+ I'm interested in working with Lasers and IPL, where do I start?

Although Lasers & IPL sound like a very exciting and dynamic industry there is a huge amount of technical knowledge that you need to master, and be good at, to be a safe and professional operator, and then ultimately be successful within this industry. Luckily for you, we are here to help guide you through as our expertise lies in delivering training in IPL and Lasers. We do however now offer a course and recommend you complete our online course on Skin Physiology & Hair Anatomy for IPL and Laser Operators. There are no pre-requisities for it, is self guided learning over 7 hours and gives you the essential knowledge on skin and skin treatments you need heading into this industry. From there you can either enrol in our online Laser & IPL Hair Removal Theory online, then come along to a Mini Mods 1-day beginner then advanced workshop which are run out of our training venue in Auckland.

+ I want to buy a good cheap machine to get started- can you help?

"Good and cheap" don't belong in the same sentence! Yes, we can guide you but, we bet right now you haven't considered majority of what you need to know before you buy anything? So please take our advice and wait until you have conducted training and had experience with hands on some quality machines first. After you have done some training with us, you will better understand what you need to consider.

+ Can I operate a Laser or IPL device while I’m pregnant?

Cosmetic Laser and IPL devices are non-ionising electromagnetic radiation devices which are in the in the visible light and or infrared range. There is no way that your foetus would be exposed while in the uterus. The use of the laser and or IPL will not increase your risk for birth defects or miscarriage which is 3% for birth defects and 15% for miscarriage, the background risk for healthy women with no family history for developmental or reproductive problems. It's worth noting that inhalation of laser plume, particularly during hair removal and or ablative laser sessions can add to nausea and induced vomiting and should this affect you adversely, you should discuss your role with the laser safety officer or your laser workplace manager. We offer a mini-mods online programme for pregnancy.

+ Do you offer funding / finance / interest free terms?

We are able to offer Q Card Finance for purchases over $500, but this must be applied for and completed outside of 6 weeks prior to commencement of the NZQA programme and 2 weeks from any of our other practical course. It is not available to be used on any discounted courses/workshops, groups or to pay for a Diploma.

Studylink (Student loan) is not available for our courses or the Micro-credential - due to several factors (course duration and the course type does not meet criteria set by NZQA / TEC)

WINZ can be applied for by yourself, but they either do not cover all of it or have been known to decline it.

+ NZ Laser Training Institute venue parking

We have 4 x NZ Laser Training Institute carparks available for use at our West Auckland venue. Alternatively, you can park at the Trusts Arena next door, which offers FREE all day public parking. From the 8th August we will be located in Ellerslie, where there is free parking available.

+ What formal certifications are available in IPL & Laser?

As the leading educator in IPL & Laser in New Zealand, we can offer you the following certifications: Formal industry recognised Certification: Laser Safety Certificate programme and CE1SR /CE2SR for Skin Rejuventation or a qualification for our NZQA Approved and Accredited "Cosmetic Lasers and Intense Light Source Therapies" Micro-Credential.

+ Can anyone train in IPL & Laser, such as a member of the public with no previous experience?

No! IPL & Laser is an advanced industry that many people enter into after years of experience in: beauty therapy, beautician, nursing, medical professionals, or after working with treating the skin for various related treatments. The technical nature of the study involved, and the knowledge required to treat people is much more advanced than people sometimes think. We recommend you complete our Skin Physiology & Hair Anatomy for IPL and Laser Operatorsonline programme before starting, which will give you essential knowledge on skin and skin treatments. There are no pre-requisites for it, self guided learning over 7 hours and gives you the essential knowledge on skin and skin treatments you need heading into this industry. From there you can either enrol in our course Laser & IPL Hair Removal Theory online, then come along to a Mini Mods 1-day beginner then advanced workshop which are run out of our training venue in Auckland. In the Auckland region, it is also the law that people who are curious about the industry and not previously qualified should consider the completing a Laser Safety Certificate to get an idea of what is involved. You will also need to consider how much money is required to invest in buying a decent IPL or Laser machine, which start at around $30,000 upwards to over $300,000 - this is not an easy or cheap industry to work in.

+ What is the advantage of being Certified over being Qualified?

NZ Laser Training Institute has been issuing Certification for Laser & Pulsed Light training since 2011, and a qualification with our NZQA Approved & Accredited Micro-credential since 2021. During this time we have been recognised by industry as providing comprehensive education and training on relevant industry topics and issues. The advantage of being certified by a private education provider is that you will always receive the most up to date information on Laser & Pulsed light technologies. e.g.: newer teachings based on latest findings, techniques and safety information. When a Qualification is written up by a governing body such as NZQA it is typically locked in for at least 3 years. The accredited training school then teaches what they feel matches that qualification (this varies considerably) - qualifications can be quite selective in what they offer, they don't always align with what the student wants to go on to use their study for. For example; you may not be interested in electrolysis, waxing or body massage but you have to learn it to get the qualification. Certification cuts out the bits you don't need, or want to focus on, and allows a focused specialty educational course to cover the specialised topic. This gives you the most relevant skillset that can advance your career.

+ What courses are internationally recognised?

The historic CE1 - Core Essentials course is internationall recognised with obtained British Medical Laser Association approval 'BMLA approved' and also with The CPD Group UK. However, each and every country has different regulations, licensing requirements and therefore even within the same country the requirements differ between states. Recognition of prior learning can be applied for using your letter of attainment and a copy of your certificate. This is standard practice within the industry as each training provider may vary on what training content is offered. The new CE1SR - Skin Rejuvenation Foundation Course & CE2SR - Advanced Skin Rejuvenation Course is in the process for approval.

If you are planning on working in Australia, you will be able to submit an application to Queensland Radiation (Email: Radiation_Health@health.qld.gov.au) for assessment to apply for a laser license which is not required here in New Zealand. This licence is only required if you plan to work in Queensland, Australia. Learning obtained with NZ Laser Training is generic in nature and applies to all lasers and IPL devices worldwide so this course provides a foundation in which to up-skill from.

+ Why should I choose NZ Laser Training Institute over other providers?

NZ is a small country, just ask around about us and you'll see that we know our stuff. Although NZ Laser Training Institute has been running since 2011, the Owner and Director, Ruth Nicholson has been involved in the Laser, Beauty and Appearance Medicine Industry since 2004. Laser science is not an easy topic to teach, this is a specialised field. Some have tried to copy what we do, instead of joining forces; however, education is something we are passionate about, and it's, what we focus on every day. We have been referencing the AS/NZS laser safety guidelines for many years. We have contributed to edited versions of laser safety documentation and safety standards by both Australian Laser Authorities, and local council in Auckland. Other providers have been known to just copy and paste 'AS/NZS' onto their website and materials because it makes them look like they know what they are doing.

Most of our work is through word of mouth, and our point of difference includes that our materials are constantly reviewed and updated as new information comes to the market, we incorporate medical grade education that is offered throughout all levels of training to ensure that trainees are given the best education they can obtain. The courses are specifically tailored to meet the needs of busy people who seek learning without all the pragmatic topics such as changing fuses, and being able to explain what an atom does. What we teach is relevant, up to date, technical, practical and will see you come up to speed in a very short time. Although some people learn well via correspondence, we find most people are visual learners who need to be face to face with the trainer, so we offer both - online & face to face.

We strive to constantly improve what we offer to reflect industry needs; we understand that every situation is different. By training with us you tap into great mentors willing to share their knowledge, and see you flourish in your laser career no matter what stage you are at. We wish you well with your laser career no matter who you choose to go with.

+ During my course when will I get to use a Laser or IPL machine?

On the practical 1 day workshop days for Mini Mods Hair Removal or on day 3 of the CE1SR/CE2SR - Skin Rejuvenation Foundation / Advanced courses. You will be given the opportunity under strict supervision to try your hand at IPL and Laser. It takes a lot of practice to make it look easy, and this takes time. About 200 hours to be precise! - In the meantime, while you are learning all the do's and don'ts and getting a feel for which technology you will be most comfortable with, we will guide you and educate you in best and safest techniques no matter when you get started, or what technology you will end up using. In a perfect world, we'd love to provide a month of full-time hands on however NZ is a small market, and this is not possible or financially viable for most people. There is much to learn before you get hands on firing a device that can blind or burn someone, wouldn't you like to know everything you don't know first?

+ How experienced are your Educators?

Our Educators are selected for their specific Laser & IPL clinical and technical skills and experience as well as their ability to engage the trainees in a fun and interactive way. Who wants to be bored to tears with technical boring Laser Science or an old-fashioned delivery? We love laser science, it’s what we specialise in, we are passionate and experienced educators with many years of varied experience including: assessors, teaching qualifications, medical and pharmaceutical qualifications, appearance medicine and beauty therapy experience.

Our main senior educators are certified Laser Safety Officers (LSO), and have more than ten years aesthetic laser & IPL experience each, plus knowing all the complimentary treatments such as peels, microdermabrasion, and appearance medicine services and products. (Botulinum toxin, fillers, platelet rich plasma, sclerotherapy, and resurfacing lasers). Each Educator is chosen for their relevant skill base and we utilise their vast knowledge in both practical and theoretical and technical experience. This includes industry products sales experience, staff management and more.

+ What regulations / bylaws affect IPL (Pulsed light) & laser operators in NZ?

Not all local councils care enough about the dangers of IPL and Lasers to regulate to safe use of them in their local regions, most do not have the resources to police our industry, so we are a self-regulated and self-guided industry. In July 2014, [Auckland Council][9] put in place bylaw which ensures operators meet mandatory minimum training and experience. The ministry of health (MOH) is working on findings from an industry wide survey that may end up forming new legislation. This is still in progress and expected to take years to be pushed through, if at all.

NZ Laser Training can provide a code of practice to guide industry professionals working with Lasers and IPL. We also strongly suggest that operators follow the Auckland Council Health & Hygiene Bylaw code of practice guidelines as recognised industry best practice where no alternative exists in your region.

+ I'm ready to enrol, what's the quickest way to do this?

Click on our 'Enrol now' tab and select the course you want to start; this will take your details and take you to checkout. Our online programmes can all be started immediately. If you need to speak to a human, call our call centre (open 24/7) and leave a message and we will come back to you within 24 hours during the week.

+ Regarding English Language comprehension

You will need to be able to understand written and oral English with a good command of technical explanations. Laser science is fairly complex, but we are used to training trainees with English as a second language. Trainees who do not speak good English can use a translator device to interpret words or terms used. You will NOT be able to bring a person with you to translate. For situations where trainees need a person to translate every word taught, you will need to arrange a special training group with us, this may attract extra charges. We reserve the right to refuse enrolment to trainees we deem will not meet adequate English language needs. More info here on English classes for migrants https://www.tec.govt.nz/funding/funding-and-performance/funding/fund-finder/pelt/migrant-learners/

+ Should I buy a machine before OR AFTER doing training?

If you want to spend your money wisely and know more about why some machines simply will not produce the results you were hoping for, or what the limitations will be of the machine you hope to buy, then undertaking some education BEFORE you buy anything is strongly advised. As we do not sell IPL or Lasers at all, you can be assured to gain independent and unbiased advice from consultants who know all the major suppliers of quality equipment. We are happy to steer you towards suppliers who we believe meet our standards.

+ Laser / IPL Servicing and Calibration:

Servicing a laser or IPL means checking it is functioning and that all features like safety features, and cooling are working. A person trained to service the machine may not be able to calibrate it. Calibration is different to servicing, it means the machine is producing accurate energy output. eg: what you select on your screen comes out the end of the laser or IPL. for example, 10 joules is 10 joules and not 5 joules (or 50% less than you asked for). This is important for safety reasons but also to ensure clients are getting a decent treatment. Anything less than 20% variance is considered not good. If your machine can be re-calibrated to match the technical specs from the supplier you bought it from, you can have the system calibrated back to match up to 100% again. eg: 10 joules is 10 joules. NOT ALL LASERS /IPL MACHINES WILL MEET AUCKLAND COUNCIL STANDARDS AS THEY CANNOT BE CALIBRATED

Please note that most companies protect their intellectual properties by not releasing their servicing specs to external service agents, and **often machines that are imported (China for example) are NOT designed to be calibrated.**They are designed to be used for a year or so then upgraded.

+ What are the main differences between Laser Safety Certificate (LSC) and Mini Mod Practical Workshops/CE1SR or CE2SR?

The Laser safety certificate (LSC) is a refresher on laser science and not considered training. It is ideal for those already working to a high standard but seeking a new or updated certificate, or people new to industry wanting to get an overview of what it involves, risks associated with lasers & IPL devices and see what needs to be in place to run a clinic.

Mini Mod Practical Workshops/CE1SR (3 days) or CE2SR (3 days) are for those that have completed the comprehensive theory and are ready to start practical applications of Laser or IPLs. Talk to us about recognition of prior learning relevant to your situation.

+ Do I really need to have beauty training prior to using Lasers & IPL machines?

It's not always practical to undertake full Beauty Therapy training prior to moving into IPL & Lasers, we recognised that some people come from adjacent industries relaying to healthcare.

Please consider completing our specific foundation online short course called "NZLT Skin Anatomy & Physiology for IPL & Laser Operators". We understand that not everyone wants to do beauty treatments, however IPL and Lasers can burn and scar the skin, this is especially important if treatments were to be carried out by a person with no dermal knowledge. This would include operators attempting to treat people without knowing the risks of accidentally treating over skin cancers and other malignant skin lesions - you don't know what you don't know. Our online "NZLT Skin Anatomy & Physiology for IPL and Laser Operators", bridges this knowledge gap for gaining underpinning knowledge that you will require. If you have already undertaken some medical, pharmacy or other relevant healthcare training or qualification you will discover the benefits of this programme linking that relevance back to IPL and Lasers.

A worthwhile refresher – ENROL NOW Skin Anatomy & Physiology for IPL and Laser Operators.

If you have undertaken some medical, pharmacy or other relevant training or qualification you will find that you will likely have sufficient knowledge to get started.

+ What is free access to clinical support and advice and why would I need this?

Would you love an expert's opinion on what the best approach would be for a client’s treatment plan? or where to refer a client needing treatment outside of your scope of expertise?

Our trainees can contact us for answers to their curly questions, a second opinion, a sounding board, or advice and an honest answer without any obligations. We currently provide this support to hundreds of beauty professional throughout New Zealand, even doctors ask us for advice from time to time. This is why we are here, we specialise in Laser & IPL training, laser safety and laser science for the NZ beauty and aesthetic industry.

Whatever the question, or the situation we have the expertise and advisors on hand to help answer your question. This service is FREE to all our past NZ Laser Training Institute trainees.

+ Are there any pre-requisites to attend your courses?

Would you want the person doing your IPL or Laser treatment to know about the skin? We sure would, and recommend that you complete our online course in Skin Physiology & Hair Anatomy for IPL and Laser Operators. There are no pre-requisities for it, self guided learning over 7 hours and gives you the essential knowledge on skin and skin treatments you need heading into this industry. All operators should have prior knowledge, experience, and qualifications in skin treatment related industries, unless they are an allied health professional.

Some of our programmes contain pre-requisites, such as the following: NZQA Approved and Accredited for Cosmetic Lasers and Intense Light Source Therapies Micro-credential. Located on the website page, enrolment form or prospectus

Core Essentials and Laser Safety Certificate (LSC) courses are suitable for non-medical staff such as receptionists and clinic support staff who also need to be aware of what these devices are capable of, but don't intend to operate them.

[Core Essentials][23] is a very comprehensive introductory course and is also suitable for skin professionals or allied health professionals (nurses, doctors, or other skin therapist) wanting to do hair removal or skin rejuvenation. [23]: https://www.nzlasertraining.co.nz/ce1sr-skin-rejuvenation-foundation Learners joining us on Zoom, need to ensure you have a working webcam, so that the trainer can see you. Certification cannot be gained if we can't be sure of your full attendance. Virtual background screens are not to be used during your Zoom training.

+ When do the courses start?

Due to a high demand, we run our workshops / courses every few months. We restrict class sizes and ensure you get maximum learning and access to the trainer. Contact any time to enquire about our next in-take.

+ I am a nurse so which courses should I do?

If you intend to operate the Laser or IPL device yourself, you should do the Laser Safety Certificate for Medical Professional (LSC-Med) or Laser Safety Certificate for Beauty Professionals - both are online study. It depends on which pathway you are looking to follow, if it is Skin Rejuvenation then attend our CE1SR - Skin Rejuvenation Foundation 3-day educational programme. If you will only be working in a laser workplace but NOT operating the device, then choose Laser Safety Certificate for Medical Professional (LSC-Med) for safety, then carry on to become certified as the Laser Health & Safety Officer (LHSO). This will give you more career opportunities such as supervising laser workplaces, laser in surgery, or medical settings.

+ I am already doing IPL or Laser Hair Removal treatments but want an updated certificate - which course should I enrol in?

If you just want to achieve refreshed professional development, then the Laser Safety Certificate for Beauty Professional (LSC Beauty), or Laser Safety Certificate for Medical Professional (LSC-Med) is all you need. However, if you are rusty on what each setting does and why or when to change them, or want to learn why you may not be getting the results you hoped for, then look at enrolling in a Mini Mods Beginner or Advanced 1 day workshop depending on what certifications you have already. If you are still unsure, contact us and we'll guide you in the right direction.

+ What is a Micro-Credential?

It is a NZQA qualication that is formally recognised, approved and accredited programme. It attracts credits that can be added to your academic record with the NZ Qualifications Authority. NZ Laser Training Institute is NZ's only exclusive provider of 2 Micro-credentials: 'Cosmetic Lasers and Intense Light Source Therapies (Micro-credential)' and another soon to be released.

+ What formal certifications are available in IPL & Laser?

As the leading educator in IPL & Laser in New Zealand, we can offer you the following formal industry recognised certifications: Laser Safety Certificate, IPL & Laser Theory Online, CE1SR/CE2SR programmes, and a NZQA qualiciation that is approved and accredited for "Cosmetic Lasers and Intense Light Source Therapies" [Micro-Credential][5]

+ Can anyone train in IPL & Laser? (i.e.: a member of the public with no previous experience)

No, IPL & Laser is an advanced industry that many people enter into after years of experience in: beauty therapy, beautician, nursing, medical professionals, or after working with treating the skin for various related treatments. The technical nature of the study involved, and the knowledge required to treat people is much more advanced than people sometimes think. It is advised to obtain some prior knowledge of the skin before attending courses with us. In Auckland, it is also the law. People who are curious about the industry and not previously qualified could consider a Laser Safety Certificate to get an idea of what is involved. You will need to also consider how much money is required to invest in buying a decent IPL or Laser machine, which can start at around $30,000 to over $300,000 - this is not an easy or cheap industry to work in.

+ What is the advantage of being Certified over being Qualified?

NZ Laser Training has been issuing Certification for Laser & Pulsed light training since 2011, and an NZQA accredited and approved qualification since 2021. During this time we have been recognised by industry as providing comprehensive education and training on relevant industry topics and issues. The advantage of being certified by a private education provider is that you will always receive the most up to date information on Laser & Pulsed light technologies. e.g.: newer teachings based on latest findings, techniques and safety information. When a Qualification is written up by a governing body such as NZQA it is typically locked in for at least 3 years. The accredited training school then teaches what they feel matches that qualification (and this varies considerably) - qualifications can be quite selective in what they offer, they don't always align with what the student wants to go on to use their study for. For example; you may not be interested in electrolysis, waxing or body massage but you have to learn it to get the qualification. Certification cuts out the bits you don't need, or want to focus on, and allows a focused specialty educational course to cover the specialised topic. This gives you the most relevant skillset that can advance your career.

+ What are NZLT CPD points and how do I gain them?

With technology and technological developments changing the nature of our Industry, along with constant alterations, to devices and techniques, ongoing education and development is incredibly important. The introduction of our NZLT Institutes has introduced a CPD points system to all of our suite of educational programes. This will raise the professionalism, and credibility of Industry Practitioners, and allows consumers to verify; that the individual has completed minimum unit standards of IPL and Laser training, reducing risk to the consumer.

CPD points (or continuing professional development) is a formal means of measuring, the amount of professional development, and competencies, obtained by those in a particular Industry.

Points are allocated based on modules of training completed; as well as learning hours or duration of learning, which will match a criteria issued by NZ Laser Training Institute. 1 x CPD point = 1 hour of learning.

In the future, other training providers, and Professional Skin Therapies Boards, may like to align to our system for a cohesive and streamlines educational record of learning that can be underpinned by our NZQA accredited status.

+ NZLT Accreditation with The CPD Group UK

In October 2021, The CPD Group in the UK accredited Ruth and Stacey as accredited CPD tutors. At the same time NZLT gained accreditation and CPD points for 5 of our educational programmes: LSC Beauty, LSC Medical, CE1-Core Essentials (historic), Laser Health & Safety Officers and Introduction to Laser Tattoo Removal.

+ Sickness & Bereavement Policy

With COVID-19 and many other illnesses in the community being an ever-changing landscape, NZ Laser Training Institute Ltd have an obligation to ensure that our staff, trainees, models, clients and visitors to our workplace are not exposed to COVID-19 or other illnesses as far as is reasonably practicable. Given the close nature of our work, it is safe to assume that any infection brought into the workplace will pose a risk to the Health and Safety to those around. Therefore, we ask that you postpone your visit with us until you are well enough to attend. Should you arrive or appear sick we may ask you to leave a training session, workshop, or meeting. In cases like this we are still able to offer virtual meetings and/or a range of limited services via our online training portal, and virtual classes such as our CE1SR & CE2SR - Skin Rejuvenation Foundation/Advance theory online class. If you have a bereavement, please contact us immediately so that we can arrange to rebook you onto the next available date.

+ WHAT ARE COOKIES?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer by the websites that you visit. They are widely used in order to make websites work, or work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the owners of the site. The use of cookies is now standard for most websites. If you are uncomfortable with the use of cookies, you can manage and control them through your browser, including removing cookies by deleting them from your 'browser history' (cache) when you leave the site. NZ Laser Training Institute Ltd and its service providers may use analytics cookies, which can also be called performance cookies, to collect information about your use of our site. The analytics cookies collect information which, amongst other things, allows us to count our audience size and see usage patterns. The analytics cookies also record if you experience difficulties using our site which can assist us in improving functionality.

NZ Laser Training Institute Ltd and its service providers may also use targeting and tracking cookies to understand your interests and behaviours as you browse our site, so we can deliver a more personalised experience in the future. This may also assist us in delivering relevant advertising to you during various advertising campaigns we may run through participating third-party sites. Our website uses Google Analytics, a service which transmits website traffic data to Google servers in the United States. Google Analytics does not identify individual users or associate your IP address with any other data held by Google. We use reports provided by Google Analytics to help us understand website traffic and webpage usage. Please note, by using this website, you consent to the processing of data about you by Google in the manner described in 'How Google uses data when you use our partners' sites or apps' which is located at www.google.com/policies/privacy/partners.