Only Available for Short Courses
2025 was a year full of new launches and exciting events. From sending students off at their graduation and introducing dermal therapy to the future generation to releasing professional certificate courses and introducing our new short course range, the Australasian College of Health and Wellness is proud of everything we’ve accomplished.
Let’s take a closer look at our highlights from this year, including ACHW updates, industry news, and upcoming plans for 2026.
Early in the year, ACHW released an exciting range to our list of course programs, the Professional Certificates. These certificates are unaccredited courses comprised of units of study from our Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Clinical Aesthetics).
They are built primarily for industry newcomers, providing an achievable and accessible educational starting point. Professional Certificates also benefit existing industry practitioners who are seeking to stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and evolving best practices.
These courses are designed to be accessible to everyone with no entry requirement. Our professional certificates aim to engage people with a wide range of interest in dermal therapy, helping them find a course that aligns with their career goals.
One of our favourite additions in 2025 was expanding into the non-accredited training space with six short courses, which are delivered at our various clinic spaces and online.
These short courses are designed to provide a highly immersive and interactive educational experience, tailored to meet the evolving needs of the health science and dermal therapy industry. With new techniques, technologies, and client expectations emerging every year, targeted training is necessary for students who want to strengthen their skill set and stay ahead.
We introduced our first three short courses in June:
In October, we completed the range with three more courses:
Since these areas sit outside our degree programs, we’re excited to give students the opportunity to gain fresh, industry-ready skills with immediate impact.
Halfway through the year, ACHW was honoured to be named a finalist for Educator of the Year – Organisation at the Australian Beauty Industry Awards! Now on a two-year streak, this recognition means so much to us and reflects our continued commitment to delivering high-quality dermal education.
We are also incredibly proud to see our facilitator, Sally Park, nominated Educator of the Year – Individual. Sally’s dedication, passion, and impact on her students make her an inspiring educator, and this nomination was a well-deserved acknowledgement of her hard work.
Being recognised in these categories reinforces why we do what we do. ACHW remains deeply committed to our students, our clinics, and the standards of education we provide.
In November, ACHW celebrated the Class of 2025 at their graduation. The night ended with the final hat toss as graduates left the venue with their heads held high, marking the completion of their hard work and dedication.
This year, we did things a little differently. Our students from across the country gathered in Sydney as they celebrate their achievements alongside their peers from all over Australia. It was wonderful to see students connect, share their experiences, and graduate with each other.
During the event we caught up with graduates, Samantha and Melissa, who were featured in our Student Spotlight blog. We spoke with them about their experience studying with ACHW, their advice for industry newcomers, and their future plans to mentor emerging dermal therapists.
Our guest speakers delivered an inspiring message to the cohort to carry forward into their careers. We also introduced a new tradition of awarding student achievements with prizes for Best Practice and Overall High Achievement. It was heartwarming to see friends and family gather, cheering as graduates received their certificates and celebrated this milestone together.
With growing demands from passionate students in Western Australia, ACHW has expanded its programs to that region. We are partnering with Bliss Clinic to provide hands-on, clinic-based practicals, allowing aspiring dermal therapists in WA access to industry experience without needing to travel interstate. This ensures WA students receive the same high-quality training that ACHW is known for.
Alongside expanding geographically, ACHW is also opening opportunities for younger students. We are now welcoming students under 18 to enrol in our courses, allowing them to complete the theory units online. Once they turn 18, they can participate in practical, clinic-based training, ensuring they gain the full learning experience of their studies.
These developments come at an exciting time for the industry. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has introduced stronger protections for Australians undergoing cosmetic procedures. This aligns with ACHW’s longstanding advocacy for better regulations and safer practices as we move toward a more accountable and professional dermal therapy industry.
Towards the end of the year, ACHW had the pleasure of participating in the Careers & Jobs Expo in Camden, where we met and spoke with the next generation of dermal therapists. It was inspiring to explore their passions and understand the path they hope to take in the industry.
Looking ahead to 2026, we are excited about the opportunities and challenges that await. One of our main focuses is attending the Beauty Expo 2026, where we can showcase the ACHW education experience through demonstrations and insights. We also remain committed to advocating for the dermal therapy and clinical aesthetics industry, supporting initiatives for stronger regulation and giving the recognition that experienced practitioners deserve.
Thank you for being part of ACHW’s journey in 2025. From all of us at ACHW, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
