How to Become a Dermal Therapist

20 Oct How to Become a Dermal Therapist

With the merging of the cosmetic medical and beauty professions, the development of new aesthetic equipment and the establishment of cosmetic clinic chains, a new set of skills in dermal therapy emerged. This allowed cosmetic practices to expand their scope of services and provide patients with multiple treatment options.

It also provided new career options beyond the scope of traditional beauty therapy. For many decades, career growth in beauty therapy was somewhat limited. In addition, there was only one training option in beauty therapy requiring students to study certain subjects unrelated to skin such as manicures and pedicures.

The Australasian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal Science is the only registered training organisation that offers a nationally accredited qualification in Dermal Therapy as an undergraduate study option. This means the applicant does not have to hold a qualification in beauty therapy as a prerequisite.

The 52850WA Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science is developed as an alternative to the Diploma of Beauty for applicants wanting to focus their career options specifically on dermal rather than beauty therapy.

Beauty Therapy or Dermal Therapy – what’s the difference?

A Diploma of Beauty Therapy covers all skills required to work in a beauty salon/clinic. These skills encompass; facials, eyelash extensions and brow tinting, holistic body massages, manicure/pedicures, makeup, retailing skin care products and waxing. Approximately one quarter of the course is focused on the skin. Beauty therapy can certainly provide a good foundation for future skills in dermal science which is why there’s a postgraduate option for beauty therapists – the 52854WA Graduate Diploma of Dermal Science.

The alternative to a Diploma of Beauty Therapy, is the 52850WA Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science. This course covers all skills required to work in a cosmetic medical clinic under the supervision of a cosmetic nurse or cosmetic doctor/surgeon.

The Role of the Dermal Therapist

The role of the Dermal Therapist is broad and required skills may vary according to the type of cosmetic clinic and the services offered. The knowledge and skills developed in the 52850WA Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science ensures the graduate is prepared for any type of cosmetic practice, e.g. working with a cosmetic physician in a multi-disciplined practice, a boutique cosmetic clinic, a dermatology practice or a cosmetic clinic chain.

Procedures performed by the Dermal Therapist include; laser and light therapies (laser, intense pulsed light and light emitting diodes), energy-based therapies (cryotherapy, radiofrequency), skin/miro-needling, micro/hydrodermabrasion, chemical peels and the recommendation of specialised cosmeceuticals.

Since cosmetic clinics are small businesses, adjunct skills in clinic marketing and management are essential and expected. The 52850WA Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science fulfills this requirement with the unit “Manage and promote the cosmetic practice”.

In addition to the above skills, a Dermal Therapist must also have a broad knowledge of procedures performed by the cosmetic surgeon and cosmetic nurse. Patient assessment and consultation is holistic and therefore a multi-treatment approach is often advised with referral to one or more cosmetic or health professionals.

Further Learning Opportunities

On completion of 52850WA Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science, graduates have the opportunity to further their studies by completing an additional three units to earn a Graduate Diploma of Dermal Science. These additional units are topics in dermatology, dermatoscopy, and integrated health and dermatology, all of which will assist the Dermal Therapist to expand their scope of practice and seek more advanced job opportunities.

Where to Start?

If your interests are more focused on the dermal sciences and you see yourself working in a cosmetic clinic rather than a beauty salon, to start your journey, we advise applying for the 52850WA Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science course.

To commence the application process, please click HERE. If you’re not quite ready to apply, please feel free to call on 08 9328 6760 or email the enquiries team to arrange a suitable day/time to speak with a Course Advisor.