How to become a dermal therapist in Australia: Everything you need to know
Passionate about skincare and helping others achieve healthier, more radiant skin? A career as a dermal therapist might be perfect for you.
Dermal therapists are skincare professionals who perform non-invasive treatments to improve the health and appearance of skin, including laser therapy, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and needling.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the qualifications required, how long it takes to become a dermal therapist, and the potential salary you can expect.
Dermal therapist qualifications
Diploma of Beauty Therapy
Many dermal therapists start their career with this qualification, which provides foundational understanding of skincare, anatomy and basic treatments. To offer the advanced treatments administered by a dermal therapist, further training is required.
Advanced Diploma
An Advanced Diploma in dermal science or similar provides a direct pathway to practise as a dermal therapist. These courses address topics such as skin biology, laser safety, and advanced treatments including chemical peels and skin needling.
Post-graduate qualifications
These programs are generally designed for participants with a background in allied health or beauty, who wish to upgrade their skills to work as dermal therapists.
These qualifications are offered by registered training organisations (RTOs) like Australasian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal Science (AACDS).
There are different requirements in each state for licensing of dermal therapists. For example, in Queensland, therapists using laser devices for cosmetic treatments require a license.
You should ensure that the course you choose to enrol in will satisfy the licensing requirements in your state.
Dermal therapist courses
The Australasian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal Science (AACDS) offers the following qualifications to prepare you for a dermal therapy career:
The 52850WA Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science has been developed for individuals who want to work as qualified dermal therapists in a cosmetic medical practice or dermal clinic but have no previous study or experience.
The 52854WA Graduate Diploma of Dermal Science is the highest qualification available in Dermal Therapies recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). It is above a Bachelor Degree level, and open for enrolment to those who have a background in beauty or allied health.
AACDS courses include laser safety training, meeting the requirements for licensing in Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania.
Both courses also include HLTINF005 Maintain infection prevention for skin penetration treatments which is required under the Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) Regulation 2016 in Queensland.
Dermal therapist courses online
AACDS delivers its courses through a blended model of online study and in-person practical training sessions. This means you can study where and when it suits your schedule, with access to trainer support and regular virtual tutorial sessions.
Practical training is completed in purpose built, state-of-the-art training clinics, providing hands-on experience with real clients.
How long does it take to become a dermal therapist?
Most dermal therapy courses will take up to 2 years to complete. Study with AACDS will have you job ready in 1 year of full time study, or 2 years of part time study.
What is the average dermal therapist salary?
The typical salary for a dermal therapist in Australia is $75000-$80000 per annum. There is room for growth with the development of skills and certifications in specialist treatments and technologies, and clinic management.
Why study with AACDS?
The Australasian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal Science offers the gold standard in education for dermal therapies. Our award-winning curriculum and training model has been born from cosmetic medicine, not beauty therapy, and developed by industry-leading experts.
Our practical training is delivered in state-of-the-art student clinics located in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Gold Coast. These fully equipped clinics have been specifically designed to ensure students gain maximum exposure to a wide range of cutting edge aesthetic equipment, products and techniques.
Our courses are delivered using a blended model of online study, with regular virtual support sessions, and in person practical training. Practical sessions are limited to 2 students per trainer, to ensure training is highly personalised and students have genuine opportunity to practice, rather than just observe.
AACDS offers you flexible payment and funding options to assist you in your study and career goals. This includes this course being approved for VET Student Loans (VSL), subject to eligibility.
Where to next?
Let us help you launch your dermal therapy career. Chat with one of our friendly Course Consultants to explore courses, start dates, payment options and enrolment eligibility.
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