demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

The lifestyle management of patients is assisted.

Basic lay counselling in a structured environment is conducted.

Integrated healthcare in community care environment is conducted.

Appropriate ways of interacting ethically in multicultural contexts are identified and explained.

The Statutory requirements as practised in integrated and primary healthcare are applied.

Insight into the rights and responsibilities of an individual under the South African Constitution are demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Elementary field research in education, training and development or within an occupation is conducted.

The Research approach and methodology is consistent with best practice requirements for basic research.

The theory, principles, and processes of research methodology are applied.

Perform and manage the research process.

The stated hypothesis directs the investigation.

Appropriate research tools are designed.

Data is collected, using appropriate quantitative and/or qualitative methodology.

The data is logically analysed and interpreted in terms of an appropriate theoretical/conceptual model.

The findings are subjected to tests of reliability and validity.

The limitations of the study are stated.

The mini-thesis is coherently written.

Knew knowledge within the selected field of study is recorded, promoted and applied.

Integrated Assessment:

In the assessment strategy as a whole, evidence must be demonstrated through a variety of options which can include case studies, problem solving, assignments and strategies, portfolio of learning materials, projects, written and oral examinations, log books and practical exercises and demonstrations. Some strategies will be more suited to assess foundational competence while others are more suited to assess practical and reflexive competence.

A total number of 100 hours should be spent doing experiential learning (practical competence) in a clinic setting plus the recording of 300 hours of therapeutic aromatherapy treatment. The clinical skills of learners will be assessed by means of oral presentations, case studies and portfolios. Practical competence of treatment techniques will also be assessed in the student clinic by observation, practical examinations and simulations.

The final integrated assessment needs to measure applied competence. It should assess whether learners are able to plan, prepare and treat patients as well as promote health in the community (practical competence), understand the theoretical basis for these actions (foundational competence), and reflect on and make changes to their practices (reflexive competence). Evidence of all of these actions should be reflected in a portfolio and oral presentations.

Assessment should ensure that all Exit Level Outcomes and Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are evaluated. Assessment of the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of the Exit Level Outcomes. The Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are implicit in the learning and assessment programmes are designed to extend and further reflect integration.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

There are no relevant qualifications in Africa or the SADC region at present. This qualification is seen as important for the SADC region and Africa at large, where there has been a great deal of interest shown.

The qualifications are seen as an opportunity to provide opportunities for small, medium and micro enterprises in the health care sector. There is significant opportunity for the development of community-based practices across all sectors in South Africa.

International qualifications were examined to ensure that the qualifications model and unit standards proposed are comparable in terms of qualification levels, scope of qualifications, and competencies covered.

Qualifications from Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Canada, Britain, and Switzerland were examined.

For the Therapeutic Aromatherapy qualification the Diploma and Certificate in Aromatherapy from Nature Care College, Australia was used to benchmark our own qualification. The Australian School of Clinical Aromatherapy also offers a Diploma of Aromatherapy. The Diploma of Aromatherapy is designed to give learners an insight into aromatherapy: how it can enhance and improve everyday living, and how it can be of benefit to people in numerous environment. The programme places an emphasis on the safe use and application of essential oils for a variety of conditions and how they can affect an individual physiologically.

In the United States institutions like Everest College; Everest Institute; Rasmussen College; Kaplan University; ECPI College of Technology; Sanford-Brown Institute; Sanford-Brown College; Western School of Health; Missouri College; Maric College offer an Aromatherapy certificate program which prepares individuals to provide professional therapeutic services to clients by means of essential oils and herbs. Aromatherapy certificate training programs generally last between 100 and 300 hours and provide students with the training and theoretical knowledge necessary to meet the standards of the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. Students working to earn an Aromatherapy certificate learn the techniques involved in using essential oils, as well as study the history of essential oils, the various methods of oil absorption and application, basic chemistry and botany and the safety of aromatherapy techniques. Students can also choose to enroll in an advanced Aromatherapy certification program that focuses on the business of aromatherapy, as well as an in-depth understanding of the chemistry of essential oils.

The greatest comparison was that our qualification had to be modified in order to meet the requirements within the South African context namely, the educational requirements of SAQA and the National Qualifications Framework and the Council on Higher Education as well as those of the professional body that registers the profession, the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa.

In order to align with NQF requirements the programme is longer in terms of years than the Australian programme it was benchmarked against with a larger credit component.

The Australian qualification does not include a nutritional component and focus is only on massage. The programme is offered in two phases: first the completion of a certificate in aromatherapy with face to face training of 341 hours and can be completed in 6 months and second the completion of a diploma in aromatherapy with face to face training of 501 hours and can be completed in 1 year.

Our subject offering was quite similar to the Australian qualification's however we had to align our programme with requirements from the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa:

A minimum of a 2 year diploma programme.

Major subjects include:
> Anatomy.
> Chemistry and pharmacology of essential oils.
> Massage techniques.
> Pathology.
> Physiology.
> Pathophysiology.
> Practical therapeutic aromatherapy and massage techniques.
>Theoretical therapeutic aromatherapy.

Minor subjects include:
> Business and practice management.
>Ethics and jurisprudence.

First aid.

Nutrition.

Patient care.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This programme provides access to the Diploma in Therapeutic Massage Therapy.

The underlying principle is that the qualifying learner has the learning assumed to be in place to embark upon the study of qualifications at a higher level or at the same level but with a different focus, and that through the acquisition of this diploma, a viable learning pathway is created.

This programme allows access to learners wishing to switch to other qualifications offered by the Institution or elsewhere. Successful learners may also continue their studies at suitable tertiary institutions.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Assessors and moderators assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of an assessor against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor and/or moderator with a relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA) Body as well as. be registered with the HEQC and Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA).

Formative assessment will be conducted internally with internal moderation being done by registered moderators. The moderation body is the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA).

Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the Qualification.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

For an applicant to register as an assessor for this Qualification, the applicant should:

Hold a relevant qualification at least on NQF Level 6.

Have relevant workplace experience.

Be declared competent in all the outcomes of the enclosed outcomes as stipulated by South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Be declared competent in all the exit level outcomes of the qualification as stipulated by South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Each assessor is required to attend the Workshops of the Allied Health Professional Council on a yearly basis.

Be registered with the HEQC and Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA).

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015.

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

1.	Institute of Natural Health