Stage 1: Grounding theory in botulinum toxin and dermal filler

Provided through our online learning platform, the grounding theory is an overview of critical learning to start building a foundation understanding for delivering procedures with confidence and competence. Our level 7 format differs from most level 7 providers as we disagree with the one-day training approach to the initial foundation course.

Stage 2: Practical training

These are often referred to as mentoring sessions. The requirement of the level 7 programme is:

• 10 observed botulinum toxin procedures
• 10 performed botulinum toxin procedures
• 10 observed dermal filler procedures
• 10 performed dermal filler procedures

The course requirement makes up your treatment evidence portfolio. It is an integral component of the assessment of the qualification. The treatment portfolio includes before and after photos, the client profile, informed consent, and aftercare information.

Our practical training component is also where we differ again from the level 7 requirement; in our experience, the (see 10 and do 10) methodology is insufficient for most delegates starting in aesthetic medicine. In our experience, new practitioners require a minimum of four days of practical training in botulinum toxin; this equates to approximately (see 10 and do 30). however, every delegate is unique, so our practical training is customised for each learner. No learner progresses until confidence and competence are achieved. Dermal filler is even more complicated; dermal filler requires more practical training than botulinum toxin. If we break down the indications taught, the do 10 methodology means the learner has performed no more than 2.5 procedures for each indication. Again, we extend the practical training, and for dermal filler, a minimum of 5 days of practical training is required for the average delegate.

At A.T.A.I., while we meet the requirements of the qualification; to us, that focus should be on the practitioners outcome. This shift of focus from only meeting guidelines to meeting an outcome of confidence and competence produces a far better aesthetic medicine practitioner equipped with the skills to practice ethically, safely and confidently.

At the end of stage two, you gain an A.T.A.I. certificate in aesthetic medicine; you can now attain indemnity insurance and begin working in the sector.

Stage 3: Returning to theory learning

You now return to the online learning platform for in-depth theory delivery to enable you to work towards your final qualification. Six modules of theory covering:

• Principles of aesthetic procedures
• Principles and practice of aesthetic patient assessment
• Anatomy and physiology for aesthetic procedures
• Principles and practice of botulinum toxin use in aesthetic procedures
• Principles and practice of dermal filler use in aesthetic procedures
• Literature review skills for clinical study in aesthetic practice

To be awarded the VTCT (ITEC) Level 7 Diploma in Clinical Aesthetic Injectable Treatments, learners must complete all units by achieving a Pass grade in:

• formative clinical case studies (DOPS)
• assignment – literature review report
• assignment – short answer response
• summative external theory examination
• summative final practical examination (DOPS)

The minimum TQT required to achieve this qualification is 600 hours.

Stage 4: Assessment 

There are 5 main components to the assessment criteria that we break down into two stages.

1. Short Answer Questions (SAQs): This component is in the format of coursework
2. Literature Review: this is an opportunity to review the evidence base on non-surgical aesthetics, and delegates can select papers of interest to appraise.
3. External Theoretical Examination (MCQs): This focuses on anatomy, physiology and safe practice in non-surgical aesthetics, and it is set and marled externally by the awarding organisation.

Stage 5: Refresher day and final assessment criteria

1. Filmed Assessment & Treatment: The final case that you undertake as part of your mentorship for both Botox® and dermal filler will be filmed and sent away to the awarding organisation for assessment
2. Submission of treatment portfolio with 40 cases: Twenty cases for each Botulinum Toxin A and Dermal Fillers. All cases must be undertaken with an approved clinician (i.e., with one of our accredited educators on our practical training days). Evidence must include before and after photos, dated consent forms, evidence of aftercare and guidance regarding follow-up.

We have again tweaked how the course is run. Up to 24 months is allowed to complete this qualification and the minimum total qualification time is 600 hours. This is before a learner may have had to request an extension. It could have been several months between gaining your A.T.A.I. certificate in aesthetic medicine and finishing your course. You may have been out in the real world putting your skills into practice for some time. We aim for you to pass the assessment, and when you return for the final filming for assessment and treatment, we provide a refresher. This is to correct any inconsistencies in performing procedures you may have developed and to give the best foot forward for your final assessment.

The course is open to medical professionals only, doctors, dentists and nurses that can provide relevant evidence of membership to a medical council/nursing/midwifery board.

• A valid IMC/NMBI/IDC/GMC/GDC/NMC number with an active license to practice in Ireland or the UK*

International students need to provide evidence of medical regulatory body membership. We will contact the host country to confirm all paperwork provided. 

• English as a first language, or English Language Testing System (IELTS) 7.0 in all components. – All international learners that do not have English as a first language must satisfy the IELTS requirement, 

What indications are taught in the foundation course?

Botulinum toxin

• Forehead
• Brow (Frown lines)
• Eye area (Crow’s feet)

Dermal Filler

• Lip augmentation
• Nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines
• Cheek augmentation

More courses than any provider in Ireland

One of the issues we identified in the Irish aesthetics sector was the lack of quality training and the lack of brands. While PROFHILO is a quality product, it is also 15 years old; technology in tissue stimulators moves on, and as such, there are a plethora of options for the practitioner. We try to address this by directly building relationships with brands and attending events in France and the UK to return with the latest techniques and advancements in product technology.

We have courses from advanced masterclasses for facial rejuvenation through to PDO threads. We aim to equip the practitioner with the knowledge and skills to address the patient’s concerns without being limited to a few brands and skills. We promote the term “be more than an injector” – an aesthetic practitioner should have far more skills in their toolkit than rudimentary botulinum toxin and dermal filler. With A.T.A.I., you have an educational pathway designed to grow your career as your confidence develops.

We have created a package that provides a solid foundation to build upon. However, if you wish to add further courses to your education pathway, that is no problem. Talk to our learner liaison after enrolment, and we can create a customised course for you.

What is the difference between the CPD accredited and ITEC/VTCT courses?

There is no difference between the course’s practical training or the theory. The main differences are in the assessment and examination.

There are five main components to the assessment for this qualification:

1. Short Answer Questions (SAQs): This component is in the format of coursework
2. Literature Review: this is an opportunity to review the evidence base on non-surgical aesthetics, and delegates can select papers of interest to appraise.
3. External Theoretical Examination (MCQs): This focuses on anatomy, physiology and safe practice in non-surgical aesthetics, and it is set and marled externally by the awarding organisation.
4. Filmed Assessment & Treatment: The final case that you undertake as part of your mentorship for both Botox® and dermal filler will be filmed and sent away to the awarding organisation for assessment
5. Submission of treatment portfolio with 40 cases: Twenty cases for each Botulinum Toxin A and Dermal Fillers. All cases must be undertaken with an approved clinician (i.e., with one of our accredited tutors on our practical training days). Evidence must include before and after photos, dated consent forms, evidence of aftercare and guidance regarding follow-up.

The other main difference is this is a regulated qualification. 

Learners who achieve the VTCT (ITEC) Level 7 Diploma in Clinical Aesthetic Injectable Treatments may use the following post-nominal: PGDipAes (VTCT).

Since 2017 A.T.A.I. have provided training to a level 7 standard, we were the first college in the country to provide long-format training for aesthetic medicine. We have built a reputation for delivering graduates considered the best in the sector. While the CPD accredited course is recognised worldwide as a qualification in aesthetic medicine, gaining a formal qualification is considered more desirable in some jurisdictions like the UK.