VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 BT4A13 – Award in High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

This qualification is informed by employers and national and international standards for aesthetic beauty and includes all the required elements to work effectively as a fully qualified High Intensity Focused Ultrasound practitioner.

Learners must achieve the mandatory unit:

• Enhance Appearance Using High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

Throughout this qualification, learners will develop their knowledge and understanding of relevant requirements, regulations and safe practice treatment protocols for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound. Learners will also develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required to consult with clients and provide specific aftercare and home care advice.

The aim of this unit is to develop the learners’ knowledge, understanding and practical skills when using HIFU techniques to enhance appearance. It covers the skills involved in providing a thorough consultation to establish client suitability for treatment and also the knowledge of how to formulate a specific treatment plan tailored to suit individual client needs and requirements. Learners will also develop the knowledge required to provide pre and post-treatment advice and post care to ensure the client receives the full benefit of the treatment.

On completion of this unit, learners will:

• Interpret the environmental and safety considerations to be considered when providing HIFU treatments
• Comprehend the protocols and guidelines when providing HIFU treatments
• Demonstrate how to consult, plan and prepare for HIFU treatment
• Demonstrate how to provide HIFU treatment

External theory examinations: (on site multiple choices)

Theory examinations are externally set and externally marked by the awarding organisation.

Retaking external theory examinations

Learners who fail to achieve the required Pass mark are permitted to re-sit after having sufficient teaching and additional study time.

External practical examination: one day -on site for practical examination

Retaking external practical examination

Learners who fail to achieve the required Pass mark are permitted to re-sit after having sufficient teaching and additional study time.

Clinical case studies/treatment portfolio

Learners must produce a treatment portfolio which is required to be completed under the supervision of a lecturer who must monitor the quality of the treatments performed throughout the learner’s training, to ensure that they meet the given criteria.

All case studies must be completed and marked prior to the learner completing the practical and theoretical examinations.

Learners must complete case study practice demonstrating 6 treatments (that can be combined) to cover the range, (3 on the face and 3 on the body) on a minimum of 3 separate clients.

Each practice needs to include a full medical history of the client, advanced skin assessment, before and after pictures and a full description of the conditions/characteristics to be treated. A detailed description of the application technique, equipment, transducer/cartridge/treatment heads, settings and parameters used, and the duration of the treatment must also be provided. Each application must also include an evaluation of the treatment and its outcomes, pre and post treatment skincare product recommendations and post treatment advice and reflective practice of the treatment.

What could this qualification lead to?

The primary purpose of this qualification is to prepare learners for employment or self-employment in the beauty aesthetic industry providing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatments. Additionally, learners may choose to develop their knowledge and skills further by completing additional specialist qualifications at Level 4 and 5, including:

VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Award in Skin Peeling
VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Award in Skin Needling
VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Award in Ultrasound
VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Award in Dermaplaning
VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Award in Scalp Micropigmentation
VTCT (ITEC) Level 5 Award in Micropigmentation for Camouflage and Restoration