STARTING AND PROGRESSING YOUR CAREER IN THE BEAUTY AND WELLNESS INDUSTRY

This is crucial, considering the varying levels of qualifications in the beauty therapy and medical aesthetics sectors. Qualifications range from lower National Qualifications Framework (NQF) levels for skills-oriented treatments such as manicures, pedicures, make-up, basic skincare, massage, and hair removal to higher levels for advanced procedures, such as, somatology or advanced aesthetic therapy. The more advanced treatments pose a higher risk of complications and require more accountability from the therapist.

Key considerations before enrolling include career goals, financial means, and academic capabilities.

• Career goals

Ensure the qualification aligns with your aspirations which will impact the scope of practice, job opportunities and further studies.

• Financial means

Plan for the entire course duration, which can be several years, considering living expenses for full-time studies away from home to avoid mid-course dropout.

• Academic capabilities

Choose a course that matches your proficiency. Skillsbased training with a lower NQF level may be better suited for some individuals who find higher NQF level theoretical subjects challenging.

At the Isa Carstens® Academy, detailed career discussions are held with applicants before finalising an application to ensure that the candidate chooses the best option.

It is important to understand the distinction between registered qualifications on the NQF and short courses not registered on the NQF, as well as the limitations and benefits of each.

Verify institutional registrations and accreditations with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) on their webist at https://allqs.saqa.org.za/search.php?cat=qual.

Career goals supported by short courses

• Specific skill sets

Suitable for those wanting to practice specific skills without further academic studies or desire for a broader scope of practice.

• Cost flexibility

Offers flexibility in cost structures and completion time and is less expensive overall than full contact-based and full-time qualifications.

• Career advancement

Useful for qualified therapists looking to learn new technologies and techniques postgraduation and continue their professional development.

• Exploratory gap year

Ideal for high school leavers exploring the industry with short courses during a gap year before committing to full-time studies.

Entrepreneurial short courses at the Isa Carstens® Academy

The Isa Carstens Academy turned 45 last year and is well-known for excellent health and skincare therapy education in higher education.

The introduction of short courses was carefully crafted to consider meeting the needs of more women and to be more accessible to those whose career goals are supported by short courses.

Courses are structured to have flexible starting dates and online self-paced learning combined with in-class practical sessions with an expert trainer. This is ideal for part-time students, without compromising essential contact sessions crucial to delivering quality work and returning clients.

Furthermore, the Isa Carstens® Academy prioritises industry integrity by offering courses that support the continuous professional development of qualified therapists, such as advanced aesthetic therapies, laser and light therapies and salon and spa management.

Start your career

The elementary courses are grouped into entrepreneurial career categories that meet consumers’ demands, including massage therapists, lash and eyebrow specialists, nail technicians, and hair removal therapists. Several modules exist under each category, from which prospects can choose, with the goal of completing all modules to provide a full service within these top-selling categories. Qualified therapists may find that some of these modules were not included in their training and can, therefore, build on their skills with selected modules.

Learn more at https://isacarstens.co.za/shortcourses/entrepreneurial-short-courses/.

Advance your career

In this ever-evolving industry, qualified therapists must prioritise continuous professional development, allowing them to enhance their skills and stay current with industry developments.

The Isa Carstens® Academy offers dermaplaning and microneedling courses for qualified therapists, including theory and practice. The laser and light therapies theory course is ideal for industry practitioners who require a broader theoretical knowledge of laser and light therapies. Upskill your employees to understand the science and physics behind laser and light technologies to protect business owners and clients by applying safe and effective treatment parameters.

Learn more at https://isacarstens.co.za/shortcourses/advanced-professional-development-course/.

Expand your career

The salon and spa management course provides all professionals working in spas or salons with a comprehensive understanding of managing all aspects within a salon and/or spa environment. These fundamental managerial skills can be purchased as single modules and include:

• Business planning

• Managing finances

• Leadership

• Customer service

• Marketing

• Sales techniques

• Operational management

• Human resource management

Learn more at https://isacarstens.co.za/shortcourses/management-courses/.

Enrolment

Get certified by an industry leader with more than 45 years of experience in academic excellence. View and apply for courses online at https://isacarstens.co.za/shortcourses/. Contact the Short Learning Programmes Coordinator and Student Advisor on +27 (0)64 9911 884 or email at slp@ isacarstens.co.za.

The Isa Carstens Academy is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a Private Higher Education Institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997. Registrations Certificate No. 2000/HE07/025. www.isacarstens.co.za