+ What is this micro-credential called?

“Cosmetic Lasers and Intense Light Source Therapies Micro-credential”.

+ What is a micro-credential?

A micro-credential is a shorter, bite-sized learning achievement is that became a recognised part of New Zealand's qualifications system in 2017/2018 and piloted in the trade sector. In 2021, NZ Laser Training Institute Ltd launched NZ's only “Cosmetic Lasers and Intense Light Source Therapies Micro-credential”. Basically, a micro-credential is a single, typically-shareable endorsement of a learner’s achievement of specific skill and/or knowledge.

+ Is a micro-credential a qualification?

Yes this micro-credential is a qualification. It demonstrates that at the end of the programme the learner has a set of skills and/or knowledge that are worthwhile in their own right and top of yor field. The micro-credential has been designed for NZQA to meet specific needs of industry eg. well trained and qualified laser technicians to fill vacancies in laser clinics. On completion you will be qualified in this micro-credential, you can report your achievement to NZQA so it is displayed on your New Zealand Record of Achievement (NZROA).

+ What is included in this Cosmetic Lasers and Intense Light Source Therapies Micro-credential Qualification?

Your enrolment will give you:

• A qualification in Cosmetic Lasers and Intense Light Source Therapies
• Laser Safety Glasses will be provided for use at your practical sessions and available to purchase us if you would like to own your own pair.
• 278 hours online self- directed studies
• 26 hours virtual classroom time with our expert tutors via Zoom
• A total of 12 days of practical, hands on learning of Laser and IPL hair removal, IPL and Laser Skin rejuvenation, and Laser Tattoo Removal

+ What topics are covered in the Cosmetic Lasers and Intense Light Source Therapies Micro-credential?

Laser Safety - Safe Practice - Treatment Safety - Client Care - Laser Science - Generic Laser Principles - Anatomy and Physiology - theory based Laser & Intense Light Source for Hair Removal – 5 days of practical Laser and Intense Light Source training for Hair Removal - theory based Laser & Intense Light Sources for Skin Rejuvenation – 5 days of Practical Laser & Intense Light Source for Skin Rejuvenation - Laser Tattoo removal – and 2 days of practical Laser Tattoo removal.

+ Who is eligible for Cosmetic Lasers and Intense Light Source Therapies Micro-credential?

Due to the technical nature of this micro-credential, there are some pre-requisites, however we expect the majority of beauty professionals and those tattooists interested in getting into laser can be accepted into the programme. For information on entry requirement details, see below or on our website: https://www.nzlasertraining.co.nz/nzqa

The aim of this new micro-credential is to provide learners with specialised Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Cosmetic Laser skills and become fully qualified. We want industry to possess knowledge, so they can critically lead, manage, analyse and evaluate clients' needs, and to manage specialised IPL and Laser therapy treatments relating to Hair Removal, Skin Rejuvenation and Laser Tattoo Removal.

On successful completion of the Cosmetic Lasers and Intense Light Source Therapies micro-credential programme - 400 hours over 16 weeks - learners will be fully qualified in Cosmetic Lasers & Intensive Light Source Therapies, achieved 40 NZQA credits, skills and knowledge to operate in a professional and safe manner (including compliance with relevant legal, insurance, health, safety and hygiene obligations).

The curriculum has been developed by Ruth Nicholson and Stacey Spencer. Ruth is a NZ Qualified Adult Tutor and Stacey is a UK Qualified Adult Educator. Between them they have over 30 years relevant laser experience and over 15 years teaching experience in laser science and safety to beauty and medical professionals at NZ Laser Training Institute.

+ What are the Entry Requirements?

18+ years of age upon enrolment and have achieved a MINIMUM of a Level 4 Beauty Therapy qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications framework. Learner must complete the pre-enrolment interview (virtual or phone).

OR: Level 5 New Zealand Diploma of Beauty Therapy or equivalent.

OR: are a certified and/or qualified - Advanced Dermal Therapist, enrolled or Registered Nurse, Cosmetic Nurse, Medical Practitioner, Dermatologist, Cosmetic Physician, Plastic Surgeon or Vascular Surgeon.

OR: are employed in the tattoo industry, possess a minimum of 12 months' full-time industry experience, and can supply a letter from their employer supporting their enrolment in the micro-credential.

OR: experienced in working in a health care related area and have evidence of successfully completing learning at a tertiary level such as university or polytechnic credentials.

See the website for any additional information.

+ What are the minimum language requirements?

Must speak and understand English. If English is a second language: Learner must complete the pre-enrolment interview including a language literacy and numeracy (LLN) assessment. All Learners must have access to the internet via a device such as computer/iPad/tablet to access online learning materials. Please note mobile phones are not suitable to complete all required curriculum.

+ How do I access the Cosmetic Lasers and Intense Light Source Therapies Micro-credential?

An enrolment process needs to be followed as this is a requirement of NZQA. You can start this process by visiting our website downloading the form and submitting it back to us. For more information please see: https://www.nzlasertraining.co.nz/nzqa As part of the enrolment process we will provide you with a student checklist to follow.

+ How is this micro-credential earned?

Learners provide evidence to an assessor/s that they can apply the skills and/or knowledge. The assessor verifies the accuracy of that evidence against predetermined academic specifications, i.e. that the evidence is valid, reliable and sufficient. The evidence can result from a defined learning experience, or from actual practice, making NZLT’s Micro-credential a more flexible way of showing what you know.

+ How is evidence assessed?

Expert assessors-based NZ-wide will consider the evidence submitted from the person. It is assessed for sufficiency, reliability, validity and that it meets the specifications set out within the micro-credential.

+ Can I enrol and start tomorrow?

Yes, you can enrol now, today, tomorrow to kick start the enrolment process, however, you cannot start tomorrow. You need to check you meet the pre-requisites and apply for enrolment which can take up to 4 weeks.

+ What funding and finance is available for the micro-credential?

We are able to offer Q Card Finance with this programme, but must be completed outside of 6 weeks prior to commencement of the programme and is subject to fees.

Study link (Student loan) is not available with this Micro-credential due to several factors (course duration and the course type does not meet criteria set by NZQA / TEC).

WINZ can be applied for by yourself, but they either do not cover all of it or have been known to decline it.

+ Is there recognition of prior learning from NZ Laser Training Institute?

Up until the release of this new micro-credential there wasn't an NZQA approved and accredited laser option, so your existing education under NZ Laser Training was the best option available for industry. With the introducation in 2021 of this micro-credential, you now have the option to enrol in this more comprehensive and NZQA accredited & approved programme to become fully qualified in Cosmetic Lasers & Intensive Light Source Therapies. Your current NZ Laser Training Institute certificates still stand and have not lost any of their merits. If you have previously attended a Laser or IPL educational programme, you may recognise some content that is familiar to you, however you will still need to complete all required work, you may be able to move through this content faster if you possess prior knowledge.

If you are new to Laser and IPL, you will learn everything you need to know from this new micro-credential and come away with a qualification on successful completion of the programme.

+ If I do not want to enrol in the Cosmetic Lasers and Intense Light Source Therapies Micro-credential, what other options do I have?

NZ Laser Training Institute offers a wide range of non-accredited short courses on our website, classroom based or online e-learning, with an educational pathway to suit everyone. See how website for more information: https://www.nzlasertraining.co.nz/courses

Skin Anatomy & Physiology for IPL & Laser Operators

Laser Safety Certificate - LSC online Beauty, Medical, Vascular Surgical or Workplace/Commercial

Laser Health and Safety Officer Certificate

Laser Tattoo Removal - Theory and Practical

Skin Rejuvenation Block Courses

Mini Mod Short Online Classes & Workshops for refresher or advanced on Laser/IPL Hair removal and Skin Rejuvenation

IPL Safety for Dry Eye Procedures

+ Why complete this Cosmetic Lasers and Intense Light Source Therapies Micro-credential, versus face to face short training with NZ Laser Training Institute?

The advantages are: become a fully qualified in Cosmetic Lasers & Intensive Light Source Therapies, gain formal NZQA credits (40 of them - that’s 1 per 10 hours of learning), the content is bigger than we can deliver face to face, otherwise you’d need to move in with us and set up camp. The range of topics is comprehensive and combines more specific topics and learning materials than we can deliver on our individual topic courses.

+ What type/s of training methods are used to again this micro-credential?

This is a self-directed online course, done at home or work in your own time, with some virtual zoom sessions with tutors and practical days - approximately 3.5hrs learning per day.

+ Where can I study?

Online, at home or work in your own time and at our training venue.