New regulations for aesthetics and cosmetic practitioners, get ready!

Published: July 6, 2021

Government licensing for aesthetic treatments

The UK government has signalled its intention to introduce a licensing regime for non-surgical cosmetic procedures to offer greater protection to the public.

An amendment to the Health and Care Bill will give the Health Secretary powers to introduce a licence for non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as anti-wrinkle injections and fillers. It is the latest move by the government to safeguard those who access non-surgical cosmetic treatments, to ensure consistent standards and protect people from potentially harmful effects of badly performed cosmetic procedures, carried out by practitioners without licences.

The health and social care secretary for England, Sajid Javid, said, “While most of those in the aesthetics industry follow good practice when it comes to patient safety, far too many people have been left emotionally and physically scarred after botched cosmetic procedures.

The new legislation will make it illegal to administer such treatments to under 18s, banning adverts on all forms of media including social media, influencer advertising and traditional advertising for cosmetic procedures which target under 18s.

The licensing scheme will likely introduce consistent standards that individuals carrying out non-surgical cosmetic procedures (such as lip fillers, Botox and laser treatments) will have to meet, as well as hygiene and safety standards for premises.

When will aesthetics be regulated?

The scope and details of the new licensing system will be determined in a public consultation. As we await further clarification on the licensing scheme for botox and filler, we know for a matter of fact that with the government guidelines for aesthetics being introduced this year, it is vital for individuals performing cosmetic intervention to have a formal degree in aesthetic medicine.

It is also expected that the government will use the JCCP to manage the licensing requirements of practitioners. It is also expected that a requirement of registration will require cosmetic practitioners to hold an accredited qualification such as a level 7 qualification (such as a postgraduate certificate in aesthetic medicine) or pass a Fast Track Assessment (FTA).

Learna is the only approved educational provider to deliver the Joint Council of Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) Fast Track Assessment and continues to support the promotion of enhancing the professional knowledge underpinning practice in cosmetic and aesthetic medicine. Our level 7 cosmetic courses are specifically designed for practitioners, to reassure clients of their competency of practice.

What is JCCP?

For experienced Aestheticians looking to register with the JCCP in a more convenient way. The JCCP Fast Track Assessment (FTA) consists of 2 separate components: a 3 hour theoretical examination and an Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE). Would this be suitable for you?

But if you’re looking to complete a more in-depth course and advance your knowledge and skills in cosmetic medicine then we offer a 6 month part-time PgCert. This course is specifically designed to promote and enhance working professionals’ knowledge and ultimately their practice in cosmetic medicine.

University validated

Unlike most level 7 diploma in aesthetics, our programmes are university validated. This means that you graduate with an internationally recognised qualification from an established higher education institution.

Our level 7 qualification in aesthetic medicine courses are validated by the University of South Wales, a modern, industry focused University, rated best in the UK for the Health Professions in the Guardian University Guide 2020. They examine every element of the courses we deliver with them to ensure the quality of content, teaching, and research meets the highest academic standards. Only then will they give their stamp of approval. Our expertise in online learning combined with the academic excellence of our university partners means you are getting the best experience possible.

Our courses have also received a great deal of recognition! Recently, we were awarded Highly Commended in the 'Independent Training Provider of the Year' Category at the Aesthetics Awards 2022. An incredible achievement to have our online cosmetic courses recognised in this way, because the awards honour the best and most prestigious in the aesthetic industry.

Our level 7 cosmetic courses

We are confident that our level 7 in aesthetics programmes provide clinically-rich module content and assessment methods for our students. On completion of our level 7 diploma in aesthetics, our students will come away with advanced problem-solving skills in clinical practice and be able to demonstrate leadership in the delivery and advancement of cosmetic medicine. We are committed to protecting patient safety through our accredited aesthetic medicine courses that can promote and enhance working professionals’ knowledge and ultimately their practice in cosmetic medicine, and complements separate, practice-based recognised prior learning (RPL) awards.

If you want to achieve an internationally recognised, university and JCCP accredited qualification and you’re ready to advance your problem-solving skills and take your knowledge to the next level - then this is the course for you! To find out more information, view our Cosmetic Medicine courses.

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