Regulation: How to Future-Proof Your Aesthetics Qualification Now

"What aesthetics qualification can I do now that will allow me to obtain a licence to practice?" 

"Which is the best injectables training course to future-proof my career as an aesthetics practitioner ahead of the new licensing scheme?"

These are the types of questions we’re frequently asked we move closer towards new aesthetics regulations for England.

Guidance from Professor David Sines, CBE

To provide you with some guidance on this important matter, we interviewed Professor David Sines, CBE. David is an experienced industry figure and respected patient safety and practitioner education campaigner. 

In addition to being Harley Academy's Licensing Advisor, David is also the Chair of the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) so is perfectly placed to advise on the best aesthetics training providers and what to look for from your aesthetic medicine qualification.

As he notes, the government has not yet released its proposals regarding the minimum standard of aesthetics education or qualification every practitioner will need. However, there are a number of botox and filler courses that are already Ofqual-regulated. 

Here, David explains why this is important and what you should look for if you're thinking of taking a injectables course now.

If you’d prefer to listen to his thoughts, scroll down to watch our video.

Two formally recognised aesthetics qualification routes 

David notes,, “We have two formally recognised routes to qualification - universities and we have Ofqual-regulated qualifications. My point on the latter: it absolutely must be an Ofqual-regulated qualification.

“Notice the word ‘regulated’,” David highlights. He adds that, for additional security and comfort, your Ofqual-regulated aesthetic medicine qualification course “should be provided by a JCCP-approved awarding body and by a JCCP-approved training centre that delivers that awarding body's qualification.”

“We have a list of approved providers from universities and from the vocational sector. Harley Academy is certainly one of those,” he confirms.

Finding a reputable medical aesthetics training provider

“Where would you go to now if you were seeking a reputable education and training provider that meets the standards that we currently have in place and that are as closely aligned as we could possibly be to those new DHSC [Department of Health and Social Care] standards?

“We don't know those new standards yet so please recognise that anything I say, or anybody says, always has to recognise that factor - there could be a gap but we will be able to fill that, I think, through sensible, effective dialogue and engagement with learning programmes.

“What do I mean by that? Top-up modules over a period of time, but certainly I hope that those of you who have sought reputable training providers, such as those that are on the approved register of training providers by JCCP - we're not the only game in town but, actually, we are the only game in town that actually formally approves education and training providers against the Health Education England framework, which is the one that's recognised.”

Future-proofing your aesthetics qualification against incoming regulation

At Harley Academy, we offer an exclusive Level 7 Licensing Guarantee. This is available to any doctors, dentists, nurses, clinical pharmacists or dental therapists who purchase the course before the aesthetics licensing scheme details are announced. 

We guarantee that your Master’s level qualification will cover the education components for both botulinum toxin and dermal fillers, required by the new licensing scheme in England.

Whilst we do not yet know what these requirements will be, we are confident in our high standards and ability to meet them. This may take the form of top-up modules, depending on the announced criteria, but you will be able to start your course now, safe in the knowledge that you will not have to pay for additional training.

As the originators of and leading specialists in delivering the Level 7 in injectables - with more graduates than any other training provider - you can feel confident in your choice to become #HarleyTrained.

Level 7 Diploma in Botox & Dermal Fillers - course options

Our Level 7 Diploma in Botox & Dermal Fillers is both Ofqual-regulated and JCCP-approved. Additionally, Harley Academy is also a JCCP-approved aesthetics training provider.

We have three different Level 7 course options available to doctors, dentists, nurses, clinical pharmacists and dental therapists.

• Level 7 Diploma in Botox & Dermal Fillers - our flagship course which can take you from a beginner to aesthetics specialist status
• Combined Level 7 - undertake our flagship Level 7 course plus our Cosmetic Dermatology Course to become a confident skin-first aesthetics practitioner - the best option for those looking to start their own aesthetic practice
• Fast Track Level 7 - through Recognition of Prior Learning, more experienced injectors looking to formalise their skills with a recognised qualification can skip the practical training elements of our classic course. This shortened version can be completed in 6 months.

We have extended our Level 7 Licensing Guarantee to all of these courses. 

How to find the best injectables training for you

If you’d like to find out more, including the full eligibility requirements and payment plan options, have a chat with Christine Slater. Our support consultant, Christine, has helped to guide the careers of many successful part- and full-time aesthetics practitioners. Her advice is free and could prove invaluable to anyone looking to get started in aesthetic medicine.

Don’t worry, there’s no hard sell. We believe our reputation and quality speak for themselves. So it’s simply a question of providing the information you need to make the best choice for your career and answering any questions you may have.

Look out for the next part of our interview with David on which qualifications aesthetics practitioners will need to obtain a licence to practice in England - coming soon!

All information correct at the time of publication