Julie Scott, RGN NIP PGDIP(Aes)

 

Searching for a medical aesthetics training provider that will meet your individual needs is a challenging task. With the knowledge of how crucial this decision is to your medical aesthetics career, taking this step can be daunting. Before aesthetics, I worked as a clinical nurse specialist, with supporting nurses at the very heart of my role. Since being in this industry, I have spent over five years mentoring and over three years as a Lead Trainer at Interface Aesthetics. To ensure no stone is left unturned, I have drawn on my years of experience to put together this guide with the aim of dissecting all the aspects of a training provider that are important to consider, with valuable input from Dr James Olding, the Director and Lead Trainer of Interface Aesthetics, integrated throughout.

 

A training provider’s primary function is to provide a path for their delegates to obtain the qualifications necessary for them to achieve their career goals. Therefore, as a delegate, it is non-negotiable that before you begin researching the particularities of training providers, you have in your mind what you are setting out to achieve. It is important that this vision is founded in a long-term approach; while your current target may be to complete your Foundation Course, it is worthwhile to consider the merits of being able to progress to Level 7, Advanced, and even masterclasses with the same trainer. A tiered approach signals that they are ready to meet their delegates at whatever step they are on (e.g., the Interface Aesthetics’ Junior Trainee Mentorship Scheme (JTMS) Finding a training provider which presents a clear pathway for progression is a great starting point to understanding the extent to which they are capable of supporting you throughout your career.

 

Having a thorough understanding of the level and quality of the qualification you wish to achieve is crucial, as the majority of both medically led and non-medic led training providers are not associated with any regulatory body in the UK. A campaign within the industry for greater regulation in both practice and regulation has been growing, with the involvement of organisations such as the JCCP and Interface Aesthetics amplifying the call with their voices. Dr Olding provides a few pointers on what to look out for at this stage:

 

“Certain training providers offer regulated qualifications such as the VTCT Level 7 diploma in injectables, which is an Ofqual-regulated qualification. As such, individual economies work closely with regulatory bodies to ensure the delivery of a standardised and externally quality-assured qualification. An even smaller group of training academies, such as Interface Aesthetics, have gone through the process of formal accreditation and approval with the JCCP. This means that the Level 7 diploma provided by these academies is JCCP approved, offering an additional level of quality assurance and regulation.”

 

Beyond regulation, there are a plethora of other practicalities to consider. One which requires thought twofold is location. Of course, it must first be feasible to attend in-person sessions. While the allure of a training provider that seems the perfect fit can be enough to consider making a substantial journey, signing up for a course is a significant commitment, and it is vital you do all you can to ensure that it is one you can follow through. In the same vein, ensure that the structure suits your schedule and that you are confident in your ability to meet the workload. Beyond the geographical location, it is also important to take the setting into account. Your education and training environment should make you feel excited and ready to learn, whether that is in a purpose-built training academy or a clinical environment.

 

Similarly, do all you can ahead of time to make sure the training provider you choose offers teaching in a style which suits how you best learn. One aspect of this consideration is to investigate their typical class size and the ratio of delegates to trainer maintained in their session, making certain that you will receive the required support and not get lost in a sea of delegates. This becomes especially vital when moving onto the practical element of training, as Dr Olding explains:

 

“Hands-on training is the single most important part of a course; therefore, the amount of hands-on that an individual delegate will get is inversely proportional to the number of delegates attending the teaching in their group. Our experience of many years of training and seeing healthcare professionals go on to become successful injectors, researchers, and trainers in their own right has taught us that you cannot go above a ratio of four delegates to one trainer. Albeit this is in the context of a day’s training that is entirely hands-on. There are also certain courses, for example, certain levels of membership, which should not go above one-to-one or one-to-two.”

 

This brings us neatly onto the topic of another ratio – how much time on the course should be devoted to theoretical versus practical learning? While in some sense your personal learning preferences can factor into what you would like from your training provider in this regard, it is also vital to understand that, as Dr Olding made clear, hands-on time is incredibly valuable. Should you be a theory-focused individual who finds spending time at the books an integral component of your learning journey, this is something which you can always choose to pursue further independently between sessions conducted by your training provider. There is, of course, a level of variation and the necessity of theoretical understanding should not be underestimated:

 

“The ratio of time spent undertaking clinical practice versus theory does, to some degree, depend on the topic being taught. For example, when learning about complications, it is extremely important to dedicate a significant amount of time to study the literature and theory which underlines why certain complications are treated with certain protocols. Additionally, it is unlikely that we will be able to simulate a real emergency complication on a training course. That said, training courses should include complications that are commonly encountered and that will need to be dealt with in practice, for example, nodules or an unsatisfactory cosmetic result.  Beyond doubt, hands-on training remains the single most important part of the educational experience. This must be founded on appropriate theoretical learning and supported by faculty trainers with the required underlying theoretical knowledge and evidence base. However, hands-on training in a small group where procedures are actually undertaken is necessary to both give the delegates the competence to perform these procedures, but also crucially the belief that they are able to perform these procedures independently once they have completed their training.”

 

This emphasis on the independent verification of clinical competence is a crucial reminder that the true purpose of undertaking training in medical aesthetics is not to simply hold a certificate. Instead, it is to become equipped with the skills required to be a competent, confident practitioner who can assuredly deliver patient results which balance their wants and needs whilst always centering their safety and care. Consequently, learning should not be limited to the classroom or even to the period of time you spend undertaking training. The accumulation of knowledge is a crucial, constant pursuit without end. This should not be a daunting idea, but an exciting one which presents an opportunity to expand and devote time to areas of your specific interest, carving a personal niche and enabling you to shape your relationship with the wider industry in a way which ignites your authentic passion. Dr Olding provides insight as to why participating in a mentorship programme is an excellent way to facilitate this progression after qualification:

 

“Access to ongoing mentorship through formal and informal pathways should not just include mentorship in clinical practice. Many healthcare professionals feel inadequately trained to face research, public speaking, and enterprise when they initially enter the field of aesthetics. Good mentorship should ensure access to a faculty of trainers with genuine expertise across these areas. Additionally, training academies should work to ensure they are widening their delegates’ access to excellent mentorship and training irrespective of their financial background. Many courses are expensive and although the potential professional and financial rewards of aesthetics can be great, it is true that this can represent a barrier to many people.”

 

Obtaining qualifications, knowledge, and expertise in aesthetics is a long journey with many paths to choose from, but an equal offering of fulfilling stops and views along the way. As with all these things, taking the first step is often the most difficult yet important one. An action you can take to set a precedent of prioritising safety and regulation, no matter how early on you are in your career, is registering as a JCCP registrant and subscribing to JCCP updates if you have not done so already. To help with this first step, Dr Olding and I each have a few pieces of personal advice. Dr Olding’s advice is as follows:

 

“The associations and accreditation of a training provider are undoubtedly one of the most important things as these demonstrate a degree of quality assurance and process that we all look for in our education. Additionally, look at who the faculty of trainers consists of. Ensure that you will be taught by those with genuine expertise in their areas, whether that be regenerative medicine, facial anatomy, or dermal fillers. Look beyond the figurehead so you can be confident everyone involved are not only experts but working as a cohesive group to improve educational standards.”

 

My advice would be to do your due diligence, honing in on reputation and recommendations. Wherever possible, speak to those who have obtained the qualifications you seek with the training providers you are considering. Though the nature of aesthetics can often make our journeys feel individual or even isolated, building a support network of colleagues whose opinions you trust is invaluable. Consequently, a training academy with strong faculty credentials and a multi-faceted approach which supports growth throughout and beyond the formal qualification process will provide the best platform to set you up for long-term success.

 

I find that remembering your ‘why’ is a crucial aspect of succeeding as a practitioner; after all, success is not possible to achieve until you decide what it means to you. While everyone brings individual perspective and passion, patient care, safety, and well-being should always be at the heart of aesthetics, and this starts from the beginning.

 

Article by Julie Scott

 

Julie Scott is an NMC registered Independent Nurse Prescriber and Level 7 qualified aesthetic injector with over 30 years’ experience. Her clinic, Facial Aesthetics, won Best Clinic of the Year for South England in 2023, while Julie won Nurse of the Year at the Aesthetic Awards in 2022 and 2024. Additionally, she was awarded Nurse of the Year by Aesthetic Medicine in 2024.

 

 Julie is a member of the Allergan Medical Institute’s faculty, as well as a consultant for Allergan Medical Affairs and a lead clinical injectables trainer for Interface Aesthetics. An advocate for safety and patient-centred care, Julie is an Ambassador for the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) and an Ambassador and Mental Health Advisor for Safety in Aesthetics. Furthermore, Julie is a board member for the Dermatology Aesthetic Nurses Association Ireland (DANAI), a Special Advisor for the Menopause Network, and a KOL for other leading aesthetic brands.