Why should I do a Level 7 in Injectables?
As pioneers of the Level 7 in Injectables, Harley Academy is known for its high-level delivery of this flagship course.
But why should you do a Level 7 in Injectables and what exactly does this entail? We asked our founder, Dr Tristan Mehta to break it all down for us.
It’s worth noting that there’s no more reliable source on this, given Dr Tristan created the original Level 7 back in 2015. Since then, he’s diligently worked on constantly improving how Harley Academy delivers training for this Ofqual-regulated qualification.
WHAT IS THE LEVEL 7 IN INJECTABLES?
The Level 7 in Injectables is a postgraduate aesthetic medicine qualification open to healthcare professionals. It’s offered in varying forms by a number of aesthetics training schools, including universities.
At Harley Academy, the UK’s leading provider of this course, it’s known as the Level 7 in Botox & Dermal Fillers.
The Level 7 in Injectables was the first – and remains the only – Ofqual-regulated postgraduate medical aesthetics qualification. It was also the first to be approved by the Joint Council of Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP).
It is, essentially, an award to confirm you have successfully completed a Master’s level education in aesthetic medicine. This covers the science, theory and practical aspects of being a safe aesthetics practitioner.
WHY SHOULD I DO A LEVEL 7 IN BOTOX & DERMAL FILLERS?
“This is a question that comes up a lot at our Aesthetics Careers Open Evening events,” says Dr Tristan Mehta. “I often hear, ‘Why should I do a Level 7? I’m a doctor, I know how to inject’. But, if you want to have a successful career in aesthetic medicine, there are so many reasons. These are some of the most compelling…”
Becoming a safe and confident injector:
“Doing a one-day course in injectables will get you started, but what it won’t do is ensure you are a confident aesthetics practitioner. You can’t develop the deep understanding of facial ageing and anatomy needed in such a short timeframe. Additionally, you can’t build confidence in treating aesthetics patients and administering injectable treatments, without significant hands-on practice in a clinical environment.”
Understanding what you don’t yet know that you don’t know:
“Whilst we have a lack of confidence at one end of the spectrum, over-confidence is also commonly seen in new injectors. One of the dangers of only doing a one-day, or one-week aesthetics course is that you only gain a tiny insight into the world of injectables. Yet frequently, it isn’t made clear that you’re only scratching the surface. Aesthetic medicine should be treated with the same weight as any other medical specialism – and that includes doing the appropriate amount and level of training.”
Learning how to become an aesthetics specialist, rather than simply a technician:
“This is something I frequently discuss as it’s important to understand the two levels at which injectors may be operating, and the differences between them. There are aesthetics technicians, and there are aesthetics specialists If you’re looking to build a long-term career in aesthetic medicine, you need to approach everything with a specialist’s mindset. This is something we instill into our Level 7 trainees to not only improve the level of service they provide, but also to increase their word-of-mouth patient referrals.”
Future-proofing your career in aesthetic medicine:
“The Level 7 Diploma in Injectables was built around the Health Education England (HEE) Qualification Requirements for Delivery of Cosmetic Procedures. These are expected to form the basis of incoming licensing requirements for UK aesthetics practitioners. Furthermore, having a Level 7 offers an increased likelihood of employability for injectors looking to work for an existing aesthetics practice. It is also a qualification the public is becoming aware of, and looking for when choosing an injector.”
WHAT DOES IT ENTAIL?
There are four distinct sections to our Level 7 Diploma course:
1. Self-paced eLearning covering anatomy, product science, professionalism, ethics and the law
2. Foundation training including mannequin injecting practice before administering your own toxin and filler treatments under one-to-one supervision from our clinical trainers
3. Building your case logbook through Observation Days (a minimum of 10 toxin and 10 filler observed cases, where you watch our experts perform narrated treatment demonstrations, either in-person or remotely) and Mentoring Sessions (you will administer a minimum of 10 toxin and 10 filler treatments under our experts’ supervision).
4. Assessments which will include eLearning quizzes, the completion of your logbook, two filmed mentoring cases known as Direct Observation of Practical Skills (DOPS), submission of written Short Answer Questions (SAQs) and a written literature review. There will also be a timed academic examination.
Following successful completion of each aspect of this in-depth course, your assessments will be sent for external moderation by VTCT. They will then alert us to your final results and successful trainees will be awarded their Level 7 Diploma in Botox & Dermal Fillers.
HOW LONG DOES THE HARLEY ACADEMY LEVEL 7 TAKE TO COMPLETE?
We offer three different Level 7 Diploma course options which are open to licensed doctors, dentists and nurses, including midwives. The timeframes for completion vary according to which one you choose.
Level 7 Diploma in Botox & Dermal Fillers
6-12 months (maximum of 36 months).
Fast Track Level 7 Diploma in Botox & Dermal Fillers
6-12 months (flexible).
This option does not include practical injecting mentoring sessions as it’s designed for more experienced cosmetic doctors, dentists and nurses who are looking to formalise their skills with a qualification.
To be eligible for this Fast Track option, you must have at least 3 years of experience in aesthetic medicine, or have delivered at least 30 botulinum toxin and 30 dermal filler treatments.
Combined Level 7 Diploma in Botox & Dermal Fillers + Cosmetic Dermatology Course
6-12 months (maximum of 36 months) to complete the Level 7 Diploma qualification, + 3-6 months to complete the Cosmetic Dermatology Course.
These can be completed simultaneously or separately.
FIND OUT MORE
If you’re interested in finding out more about how the Level 7 in Injectables could enhance your aesthetic medicine career, get in touch!
You can now WhatsApp our courses team for convenient, personalised advice on finding the best aesthetics training options for you.
Alternatively, you can book a call with them to have all your questions answered, from payment plans to beating the forthcoming price increases.
All information correct at the time of publication.
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