What this course is and who it is for
Fungal nail infection is one of the most common things clients ask about and one of the most poorly treated. This CPD accredited course teaches a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser protocol that you can deliver safely and describe honestly. It is an online course for any Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, with a supervised practical element.
The clinical method is based on the published peer reviewed study by Kalokasidis and colleagues (2013, Dermatology Research and Practice), together with operating guidance for Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers. Background on the condition draws on the NHS and the British Association of Dermatologists, and every source is listed in your manual. You will also learn why a cure cannot be promised, and how to word what you offer so that it stays within the ASA and CAP rules.
It is for therapists and clinic owners who already work with, or plan to work with, a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. It is a CPD course, not a regulated qualification, and carries no qualification level.
What you get for your price
- Online lessons covering the whole course, with videos, diagrams, slide decks and quizzes
- The course manual and workbook as your study text and assessment workbook
- A fluence calculator and settings guidance, a test patch protocol and the full treatment method and regime
- Answers to the questions your clients will ask
- Client consultation, consent and aftercare forms and a treatment room readiness checklist for your own clinic
- A supervised practical element, at the academy or live over video
- An accredited CPD certificate on successful completion and a CPD reflective record
- Ongoing support from the Skintastic team
How the course works, step by step
- Buy the course online. It is added to your account on the academy.
- Work through the online lessons and workbook at your own pace and complete the written work.
- Email info@skintasticaesthetics.com to arrange your supervised practical: either a practical day at the academy in Southampton, or a live virtual practical supervised over video if you find your own model.
- Complete a full treatment under supervision, including consultation, test patch, settings, technique and aftercare, assessed against a competency checklist.
- Once you have passed both parts, your certificate is issued. The course is 6 hours of learning in total.
What the course covers
| Section | What you learn |
|---|---|
| Understanding fungal nail infection | Dermatophytes, how infection presents, and what the NHS and dermatology guidance say |
| How the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser works | Mechanism of action, the 1064 nm and 532 nm wavelengths, the evidence base and the Kalokasidis 2013 study |
| Regulation, laser safety and your responsibilities | Class 4 laser safety, Controlled Area, Local Rules, LPA and LPS, Core of Knowledge, insurance, UK GDPR and honest advertising claims |
| Consultation, suitability and contraindications | Bleeding disorders, blood thinning medication, cold sores and the full contraindication list |
| Test patches and laser settings | Fluence, the fluence calculator, and how to set the machine for the nail |
| Full treatment method and treatment regime | The step by step method and how many sessions a course actually needs |
| Aftercare, equipment cleaning and waste | What the client does at home, and cleaning down properly between clients |
| Questions your clients may ask | The honest answers, including why a cure cannot be promised |
| Assessment and forms | Your written assessment, practical competency checklist and client forms pack |
Before and on your practical day
- Complete all of the online theory before your practical, whether it is at the academy or a live virtual practical.
- If you attend our Southampton academy, wear your salon clothes or smart casual, because the training is clinical.
- Your practical date is arranged with you by email after you enrol.
- If you attend our Southampton academy, lunch is provided.
Entry requirements, insurance and scope of practice
Entry requirements: a regulated Level 3 qualification in Anatomy and Physiology (or equivalent), and a recognised Laser and IPL Core of Knowledge certificate. If you are missing either, you can take them with us first. A qualification in laser is preferred but not essential: if you do not have one, email us before you book and we will talk through your options. If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, email us before you book. We accept Recognition of Prior Learning against the entry requirements, but never for the practical element or in place of the Core of Knowledge certificate.
Before you treat clients you also need training on the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser you will use, Local Rules from a Laser Protection Adviser, insurance that names this treatment and your device, and any licence your local authority requires. Most insurers want to see an existing beauty or aesthetics qualification alongside a CPD certificate. We cannot promise any insurer will cover you, so check before you book.
The practical element
You complete the practical element in one of two ways. Both are arranged by emailing info@skintasticaesthetics.com.
- A supervised practical day at our Southampton academy. Skintastic provides the models, each with a fungal nail infection confirmed by a GP, podiatrist or chiropodist. The manual describes a trainer demonstration followed by supervised treatments, observed by your trainer.
- A live virtual practical, supervised over video, if you find your own model.
In both cases you are assessed on a full treatment under supervision: consultation, test patch, settings, technique and aftercare. Ask us to confirm timings and what you need in place for your chosen option.
Assessment and your certificate
Assessment is by a written knowledge review and short answer questions, followed by a practical assessment against a competency checklist. Your certificate is issued once you have passed both parts. If you are referred, you can be reassessed on that part.
CPD accreditation and how to verify it
This course is accredited by The CPD Group: activity #1004446, 6 CPD credits, accreditation running to 29 September 2029. Skintastic Aesthetic Lasers Ltd is an approved provider, number 777800.
Check this course on The CPD Register (activity #1004446)
Price, payment options and enrolling
The price is £399. Pay by card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPal. Klarna and Clearpay may also be offered at checkout, subject to status.
After you buy, the course is added to your account on the academy. Email us to arrange your practical.
Cancellations, refunds, access time and rescheduling
This is a summary. The full wording is in our terms and conditions, which apply to your order.
- Price and VAT. Skintastic Aesthetic Lasers Ltd is not VAT registered, so no VAT is added to the course price. Payment is taken in full when you order.
- Online access. Your access to the online lessons lasts 12 months from the date of purchase.
- Cancelling. At checkout you tick a box to start your online access straight away, and by ticking it you give up the 14 day right to cancel the online materials. Refunds, where they apply, go back to the original payment method within 14 days of us receiving your written cancellation (an email is enough).
- Practical day. If you book a practical day you may cancel within 14 days of buying and before the day takes place, and you are refunded in full less a fair amount for any services already provided at your request. You may move your practical day once, free of charge, if you tell us in writing at least 14 days before it. If you tell us later than that, or do not attend, the day is treated as used. A further date may be offered at our discretion for a rebooking fee of 25% of the price you paid for the course.
- After the cancellation period. Once the 14 days have ended, courses are non refundable, including if you change your mind, cannot attend, fail an assessment, or find that your insurer will not accept the course. Your statutory rights are not affected.
- Your certificate. It is issued once you have completed every required part of the course and passed the assessments.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the laser nail fungal treatment course cost?
The course costs £399. Pay by card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPal. Klarna and Clearpay may also be offered at checkout, subject to status.
How long does it take?
The course is 6 hours of learning in total and carries 6 CPD credits. Ask us to confirm how that is split between your online learning and your supervised practical when you arrange your practical.
Can I do it at my own pace?
Yes for the online learning, which you can go over as many times as you need. The supervised practical is arranged with you by email, so you agree a time that suits you and the trainer.
What qualifications do I need first?
You need a regulated Level 3 qualification in Anatomy and Physiology (or equivalent) and a recognised Laser and IPL Core of Knowledge certificate. If you are missing either, you can take them with us first. A qualification in laser is preferred but not essential: if you do not have one, email us before you book and we will talk through your options. If you are unsure whether yours qualifies, email us before you book.
Is the course accredited and how do I check?
Yes. It is accredited by The CPD Group, activity #1004446, 6 CPD credits, and Skintastic Aesthetic Lasers Ltd is an approved provider, number 777800. Use the CPD Register link in the accreditation section above to check it yourself.
Will I get a certificate, and when?
Yes. Your accredited CPD certificate is issued once you have passed both the knowledge part and the practical part, together with a CPD reflective record for your portfolio. Ask us if you need to know the exact issue time.
Will my insurer cover me?
We cannot promise this. Most insurers want to see an existing beauty or aesthetics qualification alongside a CPD certificate before they will cover you for this treatment. Check with your insurer, and make sure the policy names this treatment and your device, before you treat clients.
Do I need my own laser?
You do not need a laser to study the online lessons. The course is written for any Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with a 1064 nm and a 532 nm tip. Email us to discuss what you need for each practical option.
Can I use any machine?
Yes, the course is a general course for any Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, not one brand. Your exact energies, spot sizes and safety features must always come from your own machine’s manufacturer instructions, and you need training on the machine you will use.
Where is the practical?
You can come to our academy at 26 The Avenue, Southampton SO17 1XL for a supervised practical day, or complete a live virtual practical supervised over video if you find your own model.
How do I book the practical?
Email info@skintasticaesthetics.com and tell us which option you prefer, the academy day or the live virtual practical. We arrange it with you from there.
Who provides the models?
If you come to the academy, Skintastic provides your models, each with a fungal nail infection confirmed by a GP, podiatrist or chiropodist. For a live virtual practical, you find your own model. Email us to confirm the details before you choose.
What support do I get?
You will have ongoing support from the team at Skintastic after your course, and you are always welcome to get in touch with questions. Tell us in advance if you need adjustments such as extra time or large print.
Can you promise the laser will cure fungal nails?
No, and the course explains why. It teaches you to describe the treatment honestly and to word what you offer within the ASA and CAP advertising rules. Results vary and a cure cannot be promised.
What if I do not pass first time?
Being referred is a ‘not yet’. Your assessor records exactly what is needed and you can be reassessed on that part. Ask us about any fee before you book.
Can I get a refund?
Please see our terms and conditions, or ask us before you buy.
Is VAT added to the price?
No. Skintastic Aesthetic Lasers Ltd is not VAT registered, so no VAT is added to the course price shown.
How long do I have access to the online lessons?
Your access to the online lessons lasts 12 months from the date of purchase.
Can I cancel and get a refund?
You have 14 days to cancel, but the right to cancel the online materials is lost once your access starts and you have ticked the box at checkout to agree to that. Once the 14 days have ended, courses are non refundable. Refunds that apply are paid to the original payment method within 14 days of us receiving your written cancellation. Full details are in our terms and conditions.
What if I need to move my practical day?
You may move your practical day once, free of charge, if you tell us in writing at least 14 days before it. After that, or if you do not attend, the day is treated as used, and a further date may be offered at our discretion for a rebooking fee of 25% of the price you paid.
Contact
Skintastic Aesthetic Lasers Ltd, 26 The Avenue, Southampton SO17 1XL.
Phone: 02381 946394
Email: info@skintasticaesthetics.com
You can also message us on WhatsApp through skintasticaesthetics.com.
