The aesthetics field is an attractive option for many medical professionals working in the NHS; with becoming an Injectables nurse at the top of the list of prospective careers for those looking for a change. Many nurses, tired of the long shifts and limited earning potential in their day-to-day career, are opting for a more flexible and profitable position either full or part-time as an aesthetic nurse.
At Derma Medical, our courses teach both dermal fillers and Injectables on the same course to give you a rounded learning experience and allow you to start treating paying clients with both products following your training, increasing your potential client base and in turn, your profits.
Although a change of career may feel daunting, the rewards are worth it, and it is not as difficult as it may seem. As a fully qualified nurse you have already completed the hardest part when it comes to training, there are just a few small yet important steps to take to get started.
Step 1: Make sure you are registered with the NMC
If you are already working as a nurse in the UK, you probably already have this step covered. Registering with the NMC is a vital component of working as a nurse in any capacity in the NHS and privately. If you have just qualified and you have applied for your pin but it has not yet come through, you will be welcome to attend our courses, but you will need this registration before you begin practising following your training in Injectables and dermal fillers.
Step 2: Check your prescribing rights
Botulinum Toxin is a prescription-only medicine which means you will either need to be a prescriber or work with one to obtain a prescription before you administer the treatment independently. As a nurse, you do not automatically obtain prescribing rights, but it is possible to become a nurse prescriber by completing a V300 course with a university. If you choose not to become a prescriber yourself, you can work with a prescriber in your local area or use a prescriber service for someone to do this on your behalf.
Step 3: Choose your training provider
It is paramount that you choose a training provider who will offer you the best quality training. It’s a very personal choice when it comes to who to pick, but above all our advice would be to ensure that the training company offers hands-on training on live cosmetic models, not mannequins. Mannequins do not offer the same injecting experience that a real-life human will, and we highly recommend not compromising on this above anything else.
As well as the hands-on practice, check the group sizes on the course itself; it’s no use attending a course that promises hands-on practice but when it comes to the day, you’re in a large group with little chance to inject. Small groups allow for a much more immersive experience that will leave you feeling confident to practice safely with your own clients.
Check if the course is CPD accredited and trains in line with the latest HEE and GMC guidelines for peace of mind that the training you receive is recognised and trusted.
It is also helpful to know what kind of aftercare is available following the course should you have any questions. Derma Medical offer 3 months of aftercare, so you are welcome to email us with anything you are not sure about whilst you are getting set up. We have a clinical doctor on hand to answer any specific medical questions should you need them.
Step 4: Attend your course
Once you have chosen which company to train with, it’s now time to attend your course. To make sure you get the most out of the training, we highly recommend thoroughly studying the pre-course material and filling out any forms ahead of time so that you are prepared and ready to take on board all of the information needed for the day without feeling overloaded. Bring a notebook and pen to take any notes if you would like to (although these are often provided by the venue), and make sure you are wearing appropriate clothing and footwear. Unless you are otherwise advised by the training provider, we would recommend wearing comfortable shoes, and smart-casual attire that will not drape across the models when you are treating them.
Step 5: Start treating patients and keep up to date
Once you have obtained your certification and cosmetic indemnity insurance, the most important step following your training is to treat your first client as soon as you can! Treating your first patient whilst your training is fresh in your mind is the best way to ensure you get off to a flying start. Many practitioners start by offering friends and family cost-price treatments so that they can use their photographs for marketing purposes to attract your first full-paying clients.
We highly recommend keeping up to date with the latest techniques, treatment areas, and trends to ensure that you are offering the most in-demand treatments. You can do this by booking further training courses as you progress, either with your original course provider or somebody else.
At Derma Medical we also offer a digital marketing course which teaches you the most important practical steps to take to market your services and attract a client base in your local area which our delegates have found a priceless addition to their clinical training.
Have More Questions? Contact Us!
We hope that this blog post has answered some of the most important questions for you to help you decide to get started, however, if you have any more questions, please do visit our website here, you can email us at training@dermamedical.co.uk , or call us on 020 3873 7610.