The Australasian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal Science (AACDS) has expanded its curriculum to offer what it says is Australia’s first postgraduate cosmetic nursing qualification; the Vocational Graduate Certificate in Cosmetic Nursing. The course, available for online study, was specifically developed for enrolled or registered nurses wishing to enter the field of cosmetic medicine and dermal therapies, and was first released in January this year.
The government-accredited course focuses on the role of the registered nurse and enrolled nurse within a cosmetic medical practice and/or day hospital. It addresses the need for specific education for nurses who previously had to undertake the same AACDS course as beauty therapists, the Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science, despite already having qualifications in some of its core units. The course also helps override the need for on-the-job training.
AACDS Medical Director, Dr Jayson Oates said: “Although nurses have the foundation skills as a health care professional, they lack the specific skills and knowledge to apply to the field of cosmetic medicine and surgery. I’ve found that in-office training requires considerable time and resources.”
The main goal of the course is to provide cosmetic physicians and cosmetic or plastic surgeons with qualified, work-ready staff. As industry regulatory requirements become more stringent and consumers more aware, AACDS expects such a formal graduate certificate in cosmetic nursing to become highly sought after both by nurses and their employers.
Australasian College of Cosmetic Medicine President, Dr Sharon Phillipson said: “I look forward to informing our members of the availability and benefits of this course and its graduates.”
After comprehensive industry consultation, AACDS selected specific units from their Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science and developed new units to make up the six core units in the course. These units cover the key performance areas for nurses working within the cosmetic medical practice and/or day hospital and include: Principles of Cosmetic Nursing, Cosmetic Science Surgical and Non-Surgical, Dermal Science Theory, Dermal Science Practical, the elective units Cosmeceutical Science and Practice Management and Administration, plus an optional unit for registered nurses only, Introduction to Injectables.
The course runs for six months full-time or 12 months part-time. Course coordinator, April Jorgensen, said: “We’ve found the course duration allows us to deliver a comprehensive and relevant curriculum whilst providing a realistic time-frame and study schedule for most nurses.”
The course is available online with some units available on-campus. All theoretical units are delivered via online audio and visual lectures, with the practical units available as a 10 to 14-day block (depending on past experience), delivered in Perth or Sydney.
Students can nominate the number of units they wish to study per 16-week semester, from one or two units per semester to up to five units concurrently.
There are currently 30 students enrolled in the qualification, including part-time and full-time students. One current student, registered nurse Ellie Spence from Queensland, said of the course: “I specifically wanted a qualification in this field and thoroughly researched which course would provide me with the knowledge, skills and recognition required for employment or to establish my own practice. The course so far has met my criteria and exceeded my expectations.”
For more information, contact the Australasian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal Science on (08) 9382 4788.