Patient Suitability, Governance, Compliance and Ethics of Non-Surgical Cosmetic Medicine

This fully online, short course will be offered over 12 weeks. It is designed to provide a time-effective mechanism to support time-poor practitioners currently offering non-surgical cosmetic procedures in developing their understanding of ethical service delivery and the regulatory framework now in place in practice and advertising for cosmetic medicine.

The online environment will encompass both synchronous and asynchronous modes for the delivery of theoretical content, teaching and learning activities and assessment instruments which are simultaneously summative and formative in nature.

 

Module content*

The course is comprised of 8 modules:

• Module 1 – Advertising Current federal government legislation with regards to advertising non-surgical cosmetic treatments 
• Module 2 – AHPRA - Current Medical and Nursing Board legislation for performing non-surgical cosmetic treatments 
• Module 3– Body Dysmorphia – Assessment, ethics and referral to a psychologist where necessary
• Module 4 - State, council and poisons legislation required for correct storage, handling, prescription, supervision requirements and administration of injectable or laser treatments 
• Module 5 – Patient consent – The full patient consent in non-surgical cosmetic treatments
• Module 6 – Ethics - Ethical considerations in non-surgical cosmetic treatments for doctors and nurses 
• Module 7 – National Governance framework 
• Module 8 - Basic assessment of a patient suitability for a non-surgical cosmetic treatment – aesthetic ageing as a disease state and the basic suitable treatments for each indication - Skin treatments, lasers, Botulinum toxins and soft tissue fillers

The modules are delivered over a 12-week period involving a notional 144 hours of effort/workload.

 

Delivery: Online

Date: 01/05/2026 (12 week course)

 

 

More Information

Contact Name Mike Clague

Contact Email michael.clague@monash.edu

 

 FAQ

What is this course?

This is a 3-month intensive online course (with exams and tutorials) focused on patient suitability, governance, compliance, and ethics in non-surgical cosmetic medicine. It is delivered and certified by Monash University.

 

Who is eligible to enrol?

Applicants must be AHPRA-registered doctors (MBBS) or Nurses.

 

How is the course delivered?

All content is delivered online via the Monash Moodle platform. The course includes interactive modules, live tutorials, exams and self-directed learning.

 

What topics are covered?

You’ll learn about:

•Module 1 – Advertising Current federal government legislation with regards to advertising non-surgical cosmetic treatments 

•Module 2 – AHPRA - Current Medical and Nursing Board legislation for performing non-surgical cosmetic treatments 

•Module 3– Body Dysmorphia – Assessment, ethics and referral to a psychologist where necessary

•Module 4 - State, council and poisons legislation required for correct storage, handling, prescription, supervision requirements and administration of injectable or laser treatments 

•Module 5 – Patient consent – The full patient consent in non-surgical cosmetic treatments

•Module 6 – Ethics - Ethical considerations in non-surgical cosmetic treatments for doctors and nurses 

•Module 7 – National Governance framework 

•Module 8 - Basic assessment of a patient suitability for a non-surgical cosmetic treatment – aesthetic ageing as a disease state and the basic suitable treatments for each indication - Skin treatments, lasers, Botulinum toxins, soft tissue fillers. Anatomy 

 

How is the course structured?

The course runs over 12 weeks, including:

Regular live tutorials (2 hours every 2 weeks)

Eight core learning modules

Self-paced online activities and readings

Exams and scenario-based assessments

 

Are there any in-person requirements?

Yes, there are tutorials every 2 weeks. The course is 100% online and self paced. 

 

How am I assessed?

Assessment is via online exams, quizzes, and participation in tutorials. You’ll need to achieve at least 50% in all assessments to pass.

 

Do I get feedback during the course?

Yes. You’ll receive ongoing feedback via Moodle, including explanations for incorrect answers and suggestions for improvement.

 

Is this course accredited or recognized for CPD?

The course is designed to align with current AHPRA guidelines and CPD requirements. Nurses can record CPD points in line with NMBA standards.  Doctors will need to apply to their relevant college for CPD points.

 

What support is available?

You’ll have access to online support and can contact instructors with any course-related questions.

 

What happens after I complete the course?

You’ll receive a Monash University certificate of completion. Plus a digital badge to display.