About this Course

The Professional Certificate in Clinical Skincare will introduce you to the fundamentals of clinical practice in aesthetics, focusing on foundational skills and knowledge essential for entry-level practitioners in the field of clinical aesthetics. This course was created in recognition of the need for specialised health science training that enables students to quickly enter the sector as professionals.

Made from two units of our Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Clinical Aesthetics), the Professional Certificate in Clinical Skincare is an unaccredited course that will give you practical experience in the fundamentals of professional skincare and the application of advanced contemporary treatments, including chemical peels and microdermabrasion.

Course Overview

Course
Duration:

Up to 26 weeks

Course
Delivery:

Blended delivery with online learning and practical clinic training

Price:

$5,600

Payment
Options:

Zip Money Payment Plans Available

Accreditation:

This course is unaccredited

Why Study with ACHW

The Australasian College of Health and Wellness (ACHW) is the country’s leading education provider in Applied Health Science and Clinical Aesthetics, ensuring our graduates are experts in the field of dermal therapy.

Flexible and
Efficient

You can earn your Professional Certificate in Clinical Skincare in as little as six months. Our flexible study experience enables you to continue working while developing your professional skill set, giving you a vital advantage to succeed in industry.

Higher Education from a Leading Provider

Studying at ACHW will set you apart from your peers. Our clinical skin care course is recognised as the most advanced and comprehensive available, increasing your employment options and giving you the confidence of knowing you are an expert in your field.

World Class
Faculty

ACHW’s faculty is made up of qualified and respected experts in Health, Wellness, Science, Education, Aesthetics, Business Administration and Digital Marketing. This ensures that our students gain a truly comprehensive learning experience.

Small Cohorts and
Personal Academic Support

Students are supported by learning advisors and mentors, giving them clearer guidance and faster feedback than they’d typically receive in large institutions. This individualised support helps you translate theory into confident practice more quickly.

Compliance, Safety and
Documentation Built In

From infection control to detailed client records and informed consent, you’re trained to meet the operational realities of today’s clinics. That means you graduate ready to comply with real clinical protocols, not just perform treatments.

Clear Credit Pathway into
FEE‑HELP Eligible Degrees

While the skin care course itself is unaccredited, its units map directly into ACHW’s accredited Associate and Bachelor degrees. That means you can step up to higher qualifications (with access to FEE‑HELP where eligible) without repeating content or losing momentum.

Course Content

The Professional Certificate in Clinical Skincare consists of two units that are derived from the Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Clinical Aesthetics):

CAP101: Introduction to Clinical Practice

CAP102: Dermal Therapy 1

Units in this Course

CAP101: Introduction to Clinical Practice

This is an introductory subject providing students with opportunities to participate in a learning environment that delivers both a theoretical understanding and practical application of the consultation process utilising both aesthetic and medical classifications and analysis in forming a comprehensive consultation. This subject explores therapeutic communication styles in gaining client history and appropriate record keeping within a practice, and the fundamentals of professional skin care as a base for further clinical aesthetic practices.

Find out more about this unit

CAP102: Dermal Therapy 1

This subject provides an opportunity for students to participate in a clinical learning environment that seeks to provide both theoretical understanding and practical application of chemical peeling and microdermabrasion. Students will develop critical thinking from evidence-based knowledge in reviewing patient history and presentation and formulation of appropriate chemical peeling and/or microdermabrasion treatments for predictable outcomes in clinical practice. Additionally, students will be exposed to the safe operating process in the use of laser equipment.

Find out more about this unit

Treatments Learned

In the practical clinics of the Professional Certificate in Clinical Skincare, you will gain hands-on experience with the following treatments, technologies, and modalities:

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin resurfacing treatment that uses a minimally abrasive instrument to exfoliate the outermost layer of skin cells to help maintain skin texture and appearance.

Hydrodermabrasion

Hydrodermabrasion is a similar treatment to microdermabrasion, but it uses water and oxygen to gently exfoliate and hydrate the skin, leaving it visibly softer and smoother.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels involve applying a solution to the skin that causes it to exfoliate, revealing smoother, brighter-looking skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.

Laser/IPL Hair Reduction

Laser/IPL hair reduction uses focused light energy to target the root of the hair follicle, reducing regrowth in the treated area. It is a widely used technique for achieving smoother skin with longer-lasting results compared to traditional hair removal methods.v

Electrical Facial Treatments

Electrical facial treatments involve using low-level electrical currents to help stimulate and improve circulation or as an anti-germicidal, resulting in a brighter, more toned complexion.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle massage technique that encourages lymphatic system activity, helping to reduce swelling and improve circulation. It is often used as a pre- and post-operative treatment or for people with lymphedema.

Not quite what you’re looking to specialise in? Explore other specialised short courses like the Professional Certificate in Cosmetic Science or the Undergraduate Certificate in Laser and Dermal Therapy Essentials to find the perfect fit for your professional goals.

Career Outcomes

Completing the Professional Certificate in Clinical Skincare will provide you with relevant skills to work in such areas as:

Salons - Use your clinical skincare training in salon settings to deliver high-quality facials, exfoliation treatments and consultation-based skin plans. Your deeper understanding of dermal layers allows you to go beyond surface-level beauty services.
Cosmetic Medical Clinics - Support cosmetic practitioners by delivering pre- and post-treatment care, performing non-invasive treatments and guiding clients through skincare protocols backed by scientific principles.
Skin and Laser Clinics - Work alongside dermal therapists and laser technicians to carry out skin assessments, chemical peels and laser/IPL hair reduction. Your ACHW training ensures confidence with client-facing, results-driven treatments.
Spas - Enhance traditional spa offerings with science-based skincare solutions. The treatments and techniques gained from your clinical skin care course allow you to blend relaxation with high-performance outcomes that support long-term skin health.

Study Progression

As the two units that make up the Professional Certificate in Clinical Skincare are from our higher education degrees, you will be able to receive advanced standing for them if you choose to pursue further study with ACHW after completion.

This will enable you to earn highly valued tertiary qualification without any unnecessary tuition fees for learning you have already successfully acquired.
‍
These two units can provide advanced standing for the:

Associate Degree in Applied Health Science (Dermal Therapy)‍
Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Clinical Aesthetics)

For more information about receiving credit for these completed units, please read the Terms and Conditions.

FAQ

Why would I do this course?

This is a great introductory course if you are wanting to get into the skincare industry as it provides practical hands-on experience with real clients. It is also an effective refresher course for industry professionals looking to ensure their skills are up-to-date.

How long will it take?

The Professional Certificate can be completed in around 3 months if you study both units simultaneously. It will take 6 months if choosing to study each unit individually.

Do I need to have a health or beauty background to qualify for entry?

No, you do not need a beauty qualification or industry experience. There are no academic entry requirements.

How much study do I need to do?

For each unit there is a one-hour weekly lecture to listen to and additional readings, with additional activities such as quizzes, discussions, assignments, and online exams. Each unit has 3-4 assessment tasks with due dates throughout the semester required to be completed.
It is recommended to spend a few hours each week per unit to listen to the lecture and review all the reading, then additional time for self-study and preparation and completion of assessment tasks.

Will I be able to get a job?

You could get a job in a skin or beauty clinic, work in skin care retail, or in a variety of allied health roles.

Is there face-to-face?

CAP101 has a 5-day practical block and CAP102 has 2 x 3-day practical blocks, total of 11 days face-to-face practical. Clinics are held in NSW, VIC, and QLD. Dates released for each state at the commencement of the semester and are based around student numbers.

What happens if I can’t attend a clinic in the semester?

It is essential for you to attend the clinics. If you cannot attend the dates offered, you will need to defer until the next semester.

What practical treatments will I learn?

Some of the practical treatments you will learn are:

Electrical Facial Treatments
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Microdermabrasion
Chemical Peels
Laser and IPL

Where are the practical clinics located?

NSW – Sydney
QLD – Brisbane and Gold Coast
VIC – Melbourne

What do I need to be able study?

A laptop or computer with internet access and a working webcam.

Are there any live lectures?

Lectures are recorded and therefore not needed to attend live. However, most units have interactive sessions every few weeks that are live with the facilitator to go over any areas students would like more help with. These are scheduled at the commencement of the semester and are recorded if you are not able to attend.

What do I need to do to pass?

You must complete all assessment tasks and get an overall mark of 50% for the units to pass.

What could I do after if I wanted further study?

Once you have completed the Professional Certificate in Clinical Skincare, we recommend progressing to either the Associate Degree in Applied Health Science (Dermal Therapy) or the Bachelor in Applied Health Science (Clinical Aesthetics). You will be able to receive credit for the units you have already completed.

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Professional Certificate in Clinical Skincare

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About this Course

Read the Article

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Read the Article

Contact ACHW

About

Higher Education Degrees

Professional Certificates

Short Courses

Undergraduate Certificates

Contact Us

Corporate Head Office