Introducing Aesthetics Training for Clinical Pharmacists

Harley Academy is pleased to welcome clinical pharmacists to all our leading medical aesthetics training courses.

We are thrilled to be able to expand our remit from training doctors, dentists and nurses, to this new cohort of healthcare professionals.

Why we’re offering aesthetics training for clinical pharmacists

Our founder and CEO, Dr Tristan Mehta advises, “We keep our acceptance criteria under close review and this is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time; I’m regularly asked if we can include pharmacists on our courses. However, due to the difference in clinical training to that undertaken by doctors, dentists and nurses, it required a different approach.

“We’ve explored allowing pharmacists to train with Harley Academy over the past few years, and have good insight into these professionals from our partnership with Pharmaesthetics. What we’ve found is that clinical pharmacists - those who spend significant time consulting with patients and overseeing management plans - tend to be the group most likely to become successful aesthetics practitioners.

“Having that clinical experience is key. We have seen how understanding that interplay gives clinical pharmacists the edge over their non-clinical colleagues. It also expedites their learning of new skills due to not having to start from scratch when it comes to the importance of clear and empathetic patient discourse.

“Our first cohort of clinical pharmacists are progressing very well and thoroughly enjoying their time with us, from our Core Training to our Level 7 Diploma in Botox & Dermal Fillers. So, we believe we’ve made the right decision.

“By opening our aesthetics training up to this hands-on sector, we hope to increase their career opportunities and professional satisfaction, whilst keeping aesthetic medicine strictly medics-only.”

Why clinical pharmacists are turning to medical aesthetics

Whether it’s an add-on to their existing pharmaceutical work, or as a full-time career change, more and more clinical pharmacists are turning to medical aesthetics.

Some of the main reasons we hear for this are:

• Wanting a rewarding new challenge
• Being able to do something more creative
• Wanting more professional satisfaction
• Increasing earning potential
• Decreasing work stress
• Getting a better work/life balance
• Looking forward to going to work again!

Whilst aesthetic medicine can certainly offer all of this and more, you do have to put the work in to see the benefits. As with anything, an overnight success takes plenty of preparation!

As specialists in delivering the highest possible standard of aesthetics training, designed to prepare you for safe, ethical and effective real-world practice, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

What two of our clinical pharmacist trainees have to say…

Combined Level 7 trainee

Abby Beaton is a prescribing pharmacist who’s currently undertaking our Combined Level 7. This includes our Ofqual-regulated and JCCP-approved Level 7 Diploma in Botox & Dermal Fillers, and our Cosmetic Dermatology Course.

“I work in the NHS part-time and I do aesthetics part-time,” she told us when we spoke about her Level 7 experience. “I’ve also added on the Cosmetic Dermatology Course, which I absolutely recommend because it gives you a wonderful foundation in skin and dermatology and all the other treatments that can complement the injectables and dermal filler.

“I absolutely recommend you do the Combined Level 7,” stresses Abby. “I found the course really interesting. It’s challenging in a good way, because you want to do the procedures. The trainers have been fantastic - I’ve seen loads of different trainers.

“Each procedure I’ve done, I’ve had my own patient - I don’t need to share - and I have one-to-one mentoring, which is the main reason why I chose Harley Academy.

“In addition to that, the support staff are fantastic. The Student Support team, they answer any questions that you might have. The reception team are also fantastic - you’re made to feel welcome and everybody wants you to be here and to succeed and to learn. So I highly recommend Harley Academy if you’re thinking of getting into the aesthetics field.”

Core Training in Botox & Dermal Fillers trainee

Morteza Balaie, a clinical pharmacist who undertook our Core Training in Botox & Dermal Fillers, is now building his own London aesthetics practice.

We spoke to him on his second day of Core Training to find out how he was getting on. “It’s been very, very exciting, very interesting,” he said. “I’ve been teamed up with a great group of instructors and practitioners. I’m learning loads - not just the clinical aspects but also for legals and marketing purposes. This is a great place to be.”

Exploring your aesthetic medicine career options

If you’re a clinical pharmacist, registered with the GPhC, and spend the majority of your working time dealing directly with patients, we’d love to help you explore adding facial aesthetics to your skillset.

You can browse all the courses on our website or by downloading our latest Prospectus.

For personalised advice on the pathways into aesthetic medicine on a full- or part-time basis, book a call with our Course Advisors. They’ll be able to answer any questions and determine the best aesthetics training pathway for you, based on your goals.

You can also book a place at our free online Aesthetics Careers Open Evening. During this Zoom livestream you can submit your questions to our experts and listen to them explain how to get started in medical aesthetics. You can also watch an injectable treatment demonstration to see just what you could achieve! This insightful event is a great way to dip your toe into the aesthetic medicine water and see if it piques your interest…

Welcome to all our newly enrolled clinical pharmacists - we hope to see many more of you soon!

All information correct at the time of publication