First qualification in aesthetic medicine
The first qualification for registered healthcare professionals in the use of cosmetic treatments such as dermal fillers and chemical denervation is launched today (Thursday, September 13).
The University of Greenwich and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) have collaborated to introduce the Graduate Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine, a nationally recognised higher education qualification.
At the moment the market in cosmetic surgery and aesthetic medicine is unregulated with an estimated 4,000 providers in the UK. The Expert Group on the Regulation of Cosmetic Surgery called for greater regulation in its 2005 report to the Chief Medical Officer.
“This is reassuring news for patients seeking non-surgical cosmetic treatments. They will be able to choose a qualified practitioner, confident that they are competent and appropriately prepared,” says Linda Thorne, Principal Lecturer at the university’s School of Health & Social Care. “
Valerie Smith, RCN Independent Sector Adviser, says: "Over the last few years, the RCN has worked closely with nurses specialising in aesthetic medicine to give them the professional advice, support and networking opportunities to progress in their chosen career. For the first time, this new diploma - accredited by the RCN and developed with the University of Greenwich - will give nurses the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification which acknowledges their expertise in aesthetic medicine."
The graduate diploma will give an in depth understanding of anatomy, physiology and skin care, and the psychological and social impact of treatments on clients. Specialist modules include chemical denervation and dermal fillers.
Introductory elements of the course will be available from September ’07 with the rest of the modules available from January ‘08. Students will take practical assessments at the University of Greenwich but the diploma will be taught via e-learning so professionals can study at a time and place to suit them.
The diploma has been kindly supported by educational grants from ColBar LifeScience, Q-Med and Sanofi Aventis and will be launched at the RCN Forum for Nurses in Aesthetic Medicine annual conference.
For more information contact Julie Payne at the School of Health & Social Care, University of Greenwich on 020 8331 8618, email: j.a.payne@gre.ac.uk
Editors’ notes:
The University of Greenwich School of Health & Social Care has 137 staff and around 2,000 full-time equivalent students, offering a broad portfolio of courses in nursing, midwifery, psychology, health, public health, social work and social care. It works in close partnership with health and social care providers and has joint appointments with many of them to ensure its curricula are up to date. It carries out a wide range of research and is a pioneer in practice development and on-line learning, providing a range of Continuing Professional Development courses. For more information visit: www.gre.ac.uk/schools/health
The RCN Forum for Nurses in Aesthetic Medicine annual conference will be held on Thursday, September 13, at the Royal College of Physicians, Regent’s Park, London. Journalists wishing to attend should contact the RCN media office on 020 7647 3633.
Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations. For more information visit: www.rcn.org.uk/news/mediacentre.php
University of Greenwich Press Officer
Hester Brown
Tel: 020 8331 7663
Mob: 07876 193481
hester.brown@gre.ac.uk
RCN Media Office
Tel: 0207 647 3633
press.office@rcn.org.uk