Those interested in joining the field of aesthetics might have noticed a new VTCT Aesthetic course – The VTCT Level 3 Access to Aesthetic. The course promises to prepare students with no experience in beauty and aesthetics and train them to become competent to join advanced aesthetic courses.
At Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetics Academy, we are committed to offering the highest quality training and are proud to be a leading VTCT Centre. We often work closely with VTCT, usually being one of the first training centres to offer their newly launched courses. However, after thorough consideration, we have decided not to offer the new VTCT Level 3 Access to Aesthetics course at our Academy.
While the new VTCT Level 3 Access to Aesthetics course is being marketed as a gateway into the Aesthetics industry, we firmly believe that our bespoke VTCT Level 2 and 3 Combined Facials and Skin Care Course offers better training for those who want to work as a professional aesthetician. The course is also suitable for those with no beauty and aesthetic experience but teaches them in a more streamlined process to ensure they are fully competent.
Our blog will provide a detailed comparison of both courses and explain why we believe the combined facials course is the better option for aspiring aestheticians looking to succeed in the beauty and aesthetics industry.
Let’s begin,
Level 2 and 3 Facials and Skin Care vs. Level 3 Access to Aesthetic
When comparing the VTCT Level 2 and 3 Combined Facials and Skin Care course with the Level 3 Access to Aesthetics course, the differences in content make it clear which is better suited for aspiring aestheticians.
Level 2 and 3 Facials and Skin Care Course Contents
The combined facials and skincare qualification is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of advanced facial treatments, with a strong focus on practical training using electrical equipment.
The core units of the course include:
1. Client Consultation and Treatment Planning:
Students learn to conduct thorough consultations, assess skin conditions and develop tailored treatment plans.
2. Facial Massage & Skincare Techniques:
Learn fundamental facial massage methods that enhance circulation and improve skin tone. The unit teaches the basics of facials, including skin analysis and the application of skincare products so students can deliver tailored treatments.
3. Dermatology/Skincare and Product Knowledge:
The unit covers an extensive range of products and ingredients, giving students the knowledge to recommend appropriate skincare regimens to clients.
4. Health, Safety and Hygiene:
Training provided to maintain hygiene and adhere to safety standards, which are vital in a professional aesthetic treatment environment.
5. Electrical Facial Treatments:
An essential unit in which students learn to safely and effectively use electrical devices such as Galvanic, High Frequency, Microcurrent, EMS, and Lymph Drainage, which are essential for performing advanced facial treatments.
6. Anatomy and Physiology:
We are pleased to announce that our Level 3 Facial Electrotherapy at Ray Cochrane includes the VTCT Level 3 Award in Anatomical and Physiological Knowledge Of Body Systems. Students receive in-depth training on the structure and function of the skin and entire bodily systems, as well as the lymphatic and circulatory systems. Other providers offering this course will only teach anatomy and physiology relevant to the chest upwards.
Level 3 Access to Aesthetics Course Contents
In contrast, the Level 3 Access to Aesthetics course offers a more introductory overview of aesthetics and beauty therapy, covering theory and basic practical techniques. It lacks the depth needed to prepare students for aesthetic roles.
The main units include:
1. Facial and Skincare Treatments:
This unit covers manual facial techniques, focusing on basic treatments like cleansing, toning and moisturizing. While these skills are essential, the unit is a level 2 qualification, found in the Level 2 Facial and Skincare course, making the unit less advanced than expected for a Level 3 qualification.
2. Consultation and Client Care:
Another level 2 unit that touches on professionalism in the beauty industry, including communication skills to understand clients’ needs, produce the best results and maintain client relationships.
3. Health and Safety in the Salon:
Like the Facial and Skin Care course, this unit covers essential health and safety protocols to successfully maintain and manage a professional salon environment.
4. Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology:
This unit aims to equip learners with a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology, providing the essential knowledge of the body’s structure and function.
5. Electrical Science:
This new theoretical unit equips learners with the essential knowledge of electrical science, enabling them to understand the physical principles behind electrical beauty therapy treatments. The fact that this unit misses practical electrical training limits the treatments that students can perform, leaving them unprepared for more complex procedures.
From the course contents alone, it is evident why the Facial and Skin Care course is the superior choice for those looking to establish a serious career in the aesthetics industry. However, keep reading to discover why the Level 2 and 3 Facial and Skin Care course is better than the Access to Aesthetics course.
Why Choose Level 2 and 3 Facial and Skin Care over Level 3 Access to Aesthetics Course?
Here’s why the Level 2 and 3 Facial and Skin Care course is a better choice than the Level 3 Access to Aesthetics.
1. Balanced Practical and Theoretical Training
One of the most important differences between the two courses is their practical and theoretical content balance. At Ray Cochrane, we often stress the value of hands-on experience, especially in aesthetics, where practical training is essential for success. We even recently wrote about the importance of practical training when completing beauty and aesthetic training.
The VTCT Facial and Skin Care course offers a comprehensive and balanced curriculum, emphasising practical training. This ensures that students can leave the course with a theoretical understanding of treatments and the confidence and ability to perform treatments to the highest standard.
In contrast, the VTCT Level 3 Access to Aesthetics course is heavily skewed towards theoretical learning. Based on the curriculum, we would say that approximately 70% of the course focuses on theoretical knowledge and only 30% on practical application, with the practical elements being a level 2 qualification.
While understanding theory is essential, this course structure is not ideal for those wanting to work in the aesthetics field immediately after completing their qualification. Students who complete the Access to Aesthetics course will need more practical training to confidently perform treatments in a professional setting, making it harder for them to find employment down the line.
2. Practical Training in Electrical Treatments
The Level 2 and 3 Facial and Skin Care course includes the Level 3 Facial Electricals qualification, which includes a wide range of electrical facial treatments such as microcurrent, galvanic and faradic facials. The techniques learned through these treatments form the foundation and are key components for many modern advanced aesthetic procedures such as radiofrequency, ultrasound and hydra facials. Hands-on training and experience with these devices are essential for anyone looking to work in the aesthetic industry.
The Level 3 Access to Aesthetics course lacks this vital component. The only practical element of the course is the facial and skin care unit, which provides a basic understanding of facial and skincare routines. This is a significant drawback for anyone looking to pursue a career as an aesthetician, as most employers expect candidates to be proficient in electrical treatments.
3. Prepares Learners for Industry Trade Tests
When securing a job in the aesthetics industry, applicants typically undergo a trade test as part of the interview process. The test requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to perform a professional facial treatment. These facial treatments will be advanced and often include facials that incorporate electrical devices.
The Level 2 and 3 combined facials course prepares students for these trade tests through constant practical training, ensuring they have the necessary skills and experience to pass with flying colours.
By contrast, the Level 3 Access to Aesthetics course doesn’t equip students with the skills required to perform electrical facial treatments upon graduating. Without this training, students are more likely to struggle during the interview process, reducing their chances of securing a job in the competitive aesthetics industry.
4. Industry Relevance
For those looking to enter the aesthetics industry, choosing a course that provides the necessary training and opens the doors to future employment is important. At the end of the day, you want to turn your aesthetic passion into a successful career!
The Level 2 and 3 Facial and Skin Care course is already highly respected within the industry and provides students with the skills and experience employers want. Many of our students who have completed this course have used it to kickstart their aesthetic career, going on to Level 4 Laser, Microneedling and Chemical Skin Peel training.
However, the Level 3 Access to Aesthetics course, while marketed as a pathway into the aesthetics industry, offers a more basic level of training suited for a junior therapist. Employers will recognise that the qualification is more akin to just studying Level 2 Facial and Skincare.
Aspiring aestheticians who choose the Access to Aesthetics route due to the fast-track nature it promises will find themselves unprepared for the technical demands of a professional aesthetic role. The theory-heavy approach will limit their ability to perform more specialized treatments, making it more suited for those seeking entry-level beauty roles.
Ray Cochrane will not be Offering the Access to Aesthetics Course
At Ray Cochrane, we are passionate about offering the most accurate guidance to help our learners invest in their education.
We work with industry leaders and employers to ensure we are up-to-date with the industry demands when releasing new courses. Because of this dedication, we have worked closely with VTCT in the past to review and implement new courses.
Yet our school management, which includes industry experts with years of experience in beauty and aesthetics, has decided not to offer Level 3 Access to Aesthetics as it does not provide the training necessary for students to succeed in the aesthetics industry.
The course may seem attractive, especially for those with no experience looking to fast-track their aesthetic education and have a Level 3 qualification under their belt. Regardless, there are better routes to becoming level 3 qualified, such as the Level 2 and 3 combined Facials and Skincare, which will put learners in a more promising position for further education and employment.
We have many resources on our career guide page, which help direct learners to choose the best route for their aspirations. For example:
Alternatively, contact our course enrolment advisors, who can assist you on the best route for achieving your aesthetician career goals! We are open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm and can be reached on 02074866291 or at admission@raycochrane.co.uk.
