Are you seeking a rewarding career in the booming aesthetic industry? Or are you looking to expand your beauty therapist skillset with a modern, contemporary treatment?
Studying for the NVQ Level 4 Certificate in Laser and IPL at Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetic Academy and becoming a certified laser technician is a great way to start.
Laser hair removal is one of the most in-demand beauty treatments, and by becoming qualified, you’ll be positioning yourself for success in this competitive industry. There has never been a better time to train as new regulations have risen for the clients’ safety, creating a seemingly prominent barrier to becoming a Laser Hair Removal Therapist.
But what do you need to do and learn to become a qualified and practising Laser Hair Removal Technician?
Why Choose a Career as a Laser Technician?
There has never been a better time to become a laser therapist! The introduction of sophisticated laser machines allows us to eliminate hair with a precision never before seen.
Laser hair removal treatments offer more permanent and long-term solutions. Year after year, machines become more advanced and are the modern treatment choice for hair removal. Salons realise the potential of Laser Therapy and the need for more qualified Laser Hair Removal Therapists.
If you started studying a Laser and IPL training course now, you would be in a great position to;
- Start a popular and rewarding career in its growth period.
- The potential for future employment opportunities in many different areas is high.
High Demand for Laser Hair Removal
The beauty/aesthetic industry is continuously growing, and laser hair removal has become a core service in many clinics and salons. As people look for long-term hair reduction solutions, trained laser technicians are in higher demand than ever.
Becoming a laser therapist is also a popular career choice, as many advanced treatments are rooted in laser and IPL. These include tattoo removal, skin/facial treatments, and even cancer cell removal.
If you’re looking for a career where you can help people feel confident while working in a fast-paced, innovative industry, this is the career guide for you.
Step 1: Understand the Role of a Laser Technician
Laser technicians are specialists who use laser technology to provide a variety of treatments, most commonly for hair removal but also for skin rejuvenation, tattoo removal, and more. The primary role of a laser technician is to ensure laser treatments are performed safely and effectively to help clients achieve their desired outcome.
You’ll be working with different skin types and hair textures, so it’s vital to understand how lasers interact with the skin to achieve the best results without compromising client safety.
A career in Laser Hair Removal Therapy offers you the chance to:
- Increase your wages by over £3,000 if you’re already working as a Beauty therapist.
- A starting salary of £25,000+ for a new Laser Hair Removal Technician.
- Once you’ve gained your laser hair removal qualification, you can further your skills in laser therapy.
Step 2: Check the Legal Requirements and Qualifications
Before you can begin your training, you need to know the qualifications and regulations required in your region.
In the UK, regulations can differ depending on where you are. Some areas may require specific certifications for laser treatments, while others might have stricter health and safety guidelines. It’s essential to check with local authorities or governing bodies to ensure you meet all the requirements.
In London, the clampdown by local councils has begun, ensuring fully qualified Laser Technicians. These skilled laser technicians should have proper accreditations and practical knowledge.
Councils are ensuring that those operating a legitimate laser hair removal business must have the following:
- Special treatment license
- Insurance policy
Your local council will issue the special treatment license. Most local councils require the laser technician to have a fully accredited Level 4 Laser and IPL certificate. Technicians should also have a manufacturing training certificate and a core knowledge certificate.
Qualifications Needed to get Laser Insurance
Insurance companies have also updated their policies during the last few years. Nearly all of them now require laser therapists to have the following credentials:
- A fully accredited Level 2 Beauty Therapy or Facial/Skincare
- The fully accredited Level 3 Beauty Therapy diploma. The course should include both facial and body electrical treatments in its learnings. The level 3 massage or anatomy qualifications are not adequate.
or a
- Fully accredited Level 3 Facial Electrotherapy Certificate* The course covers five units: Provide Facial Electrotherapy treatments, Apply microdermabrasion, Dermatology and microbiology, Client care and communication in beauty-related industries, and monitor and maintain health and safety practices in the salon. – *Not to be mistaken, with a Level 3 facial electrotherapy unit that some schools offer. Those qualifications are a standard unit taken from the level 3 beauty course outline; they do not cover any theory or A&P knowledge and are not acknowledged.
At Ray Cochrane, our Level 3 Facial Electrotherapy course includes the Level 3 Certificate in Anatomical and Physiological Knowledge of Body Systems at no extra cost. Understanding the entire body system is essential for students, especially when progressing to more advanced qualifications where treatments can be carried out from head to toe.
- A fully accredited Level 4 Laser and IPL Certificate in hair removal and skin rejuvenation.
Please note that all these qualifications must be OFQUAL-regulated to meet these insurance guidelines. To enrol directly on the Level 4 Laser & IPL, you must hold OFQUAL regulated certificates in the correct Level 2 & 3 subjects.
To learn more about laser hair removal insurance, check out our blog post answering all the questions about laser insurance. You can only get insured as a Laser Hair Removal Technician with the abovementioned qualifications; without it, most employers will not even hire you as a Laser Therapist.
These regulations are there with good reason!
With more and more aesthetic accidents happening, the demand for adequately trained Laser Hair Removal Therapists increases.
If treatments aren’t carried out properly, incidents such as the permanent scarring of skin and burns on clients can occur. This leads to payouts and legal repercussions due to the misuse of the laser machine.
These incidents only occur because of untrained salon technicians who still need to undertake the necessary machinery training.
Just think of any treatment you might have done; you’d want someone to know what they’re doing.
So, what is the solution?
Step 3: Choose the Right Laser Hair Removal Course
Once you understand the legal landscape and the necessary qualifications, the next step is choosing the right course. Choosing the right training is one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your journey to becoming a laser technician!
Why Training Matters
Working with laser machines is a highly specialised skill that requires thorough training. You’ll need to understand how different laser technologies work, how to assess and treat different skin and hair types, and how to perform treatments safely and effectively.
What Should You Look for in a Course?
When selecting a course, it’s important to choose one that is accredited and recognised by leading industry bodies. This ensures you’re getting high-quality training that meets the necessary standards.
Look for courses that cover:
- Laser physics and safety protocols
- Skin anatomy and how lasers interact with different skin types
- Practical training on live models
- Consultation and aftercare procedures
At Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetic Academy, our Level 4 Laser Hair Removal and IPL Course is designed to cover all these areas comprehensively. It’s ideal for beginners and offers hands-on experience with expert tutors.
Introducing Ray Cochrane’s routes to becoming a fully qualified Laser Technician from Beginner
We have recognised the qualifications needed and created a bespoke fast-track course path! By completing your chosen route, you can reach your goal of becoming an employable and insurable Laser Technician within a suitable time frame.
Students can focus on the fast-track route, which consists of Level 2 Facials & Skin Care, Level 3 Beauty Therapy, and Level 4 Laser & IPL Intensive course. This will have them fully qualified in just 22 weeks.
Alternatively, suppose you are interested in all aspects of Beauty and are looking for a comprehensive training plan. In that case, we’d recommend completing your Level 2 Beauty Therapy, Level 3 Beauty Therapy and Level 4 Laser & IPL course, which would take 38 weeks to complete.
The infographic below was created to outline the recognised qualifications needed to become a practising Laser Technician and the duration they might take you depending on what is suitable.
Our courses all run as part-time options, running for 1 – 2 days a week each. Therefore, students must be realistic about how much work they can take on and what their other responsibilities require from them.
Regardless of how much free time you have available to study, our experienced enrollment team can help you create a route that works for you!
Call us at 020 3389 6888 or email admission@raycochrane.co.uk stating ‘Laser and IPL course training route’ in the subject line, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
Step 4: Choose the Right Laser Training Academy
At Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetics Academy, we’re proud to be among London’s leading laser and aesthetics training academies. Our rich history dates back to 1954. With over six decades of experience, we’ve been at the forefront of beauty education, making us one of the most respected institutions in the field.
Our Level 4 Laser Hair Removal course has been carefully curated by experts to give students hands-on experience with the latest industry-leading technology—precisely the kind of equipment you’ll find in top salons and clinics globally.
Our School’s Director, Xubin Yuan, has over ten years of experience in the aesthetic laser industry. He started as the co-founder of Premier Laser and Skin, an award-winning laser Clinic Group. He ensures that students not only familiarise themselves with advanced machinery but also learn the crucial skills to avoid the common mistakes he observed throughout his laser career.
Not only does our school director have extensive laser and IPL knowledge, but our tutors bring an incredible wealth of experience to the classroom. Each is deeply passionate about teaching and committed to delivering top-tier training. With over 50 years of combined experience and CIDESCO qualifications, our tutors are laser therapy experts eager to pass on their knowledge to the next generation of laser therapists.
Since 2014, more than 800 aspiring laser therapists have successfully completed their Level 4 Laser & IPL qualification with us. They chose Ray Cochrane due to our well-established reputation, knowing that our qualifications are fully accredited and recognised by insurers, ensuring they can confidently enter the industry.
Step 5: Obtain Certification and Start Your Career
After completing your training, you’ll receive your certification that qualifies you to begin working as a laser technician.
Building a Portfolio
As you start working with clients, building a strong portfolio will be crucial to growing your reputation in the industry. Be sure to document your treatments and the results you achieve to showcase your skills. Especially highlighting your work on clients with different skin colours and types to showcase your range.
Networking and Finding Employment
Take advantage of networking opportunities during and after your training. Many clinics and salons are constantly looking for certified laser technicians, and building connections with your peers and instructors can lead to job opportunities.
At Ray Cochrane, we proudly offer ongoing support for students throughout their training and after graduating. We offer students CV support, in which our experienced staff will work with you to create the best CV to ensure you stand out from the crowd.
We also regularly host job fairs and events for employers to attend our academy and speak directly with students when hiring.
Finally, all Ray Cochrane alumni are added to our exclusive job board, on which we regularly post the latest and most popular jobs that are not shared elsewhere!
Ready to start your future?
As the laser industry’s innovations and treatments become more advanced and efficient, you will have the knowledge and skill to keep up.
You will also be able to keep up with the theory and knowledge behind new industry advancements. Our Level 4 Laser and IPL training will give you the confidence to look forward to working in the industry.
There has never been a better time to join the Laser and IPL industry! Combine your future with a future of technology, which promises a rewarding career.
Come study with us here at Ray Cochrane, where we are part of that future—teaching our students the latest technology and the most up-to-date beauty knowledge. A school with modern facilities and small class sizes gives focused attention to every individual. With an unmatched passion for teaching beauty since 1954, we are sure we are the choice for you.
You’re probably thinking, of course, we’re going to try and say all that, but how about you see what our past student had to say:
Get in touch today to learn more about starting your dream career as a Level 4 Laser Technician!
Click here to schedule a free course consultation call so we can discuss further our Laser & Ipl level 4 laser course
FAQ’s
1. What is NVQ Level 4 in laser and light treatments?
The NVQ Level 4 Certificate in Laser and IPL will help you develop all the skills required to perform laser hair removal treatments and skin rejuvenation. Taught to an exceptionally high standard, our tutors are committed to ensuring students are adequately supported with our dedication and professionalism.
2. What professional benefits does a career in Laser Hair Removal Therapy offer?
A career in Laser Hair Removal Therapy offers the potential for increased clientele. Laser therapy is a growing field that provides opportunities for continuous learning, skill enhancement, and specialisation in various advanced treatments. You will also be able to offer clients laser packages and introduce them to other advanced aesthetic treatments.
3. How much does a Laser hair removal technician make in London?
Our extensive market research shows that the average salary of a laser hair removal technician in the UK is £25,000 to £40,000. In London, laser hair removal specialists can expect to make £27,000 to £40,000. We have been provided with this figure by London-based clinics and our alumni working in the industry. This figure can be increased depending on added incentives such as sales commissions and annual bonuses, depending on the clinic you work for. Working as a laser hair removal technician is a very lucrative career with limitless earning potential!
4. How long does it take to become a laser hair removal technician?
The time to become a laser hair removal technician varies. For complete beginners, it can take as quick as 3 months if you attend our fast-track level 2 Facial & 3 Beauty courses. However, if you are already level 3 qualified, you can complete the training in just 4 days through an intensive course.
