Aesthetic Therapy …

A new way to enter the industry while bypassing traditional beauty routes.

A CIDESCO Diploma for decades has been the industry standard in a beauty therapy education. However, the industry has changed and spending an average of €9000 on the diploma and then still only being a level three therapists with no advanced training could be viewed as somewhat a waste of money.

What if you have no interest in traditional beauty treatments? What if you want to become a facialist, laser specialist, skin rejuvenation and skin health professional, a dermal clinician?

Understanding the need for not only more robust training for the aesthetics sector but also education that meets the needs of prospective learners. ATAI partnered with Industry Qualifications (an Ofqual regulated awarding organisation) and IQ Verify (a UKAS accredited certification body), to bring about a new pathway into the aesthetics sector.

Managing Director of IQ Verify Mark Salt stated: “We are delighted to be working with such an innovative partner in order to raise the calibre of training within the aesthetic sector. Through the combined use of Ofqual regulated qualifications and Internationally Recognised Standards, we intend to deliver learner-centred training programmes that help to progress prospective practitioners from Level 3 to Level 7. The use of ISO standards will further this goal as it will provide practitioners with recertification based accountability and moreover a certification with true international recognition. I feel certain that 2019 will be an exciting year within the world of aesthetic training.

We formed a team of medically training subject matter experts to create our learning programme.

Typically beauty colleges select courses from an awarding body and then match the theory to that course. We decided to work with an awarding body and design the courses from scratch to adhere to the latest guidelines in training while formulating a curriculum that suited the aesthetics sector. To make sure the theory is relevant we work with medically training subject matter experts, we put together a bespoke team of medical experts to write the theory content. We then take that content and turn it into an online learning programme. Every three months we update the theory content to reflect changes within the sector, expand on modalities and make sure our education is always current and following best practices. As a learner with ATAI, you have access to your learning material on an ongoing basis.

To the best of our knowledge, we are the only training provider in Ireland with Level 4 through to Level 7 courses. As an aspiring aesthetic therapist, you have an education pathway through to Level 6. If you are a Nurse or Doctor we have courses through to Level 7.

You may know that the UK is the home of most of the industries awarding bodies, IQ (Industry Qualifications), CIBTAC, ITEC, BABTEC, and this means what happens in the UK very much drives the industry worldwide. Plus a great number of Irish beauty therapists leave to work in the UK, or even further afield, you want to set your career on the very best of foundations for your future.

Two highly influential reports on the industry that you should familiarise yourself with are the Keogh Report and the HEE Reports. The Keogh Report started an investigation into the non-surgical cosmetic procedure industry that includes beauty therapy. The HEE Report investigated the industry and formed recommendations for training. From there a new voluntary registry started the JCCP – Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners in partnership with the Cosmetic Standards Practice Authority – CPSA.

According to the new guidelines a Level 2 or 3 beauty therapists must train in all aspects of what is called the common themes. So to adhere to the new standards you have to start your education pretty much all over again. In effect, that €9000 or so money you have spent is wasted. There is provision for RPL (recognition of prior learning) but a level 2 or three, even a CIDESCO Diploma does not cover evidence-based practice, aesthetic psychology, infection control, wound healing, anaphylaxis, laser tissue interaction, and the list goes on and on. This means the reality is there is very limited opportunity for RPL.

Why waste your money and time studying what in effect, is already redundant?

We started Aesthetic Training Academy as we identified a need for better training in the industry. We knew where the industry was headed and what is required to produce professional aesthetic therapists to take full advantage of the evolving industry.

Our unique aesthetic therapy qualifications satisfy entry requirements into level 4 as we provide a foundational beauty therapy education exceeding the standards of a traditional level 3 diploma.

We deliver the theory through online learning, this allows us to spend classroom time on practical skills training. We deliver online learning for Doctors, Nurses and Therapists plus we even supply online learning to other colleges, so you could say we know a thing or two about education. We also understand that practical skills training is central to beauty therapy, after all, it is a hands-on industry.

Throughout the course, you will undertake clinical training in a variety of settings. Learn how to identify, evaluate and manage the physical, psychological and social needs of clients undergoing dermal assessment and treatment for conditions such as:

• wound healing
• scarring
• pre/post-operative skin care
• fluid retention
• inflammatory conditions
• skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and rosacea
• uneven skin tone and pigmentation
• ageing or sun damaged skin
• removal of excess hair, tattoos, skin tags and superficial veins.

Understand the skin as an organ and how nutrition, environmental factors, stress and lifestyle impact skin health. Learn research methodology and evidence-based practice. Understand how to create complex treatment plans, advanced consultation skills and how to identify at-risk groups through aesthetic psychology.

You will learn the foundation skills required to practice ethically, efficiently, and with the confidence to address broad skin complaints with the ability to form complex treatment pathways.

• advanced consultation
• facial skin care
• facial cleansing
• topical skin therapy
• skin analysis
• skin conditions
• skin treatment

Learn about cosmeceutical products and topical skin therapy, why and how active ingredients interact to address specific skin conditions. Understand the physiology of ageing and how environmental stressors impact skin health. Learn how to use skin analysis devices formulating custom treatment plans to address the individual clients needs.

There is no course available in the beauty therapy sector that provides the depth of knowledge facilitated by our course.

We equip you with the skills and knowledge so as to have a holistic approach to addressing your clients needs. Understanding evidence-based practice so you can explain to clients the science behind a therapy. You will possess the skills to provide clinically proven treatments including;

• skin peels
• skin needling
• facial electrotherapy
• laser hair removal
• laser/IPL skin rejuvenation
• laser/IPL pigmentation
• laser/IPL superficial redness
• laser carbon suspension facial – elective
• laser tattoo removal – elective
• radio frequency – elective

We start off with the fundamental education every beauty therapist requires, except we extend the curriculum to provide a full understanding of what is required for the aesthetics sector.

• cardiovascular system
• lymphatic system
• nervous system
• muscular system
• skeletal system
• endocrine system
• physiology
• pharmacology
• pathology

• microbiology
• biochemistry
• biophysics
• hygiene
• skin anatomy
• skin function
• skin physiology
• skin conditions
• skin management

• laser tissue interaction
• infection control
• wound healing
• evidence-based practice
• research methodologies
• professionalism
• law
• ethics

• aesthetic psychology
• occupational health & safety
• laser core of knowledge
• record keeping
• clinical photography
• conflict resolution
• clinical governance
• principles of quality assurance

For the majority of learners wanting to enter aesthetic beauty over traditional beauty therapy, level 2 and 3 is obsolete, not fit for purpose, start your education at level 4 or even 5,

The learner gains all that is included in a typical level 3 beauty specialists diploma but instead of waxing, tanning, nails, makeup, we extend the curriculum to satisfy the requirements of aesthetic therapy. Our courses instil a comprehensive foundation of knowledge in all areas of dermal science. You will learn the skills to perform safe and effective dermal treatments. While the theory is delivered through online learning, students will need to apply themselves as each practical class is modelled on the theory to provided reinforced blended learning. Revising theory in practical study allows students to progress at the same pace, while we encourage social learning so as students interact more with their fellow classmates.

Why study our aesthetic therapy courses?

Today there is a pronounced divide between the traditional beauty sector and the aesthetics sector. People wishing to enter aesthetics often do not want to study traditional beauty therapy. We define traditional beauty as makeup, nails, waxing, massage, tanning, lashes, and brows. Apart from the differentiation of treatments offered, aesthetics also requires an understanding of the human body and industry at a level not covered in traditional beauty school courses.

Our range of access aesthetics courses provides an entry point into the aesthetics sector. Start your career on the right educational pathway that provides the practical skills, instils the knowledge to practice ethically and efficiently in this high growth industry.

What skills will I learn?

All our access aesthetics courses are structured to instal all the practical and theoretical skills required for safe practice. Including but not limited to; bedside manner, professionalism, law, ethics, clinical governance, facial cleansing, communication, consultation, product knowledge, skin analysis, topical skin therapy. We provide all the practical skills that are fundamental to professional clinicians.

What is the Aesthetic Practice Core of Knowledge?

This module is a group of subjects that provide a knowledge framework to practice in the aesthetic industry. The learner will develop a robust understanding of the human body, including anatomy, systems of the body, structure and function of skin and hair. Develop an understanding of the principals of ageing, intrinsic and extrinsic. Understand infection control, wound healing, pigment disorders, skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and psoriasis. Develop the skills for skin analysis and advanced facial anatomy facilitating the knowledge required to formulate complex treatment protocols. Aesthetic Practice Core of Knowledge underpins all of our level 4 courses.

How are we different to a CIBTAC, CIDESCO or ITEC Beauty Specialists Course?

Our courses are entirely different from the traditional beauty course, for starters, we do not teach conventional treatments as outlined above. We concentrate on the skills and knowledge required to practice aesthetic treatments safely. Unlike traditional courses when you graduate you have the skills needed, you will notice standard beauty specialist courses do not contain Level 4 qualifications, specifically, Peels, Micro-Needling, Laser, IPL, Radio Frequency. Please don’t take us wrong, CIBTAC and CIDESCO offer excellent courses for people wishing for a general beauty education. However, they do not provide the depth of learning provided by our specialist courses centred in aesthetic therapies. Apart from the difference in taught modalities, our theory is also written explicitly for the aesthetics sector. This means from physiology to myology it is all at an advanced level while inclusive using the latest in learning materials making it easy to follow.

I have no experience in the beauty industry, are these courses suitable for me?

Yes, access aesthetics courses are an alternative to the CIDESCO, CIBTAC, or ITEC Beauty Specialist Diplomas. Offering you the same foundational education required to operate in the industry without then the need to take more courses to perform aesthetic treatments. On top of that, you enter the sector at Level 4, 5, or 6. Our standalone Level 4 qualifications are typically modality specific, as an example, Laser, IPL, or Skin Peels. However, our industry entry courses are Levels 4, 5, and 6, for non-medical learners and Levels 4, 5, 6 and 7 for allied medical learners.

Will my qualification be recognised?

Yes, your qualification is recognised in the same countries as a CIBTAC, ITEC or CIDESCO qualifications.

Can I gain insurance after compleating your courses?

Yes, we work with Hamilton Fraser, the aesthetic industries premier insurance company. You could also arrange your insurance with many other companies.

Why should I train with you and not a beauty college?

While many beauty colleges offer quality training for the beauty sector, they struggle to provide the level of education available at ATAI. We train doctors, nurses and therapists. Medical subject matter experts write the theory content. Even though our theory content is far more in-depth than content delivered through a beauty school, it is written inclusively, meaning it is easy to follow and understand regardless of academic level. Furthermore, our theory is provided through online learning. Online learning has multiple advantages; it allows us to focus on practical skills training during college time while offering you increased flexibility. Because class days are concentrated on skills training, it naturally means you spend more time with hands-on experience than a traditional beauty school.

Not only is our theory more in-depth but your access to medical device technology is also far superior to a beauty school. Most beauty schools only have an IPL machine; some do not even have that. We have multiple machine technologies, including Alexandrite Laser, ND: YAG Laser, Q-switched Laser, Radio Frequency, Intense Pulsed Light, LED. When you train with ATAI, you train on the medical device under clinical conditions on real live models.

Do we need to provide our models for exams and practical training?

No, we understand many colleges expect you to find your models for exams and practical training, but we do not consider this responsible best practices. Models need to be pre-screened, have an understanding they are there for education, not just treatment. Models require a full medical history discloser, and often they need patch tests for many therapies. Due to all the criteria necessary for models, we supply all models you require; after all, do you need the added stress on top of learning?

Do you offer injectables training?

While we are also a medical aesthetics training college, we can only provide injectable training to Nurses, Doctors, and Dentists. Even though the dermal filler industry is unregulated, we consider it unethical to provide injectable training to non-allied-health personnel.

What are the core differences between the certificates?

The Level 4 Aesthetic Therapy qualification is the first step into the industry, replacing the level 2/3 beauty specialists courses with a fit for purpose qualification for the advanced nature of aesthetic beauty. The Level 5 qualification is a year two qualification where you expand on your core skills. You are able to take the level 5 course within 3 years of the level 4; after that time you will need to produce a treatment evidence log book and display CPD learning and then you can take the level 5 course.

Welcome to ATAI, your passport into advanced skin aesthetics.

If you are ready to take the first step to enter the rewarding aesthetics sector, enrol now.