Vocational Graduate Certificate in Intense Pulsed Light and Laser Hair Reduction

This qualification reflects the role of individuals who apply substantial specialised knowledge and skills to design and safely apply non-ionising radiation treatments using intense pulsed light and laser technologies to reduce unwanted hair on the face and body.

In this role they make complex, high level, independent judgements in consulting with clients and analysing their skin and hair characteristics, designing and evaluating intense pulsed light and laser hair reduction treatment programs, selecting and using appropriate technology, and applying it within the context of safe client and operator practices and in compliance with regulatory requirements. Ongoing technological developments in this area of practice require the use of broad knowledge and the identification, analysis and evaluation of information from a variety of sources to build personal capability.

Practice may be undertaken in the hair reduction stream of the beauty industry or in other settings where cosmetic laser hair reduction services are offered.


Subjects

To achieve a Vocational Graduate Certificate in Intense Pulsed Light and Laser Hair Reduction, 5 core units must be completed.

Core units

add topic HLTIN402B

Maintain infection control standards in office practice settings

add topic SIBBHRS705A

Apply intense pulsed light and laser safety protocols

add topic SIBBHRS706A

Design intense pulsed light and laser hair reduction treatment programs

add topic SIBBHRS707A

Provide intense pulsed light and laser hair reduction treatments

add topic SIBBRES702A

Investigate developments in cosmetic treatments using light or laser systems


Pathways...

    Not applicable.


Entry Requirements

To enrol in the Vocational Graduate Certificate in Intense Pulsed Light and Laser Hair Reduction, individuals will need to meet the following entry requirements.

Diploma of Beauty Therapy or a relevant qualification at diploma level or above in medical health, including the study of human biology, anatomy and physiology; and

significant and relevant vocational experience as a beauty therapist with a primary focus on providing facial services, skin services and hair reduction services;

or

evidence of significant and relevant vocational experience relating to the application of human biology, anatomy and physiology knowledge in their respective field.


Licensing Information

The use of non-ionising radiation for cosmetic treatments is currently subject to licensing under the Queensland Radiation Safety Act 1999, and accreditation of equipment, premises and operator under the Tasmanian Radiation Protection Act 2005. The Western Australian Radiation Safety Act 1975 imposes conditions, limitations and restrictions on the use of Class4 lasers. With regard to other states and territories, no licensing, regulatory or certification requirements apply at the time of endorsement.


Employability Skills

SIB70110 Vocational Graduate Certificate in Intense Pulsed Light and Laser Hair Reduction

The following table contains a summary of the employability skills required by the beauty industry for this qualification. The employability skills facets described here are broad industry requirements that may vary depending on qualification packaging options.

Employability skill

Industry/enterprise requirements for this qualification include:

Communication

Communication skills are used to consult with clients, advise the suitability and the physical effects of intense pulsed light and laser hair reduction treatments on skin and hair. This is done through questioning and observation and by providing clear information on products used and services or treatments proposed or performed. Clients may also need reassurance or have questions be answered throughout a treatment. Equipment information is also read and interpreted to make safe and appropriate recommendations to clients, and treatment plans are developed and/or amended as required.

Problem solving

Problem-solving skills are used when developing and/or amending treatment plans and throughout the provision of services and treatments by applying knowledge of contraindications, anatomy and physiology, and skin biology, for example, to anticipate and mitigate problems by advising clients of alternative options and/or referring them to alternative practitioners when performing treatments. Problem solving is supported in the treatment environment by referral to relevant legislation and regulations on safe use of lasers and health and hygiene.

Initiative and enterprise

The therapist uses complex equipment to provide treatments and is required to make decisions regarding the strength, frequency and length of treatments. These decisions are guided by thorough client consultation, diagnoses, treatment planning, thorough knowledge of the physical action of treatments on human skin and hair, and the requirements of environmental, operator and client safety and health and hygiene legislation and regulations. Opportunities to use initiative and enterprise occur within the identification and provision of the most appropriate treatment to meet identified and future needs of clients, within the boundaries of any contraindications which may be present. The therapist also needs to recognise changes in the client's condition during a treatment and take corrective action.

Teamwork

Teamwork is used to create a collective responsibility for innovation and changes in practice to respond to advances in technology; and by cultivating collaborative relationships through referral to other professionals.

Planning and organising

Information, time and resources must be planned and organised to deliver safe and effective services. The safe use of application of IPL and laser safety protocols must be planned and organised to meet legislative requirements and achieve optimum client treatment outcomes.

Self-management

At this level the therapist acts as a professional practice role model by complying with legislative requirements and organisational policies and procedures, maintaining professional standards and demonstrating safe practice in all aspects of treatment services.

Learning

Therapists offering light therapies are required to take responsibility for maintaining and sharing their knowledge of new products and services or treatments and environmental best practice, with a view to maximising business profitability. They do this by seeking out and evaluating new information on the cosmetic application of light technologies, and researching the availability and relevance of education and training opportunities in order to further develop their professional expertise and services offered in their field of practice.

Technology

Using intense pulsed light and laser technology for hair reduction; and analysing technological trends and clinical practice developments in light therapies to inform own practice.

Due to the high proportion of electives required by this qualification, the industry/enterprise requirements described above for each employability skill are representative of the industry in general and may not reflect specific job roles. Learning and assessment strategies for this qualification should be based on the requirements of the units of competency for this qualification.