continual professional development

[Miss-Cheif]

Hi all! I am a new member of IFPA, (International federation of aromatherapists) and we have to do 36 hours of CPD within a 3 yr period. I have no idea where to start? Has anyone got any pointers. I heard I could go to some therapy exhibitions that hold lectures, but I also dont want to have to pay too much money towards more courses, etc. thanks.

 

[??Matt??]

any further training or lectures that you do will count as CPD points, some of the courses state how many points they award. If you did one course a year, and attended a seminar, meeting etc per year or even a Natural health exhibition this will count towards it. The 36 hours are spread over 3 years so you are looking at 12 hours per year, most courses are 7 hours.
Do you attend any support groups, meetings, etc already? as these will be sufficient to bring your hours up.

Hope this helps.

 

[Bard S]

Hello Aquamarine

CPD rules and requirements do vary from body to body. The APNT permits professional journal readings to count towards part of your CPD requirements for the year.

That being said, unlike the USA, where I did my aromatherapy training, most other countries have not developed a "CPD" industry that teaches short classes that update or upgrade skills or knowledge. The UK does have these courses, but not Singapore, which is where I'm based at the moment.

In the field of aromatherapy, the best journal I have found so far, is the International Journal of Aromatherapy, published by Elsevier. I quote from the publisher's blurb:

"The International Journal of Aromatherapy covers the pursuit of health and well-being, whether mental, emotional or physical through aromatherapy treatment. Subjects range from the use of natural, aromatic plant oils and essential oils to massage and touch therapy.
Regular features include:
[*]Clinical Articles[*]Case Studies[*]Research Reports[*]Therapeutic uses of aromatherapy oils[*]International News[*]Olfactory Oddities[*]Book Reviews[*]Conference Reports "

Not cheap - EUR61 for you folks in Europe, but pretty good all round. Some of the research will stretch your scientific report reading skills. Just do a websearch for the title. It is published by Harcourt-International
Hope this helps.