Specialised Dermal Aesthetics Programme by Isa Carstens Academy

At Isa Carstens Academy, a registered and recognised institute of higher learning and tertiary education, we provide accredited courses for those who want a profession and a career in health and beauty that is more than skin deep, and much more than beauty therapy, in other words – somatology.

In addition, qualified somatologists who wish to increase their knowledge, skills and services even further, can now enrol for a dermal aesthetics, distance-learning course that spans one additional year.

However, the (recently) qualified somatologists are able to continue working without interruption, while still earning an income and simultaneously studying towards a dermal aesthetics diploma, hence the introduction of a course via distance learning.

First Step

Matriculants or those with a recognised Grade 12 Certificate may enrol at Isa Carstens Academy for our 3 year, full-time Diploma in Somatology, at either our Pretoria or Stellenbosch campus. This is an in-depth course that teaches students everything they need to know, theoretically and practically, to become a professional somatologist.

Upon successful completion, the graduate will have a Diploma NQF Level 6 (360 credits) qualification. This diploma or equivalent, relevant qualification is the minimum requirement for enrolment to undertake our distance learning Advanced Dermal Aesthetics Diploma NQF Level 7 (120 credits).

Advanced Dermal Aesthetics Diploma

This diploma extends, increases and specialises your knowledge of and background in somatology.
Dermal aesthetics modules focus on the following aspects of the health, treatment and appearance of the dermis (skin):

• Ageing skin
• Treatments of scarred skin and wound healing
• Allergic and reactive skin conditions
• Acne and rosacea
• Pigmentation
• Body treatments

Practical Aspects

Practical aspects covered include, but are not limited to:

• Needling
• IPL and laser treatments
• LED therapy
• Mesotherapy
• Advanced chemical skin peels
• Cryotherapy
• Radio frequency

Advanced Aesthetics Subjects

Because our Dermal Aesthetics Diploma is at an advanced level, the subjects taught are also at an advanced level, hence the NQF Level 6 enrolment requirement. Dermal aesthetics subjects covered in the one-year course are:

• Advanced dermal science
• Procedures in pathophysiology
• Advanced procedures in aesthetic treatment
• Applied cosmetic science
• Case study – vital for evaluation of efficacy of treatments
• Practice management – a business essential

Distance-Learning Programme

At Isa Carstens Academy, we strive to guide and support our distance-learning students by every possible means. Additional, supplementary programmes include live streaming and/or contact sessions, after normal business hours at either the Stellenbosch or Pretoria campus.

Periodically, at either campus, opportunities to attend block contact sessions will be offered. Individual, independent study aids include textbooks, study guides, and specially designed and developed assignments and class tests. All these helpful methods assist students in preparing for their end-of-year and end-of-course advanced dermal aesthetics examination.

Upon successful conclusion of this course, advanced graduates have additional, more specialised career opportunities – at professional medical aesthetic practices, medical spas and dental spas. Additional, advanced qualifications are also invaluable when establishing one’s own business venture, possibly an aesthetic spa or independent salon.

Credentials

Our academy is registered as a Private Higher Education Provider with the National Department of Higher Education and Training (NQF Levels 5 – 10), in accordance with the relevant Act of 1997, and we are also accredited by the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC).

We therefore have the commitment, recognition, accreditation, capabilities, resources, expertise and passion to ensure that you can become a professional dermal aesthetics practitioner.