The aesthetic treatment industry is growing in popularity with clients and practitioners alike, attracting a wide range of individuals eager to develop their skills in treatments such as laser hair removal, microneedling and chemical skin peels. However, as the demand increases, so does the number of training providers offering courses that promise quick qualification.
While some courses are excellent top-ups for those with existing beauty and aesthetic training, others are riddled with red flags that could jeopardise your future in the industry. Understanding what to look for when booking an aesthetic course is critical to ensuring you receive high-quality, accredited training that will set you up for a successful and secure career in this competitive field.
In this blog, we will explore five significant red flags to watch out for when choosing an aesthetic training course and discuss why choosing a reputable and accredited academy, such as Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetic Academy, is vital to kickstarting your career in this competitive field.
5 Things to Consider When Choosing an Aesthetics Training Course
1) Too Short a Course (1-day courses that promise to teach everything)
A major red flag for an aesthetic course is one that promises to turn you into a professional aesthetic practitioner in just one day! These “quick fix” courses often claim to teach you everything you need to know, from the basics of anatomy and physiology to performing advanced treatments in a very short amount of time.
Mastering aesthetic treatments to offer them professionally requires time, practice, and a deep understanding of anatomy, skin conditions, and various techniques. This commitment to learning and practice is essential for a successful career in the aesthetic treatment industry.
A one-day course may offer basic theory, but you must be Level 4 qualified in a similar aesthetic field to develop theoretical understanding and hands-on training in a day!
It’s crucial to choose an aesthetic training program that offers sufficient learning hours guided by experienced professionals. A legitimate course should cover theoretical knowledge and extensive practical training, spread across several weeks or months, to give learners time to absorb the information.
2) Non-Accredited/Non-Regulated Training
Another typical red flag to look out for when choosing an aesthetic training provider is that their course is non-accredited or unregulated. These courses often come with attractive price tags and flexible schedules, but they lack the credibility and recognition needed to work legally and safely in the beauty and aesthetic industry.
Accredited courses, such as those regulated by Ofqual, ensure that the training you receive meets the industry standards set by experienced professionals. Ofqual-regulated qualifications, for instance, provide standardisation in education, ensuring that every learner of a similar level meets the same competency levels. These qualifications are also required by many local councils for licensing and insurance purposes, particularly for specialised treatments like laser therapy.
It is important to note that these standardisations are also in place to protect clients and the quality of aesthetic treatments they receive.
When choosing an aesthetic course, ensure reputable awarding bodies like VTCT or City & Guilds regulate it. Avoid courses that do not explicitly mention their accreditation, as employers or regulatory bodies may not recognise these qualifications, putting you at a disadvantage down the line.
Check out our blog to learn why Ofqual regulated qualifications are essential in the aesthetic industry.
3) Course Prices are too Cheap
This one might be a bummer for most, as who doesn’t love to save money? However, if a course seems too cheap compared to other accredited programs, it’s a red flag!
Quality aesthetic training involves expensive equipment, experienced trainers and comprehensive learning materials. If a course costs significantly less than others, it’s likely cutting corners in areas that are crucial to your education.
Low-priced courses may also skimp on practical experience, which is crucial for training to be an aesthetic provider. This experience may include elements like health and safety training or even necessary assessments.
Quality training is an investment for your future and career. If a course seems too good to be true, it probably is!
4) Online-only Training
While online learning has become more popular, especially for theory-based components, aesthetic courses that are entirely online are a major red flag. Practical experience is fundamental when learning treatments that involve working with real people and their appearance.
Whilst theory lessons such as anatomy and physiology can be delivered online, hands-on practice is essential for treatments like microneedling or laser hair removal.
A quality training course that wants to accommodate learners’ time may offer a blend of online theory and in-person practical sessions, where students can practise treatments under the supervision of experienced tutors.
Any course that promises to qualify you based purely on online learning should be approached cautiously, especially if it involves treatments requiring physical skills.
5) No Practical Training before Qualifying
Our final red flag, which we’ve touched upon in previous points, is an aesthetic course that doesn’t offer practical training on live models before certification.
Practical experience is the backbone of aesthetic training; without hands-on practice, it’s impossible to master the complexities of aesthetic procedures. Working on a model allows students to build confidence and apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting whilst knowing their tutor can assist and correct any mistakes.
Courses focusing solely on theory or offering practice only on mannequins will leave you ill-prepared for real clients. Clients have different skin types, textures, pain tolerances, and other features that a mannequin will never be able to replicate.
A well-rounded course should include supervised practical sessions with live models, allowing you to refine your skills before qualifying.
Look for programs where most of your training involves practical, hands-on experience.
Choosing Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetic Academy for Your Green Flag Aesthetic Training
When it comes to selecting an aesthetic training provider, Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetic Academy stands out as a leading institution that prioritises safety, accreditation, and hands-on experience. As a fully accredited academy, all qualifications offered at Ray Cochrane are Ofqual-regulated, ensuring you receive the highest standard of education.
Our academy’s aesthetic training courses span various levels, from beginners to advanced, and, of course, include extensive hands-on training with live models under the guidance of experienced tutors.
At Ray Cochrane, our focus is on quality and not speed. You will receive the time and attention needed to build your skills and knowledge base, ensuring you graduate as a confident, competent professional. At the end of the day, if you go on to succeed, so do we! We have a long-standing reputation for producing the very best talents in the beauty and aesthetic industry.
Whether you’re starting with a Level 2 Facial Skincare course or advancing on to our Level 5 Laser Tattoo Removal, each qualification is designed to prepare you for the real-world demands of the beauty and aesthetic industry.
In addition, our academy offers flexible learning options, including part-time courses that allow students to balance their education with other commitments. However, practical training always remains a core component, ensuring students leave with real-world experience.
Ready to start your journey in the beauty and aesthetics industry with one of the most reputable training providers in the UK?
Contact Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetic Academy today to learn more about our accredited courses and book your free, no-pressure consultation.
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Make an Informed Choice for Your Aesthetics Training
Navigating the world of aesthetic training can be challenging, especially with the abundance of courses that promise quick qualifications at rock-bottom prices.
However, by keeping an eye out for these red flags—such as overly short courses, non-accredited training, and a lack of practical experience—you can make an informed decision that sets you up for long-term success in the aesthetic industry.
Choosing a reputable and accredited institution like Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetic Academy ensures that your training meets the highest standards, giving you the skills and confidence to build a thriving career.
Don’t fall for shortcuts; invest in your future with quality aesthetic training at a reputable beauty aesthetic academy.
