How to become a cosmetic injectables nurse in Australia
Just like doctors, nurses have various options available to them when it comes to career pathways in medicine. And one of those pathways includes the field of cosmetic nursing.
Cosmetic nurses are medical professionals who customarily assist plastic surgeons and cosmetic dermatologists in surgical procedures, especially when it comes to administering cosmetic injectables.
To become a cosmetic nurse in Australia, there are different levels of training available. You can enrol in an Advanced Aesthetic Practitioner Course, undergo a foundation cosmetic nurse course, or complete another form of cosmetic injectable training for nurses.
So, how do you become a cosmetic nurse?
- Finish a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
Before you can specialise in cosmetics, you must first finish a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. This takes around 3 to 3.5 years of full-time study. This is a mandatory step as it serves as your foundation in the nursing and cosmetics field.
- Register to AHPRA
After finishing the degree, you need to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). AHPRA is a national agency that regulates Australia’s registered medical practitioners.
- Gain experience in the field
Getting around 2 years’ worth of nursing experience is highly recommended before working as a cosmetic nurse. You might choose to work as a nurse while undertaking your Cosmetic Nursing degree (See Step 4 below) or do it beforehand. This field experience may include shadowing an already certified cosmetic nurse, aiding in injectables procedures, or assisting in hospitals or clinics with board-certified physicians in plastic/aesthetic/cosmetic surgery, dermatology, or ophthalmology.
- Complete a Certificate in Cosmetic Nursing
Passing your nursing degree, being registered with the AHPRA, and having some experience in the field will make you well on your way to becoming a cosmetic nurse! The next step is to gain certification in a cosmetic nursing course.
The types and lengths of courses vary. It comes down to what training and qualifications you’re looking for. Our Advanced Aesthetic Practitioner Course (116 CPD hours) will assist you to become an all-encompassing cosmetic injector with advanced skin knowledge and a wide variety of treatment skills in your repertoire. There are also shorter courses like our 2 Day Foundation Neurotoxin Injectables course. For advice on how to choose the most suitable training for you, feel free to contact us.
What training is required for cosmetic injections?
The cosmetic aesthetic industry is a fast-growing industry – and it requires nurses and doctors with the appropriate skills to deliver the care and services that the industry requires. There’s a lot of emphasis on the importance of practitioners receiving accredited and endorsed training.
In line with Medical Board Recommendations, you need to be an AHPRA registered practitioner with the ability to inject Schedule 4 Medications. If you’d like to enter the cosmetic industry, you can try working directly with a cosmetic injecting doctor, working as an employee or contractor at a cosmetic injecting clinic, or setting up your own business with the support of scripting doctors. Whatever you choose, just ensure the doctor you’re working with provides support as per the ‘Guidelines for Registered Medical Practitioners who perform Cosmetic Medical and Surgical Procedures 2016’. You can read more in our blog about becoming a cosmetic nurse here.
What’s involved in a 2-day cosmetic injectables course?
CPD Institute of Australia’s 2-Day Foundation Neurotoxin Injectables Course is designed for Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, and Endorsed Enrolled Nurses who wish to work under the supervision of a GP in an autonomous manner. Covering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the aim is to ensure clinicians perform aesthetic treatments in an informed and ethical manner.
As a boutique style training organisation, we focus on personalised training with highly-skilled, experienced aesthetic trainers and small group sizes. During the course, we include a full day focused on honing your injecting skills on live cosmetic models supplied by CPD Institute of Australia to ensure your confidence to practice independently upon completion of the course.
We also encourage you to bring along your own model (one) to assist you with your ongoing learning. You can also use this opportunity to have treatments yourself to enhance your training experience.
The training takes place monthly, so you can find dates most suitable to you.
First Day – Theoretical
On Day 1, training focuses on the theory of Anti-Wrinkle Neurotoxins. The session will provide an understanding of the history of cosmetic injectables, the trends, and evidence-based best practices for non-surgical cosmetic treatments today.
We’ll also cover the facial anatomy and ageing process, consultation skills, treatable areas, product storage guidelines, injection techniques and dosages, complication management, plus more.
Second Day – Practical
On Day 2, we’ll undergo practical training in Anti-Wrinkle Neurotoxins with live models. This includes understanding how to treat the forehead, frown lines, and crow’s feet.
Overall, the course qualifies for a total of 14 CPD hours. It’s a great start for your cosmetic nursing career.
For more information about the 2 day course or our range of cosmetic nursing courses, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help!
