Overview
Gain valuable expertise in safely operating light-based devices for dermal therapy, with the Undergraduate Certificate in Laser Safety at Victoria University.
A laser-safety certificate is required to use laser and other light-based devices in a beauty salon or clinical setting. This course will help you gain this knowledge and keep it up to date, with a recognised qualification within six months.
Core areas of study include:
- dermal anatomy and physiology
- skin biochemistry
- infection control
- pathology
- laser physics
- Australian regulations
- safety.
(How to operate a laser device is not covered.)
This course is particularly suited to someone with a Diploma of Beauty Therapy SHB50115, Diploma of Nursing HLT54115 or Bachelor of Nursing, or other health-sciences background working in this area.
Once you've successfully completed this certificate, you will be able to transition into the Bachelor of Dermal Sciences and gain credits for the four units completed.
Qualify within 6 months
Undergraduate certificates are a recent addition to our courses. They let you graduate with a recognised qualification in as little as half a year.
Take advantage of the new certificates to begin an entry-level career sooner, or to take your first step towards further study and a bachelor degree.
Study in convenient four-week blocks
This course is delivered in the VU Block Model, which means you study one unit (subject) at a time over four weeks, rather than juggling several units at once.
With its focused timetables and smaller, collaborative classes, VU’s Block Model gives you more time to connect with your peers, lecturers and industry partners, helping you to build strong professional networks.
The VU Block Model has improved our student results and engagement, and has won multiple international awards for innovation and excellence.
Learning advice
VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.
We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice, and show you effective ways to study and manage your time.
Our programs include:
- workshops
- drop-in sessions
- peer mentoring
- maths and writing resources
- resume and career guidance.
We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available to all students.
Industry recognition
This course is recognised by the Radiological Council (Government of Western Australia). It fulfills the prerequisite of attending a laser safety course.
Careers in dermal sciences
This course will give you specific knowledge in laser and light-based safety requirements for dermal clinics and other healthcare settings where those devices are used.
It is particularly suited to someone with a beauty-therapy or health-sciences background working in this area.
The dermal therapies industry is growing rapidly as consumer demand increases. In response, our courses are designed in collaboration with industry and the Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians to include the latest technological developments and theory.
Progress to a degree
Once you've successfully completed this certificate, you will be able to transition into the Bachelor of Dermal Sciences and gain credits for the four units completed, to aim for a career as a dermal therapist. Dermal therapists work independently or hand-in-hand with reconstructive and aesthetic surgeons, dermatologists and general practitioners in clinics, medical practices, advanced beauty and cosmetic settings.
Employment rates
With an ageing population and popularity of cosmetic treatments in Australia, job openings in dermal therapies are on the increase.
Course structure
To attain the Undergraduate Certificate in Laser Safety students will be required to complete:
- 48 credit points Core units
Course structure and units
-
- Unit code
- HBD2102
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD2103
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD2202
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD2203
- Credits
- 12
Achieve more with the VU Block Model
We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.
Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.
You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.
Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.
Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.
Find out more about the VU Block Model.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Investigate dermal anatomy, physiology and biochemistry and conceptualise how this can be used to make decisions in a dermal sciences context; | ||
| 2. | Investigate basic pathological processes related to dermal health; | ||
| 3. | Control and manage general occupational health and safety, including infectious disease risk, within a clinical dermal setting; and | ||
| 4. | Predict and respond to hazards associated with laser and light based devices within a clinical dermal setting. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admissions
Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.
Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
Admission criteria
The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)
- Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
- an Australian or overseas equivalent or
- an International Baccalaureate (IB).
Importance of ATAR for this course
We consider both ATAR and other criteria
ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria
Admission criteria
Not available
Why is ATAR not applicable?
You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study
This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent) in Beauty Therapy, Nursing or Health Sciences (or related discipline)
Applicants with higher education study
This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.
Admission criteria
Full or partial (minimum 1 year completed) completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
Applicants with work & life experience
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Admission criteria
Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Health Sciences or similar.
Pathways & credits
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Pathways from VU courses
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
How to apply
Applications for this course are not being taken at this time.
Browse our other Dermal therapy courses or send us an enquiry to be notified of updates relating to this course.
Enquire now
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
