Side-by-side: medic and non-medic routes
| Topic | Medic | Non-medic |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | Doctors, dentists, nurses and other regulated healthcare professionals | Learners without a medical background |
| Starting point | Medical Level 7 routes (MA7 family) | Level 3 Access, then Level 4 and Level 5 skin |
| Level 7 options | MA7D1, MA7D2 and MA7C1 | VTCT Level 7 Certificate or Diploma (BT7 family) |
| Prescribing | Prescribers follow their professional regulator's rules | Cannot prescribe; work with a prescriber for prescription-only injectables |
| Supervision | Check the course page | A clinical supervisor is provided on the Level 7 Diploma route |
| How long it takes | Check the medical professionals course pages | Check the pathway and Level 7 course pages |
| Where to start | Medical professionals | Pathway to Aesthetics |
The medic route
Medical routes are the MA7 family: MA7D1 (VTCT Skills (ITEC) Level 7 Diploma in Clinical Aesthetic Injectable Treatments, for doctors, dentists, nurses and other regulated healthcare professionals), MA7D2 (accelerated RPEL Level 7 diploma for experienced medical injectors) and MA7C1 (Level 7 Certificate in Bio-Stimulatory Injectable Treatments). They are distinct from the BT7 beauty- therapist family. Admissions confirms which route applies. See aesthetics training for medical professionals.
The non-medic route
No medical background is needed to start. Beginners start with Level 3 Access, then Level 4 and Level 5 skin, then Level 7. The Level 7 Diploma entry is the VTCT Level 5 Certificate in Non-surgical Aesthetic Procedures for Skin Rejuvenation (or equivalent) plus a regulated Level 3 Basic Life Support and Anaphylaxis qualification. You do not need to be a prescriber; a clinical supervisor is provided. See the Pathway to Aesthetics and the Level 7 Diploma page.
Prescribing and supervision
GMC guidance says doctors must physically examine patients before prescribing injectable cosmetic medicines, and must not prescribe them by phone, video link, online or at the request of others for patients they have not examined. On the non-medic Level 7 route, the site wording is that a clinical supervisor is provided. Always check the course page and your own regulator before you practise.
Licensing: what is and is not decided
The Health and Care Act 2022, section 180, gave powers to set up a licensing scheme. The August 2025 consultation response committed to CQC regulation for the highest-risk procedures, local-authority licensing for lower-risk procedures, and age limits. A further consultation will cover education, training standards and qualifications. The scheme is not in force and has no start date. No official source sets a required qualification level. See aesthetics licensing in London and Kent.
- Medics and non-medics both train in aesthetics; the starting point differs.
- Non-medics cannot prescribe; a clinical supervisor is provided on the Level 7 Diploma route.
- The national licence is not final and has no set qualification level yet.
Related VTCT courses to explore next
Regulated VTCT qualifications at our Orpington training centre, near London.
Skin and laser
VTCT Level 4 Microneedling
Regulated Level 4 qualification
VTCT Level 4 Chemical Peels
Regulated Level 4 qualification
VTCT Level 4 Dermaplaning
Regulated Level 4 qualification
VTCT Level 4 HIFU
Regulated Level 4 qualification
VTCT Level 4 Plasma Pen
Regulated Level 4 qualification
VTCT Level 4 Radio Frequency and Ultrasound
Regulated Level 4 qualification
VTCT Level 6 Mesotherapy
Regulated Level 6 qualification
VTCT Level 4 Laser Hair Removal
Regulated Level 4 qualification
VTCT Level 5 Laser Tattoo Removal
Regulated Level 5 qualification
VTCT Level 4 Advanced Aesthetic Therapies for Skin
Regulated Level 4 qualification
Not sure where to start?
Use the course selector or see how the Pathway to Aesthetics builds from beginner to advanced.