We’ve had a lot of interest in our Level 7 Qualification in Botox and Dermal Fillers but a common question that we hear from our delegates considering this route is:
“Is it true that I will need to have a Level 7 qualification by 2018 to practice Botox and dermal fillers in the UK?”
With lots of opinions flying around on this matter it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of who to believe. In this ever-changing landscape of the thriving aesthetics industry, we are here to provide a transparent, first-hand overview on the current training recommendations in the UK.
So if you’re considering a career in aesthetic medicine but unsure of whether the Level 7 is right for you, continue reading…
What is the Level 7 Qualification?
The Level 7 Qualification is a necessary movement towards a more standardised level of training for medical professionals considering a career in aesthetic medicine or those who are wanting to gain more formal recognition of their skills.
Is the Qualification mandatory and will I need it to practice in the UK by 2018?
With so many providers now offering this qualification we can see how easy it is to start thinking that the Level 7 qualification is in fact mandatory. But in short, it isn’t. At present there is no legal requirement for you to hold a Level 7 Qualification in order to practice Botox and dermal fillers or any other non-surgical aesthetic treatments for that matter.
Although the Department of Health strongly support the recommendations that have been provided by Health Education England (HEE) the Government have not accepted the case for statutory and mandatory regulation in the non-surgical aesthetic sector.
In response to this, the only option was to have an independent council that is devoted to the development and implementation of the guidelines. Therefore key stakeholders within the industry have formed and created the Joint Council of Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) whose aim is to set the standards of clinical and practice proficiency in order to provide a safer patient outcome.
The JCCP are working towards reaching a point whereby all aesthetic practitioners adopt these standards within their practice.
If I don’t complete the Level 7 Qualification will I still be able to continue my aesthetic practice?
Yes. As the qualification is not mandatory you will still be able to continue your aesthetic practice as normal. However, it is worth considering that most major stakeholders including leading insurance providers, independent training establishments and pharmaceutical companies amongst others, are supporting this movement.
In addition to this, if you would like to be registered with the JCCP as a cosmetic practitioner then you will have to provide evidence that you have completed or are working towards an accredited Level 7 Qualification.
Will I still be able to complete one day training courses?
Yes. Independent training providers and pharmaceutical companies will still be offering one day courses so that you can continue to develop your skills and gain CPD points.
Are all Level 7 Qualifications registered?
If you have decided that the Level 7 Qualification is the right option for you then it is important to be aware that not all training providers are offering registered Level 7 Qualifications. In line with the HEE guidelines, in order for a Level 7 to be a recognised qualification it must be OFQUAL registered. We discuss this further in our latest blog ‘What to look for in a Level 7 training provider?‘
Level 7 Qualification in Botox and Dermal Fillers at Cosmetic Courses
Our Level 7 Qualification has been developed using a multi-faceted approach to your learning to suit all academic styles with a personal approach. It involves a combination of online learning, clinical observations, practical hands-on, mentoring and assessments to provide you with 277 hours of comprehensive learning.
And if you have already started practicing in aesthetics we provide pathways for you to achieve your Level 7 Qualification through recognition of your prior learning.
Contact our friendly team today to discuss your training options and to clear up any questions you may have about your next steps.
Useful resources:
- Your guide to Level 7 Qualification in Aesthetic Medicine
- What Should I Look for in a Level 7 Training Provider?
- Clinical Observation Day
- Cosmetic Courses online training academy
Please note the above is in the development stages and therefore is subject to change.
