Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to obtain and store materials, prepare aromatic formulations and dispense those formulations according to a pre-prepared script or order.
This unit applies to clinical aromatherpists preparing complex formulations that may be for external or internal use. Note that the aromatic aromatherapist provides the preparation and relevant accompanying advice but does not administer these aromatic preparations.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element |
1. Obtain and store materials | 1.1 Source natural and manufactured materials from authorised and reputable sources 1.2 Determine storage requirements for different types of materials 1.3 Maintain integrity of materials through correct handling and storage 1.4 Maintain stock levels according to clinic requirements |
2. Prepare aromatic formulations | 2.1 Check and prepare equipment for operational readiness 2.2 Select and assemble ingredients according to order 2.3 Make accurate calculations for quantities and ratios 2.4 Prepare medicine according to aromatic medicine methodology 2.5 Label and store aromatic substances |
3. Dispense aromatic preparations | 3.1 Establish form and quantity of required aromatic preparations from prescription or order 3.2 Follow procedures to prevent contamination of or by the aromatic substances 3.3 Check and prepare dispensing equipment for operational readiness 3.4 Select and assemble prescribed aromatic preparations 3.5 Package and label correct quantities into suitable containers with clear and accurate labelling 3.6 Provide accurate instructions for administration and care of aromatic preparations 3.7 Complete accurate dispensing documentation according to clinic guidelines and legal requirements |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:
followed dispensing processes that meet pharmaceutical guidelines and legal requirements for at least 10 different aromatic preparations, including all of the following at least once:
creams and lotions
ointments
capsules
gels
gargles
suppositories
tinctures
extracts
pessaries
compress, poultice
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
legal and ethical considerations (national and state/territory) requirements for the preparation and supply of aromatherapy products:
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) guidelines
labelling
principles of manufacturing
quality control procedures
records management
work health and safety – hazards and controls for aromatic preparations
sources of aromatic preparations and their raw ingredients and methods to determine quality
different forms of aromatic preparations and how they are administered
techniques to prepare aromatic preparations from source materials
aromatic preparations and allopathic drug interactions as outlined in medical pharmaceutical reference of drug interactions and aromatic medicine texts
aromatic preparation dispensing principles and methods in reference to good manufacturing practices
significance and methods of monitoring control points within the dispensing process
equipment and instrumentation components, purpose and operation
waste handling requirements and procedures
environmental conditions required to maintain integrity of aromatic substances before, during and after preparation
types of instructions that must accompany aromatic preparations
procedures to prevent contamination of aromatic preparations
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated dispensary environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
secure storage areas
measuring equipment
sterile containers
labels
natural and manufactured medicinal substances for preparation
distilled water
modelling of industry operating conditions, including provision of formulations to the general public
dispensary supervision by a person who meets the assessor requirements outlined below
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
In addition, assessors must:
have at least 5 years current experience working as a clinical aromatherapist providing services to the general public
hold practising membership of an Australian professional body that represents clinical aromatherapists
fulfil the continuing professional development requirements of the professional body to which they belong
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency