blog

How to Distinguish a True Third-Party Accreditation

Nov 19 2019

Reading Time: 3 Minutes

Author: Cathy Longley

Some injection training centres claim to be industry leaders without having the credentials to support those claims. When choosing an injection training course, you want the best education possible.

True third-party accreditation demonstrates that a training centre has been assessed against specific standards. But what does accreditation actually mean, and how can you distinguish genuine accreditation from marketing claims?

This article explains third-party accreditation in the Canadian medical aesthetics industry and what to consider when choosing an injection training course.

1. What Does Third-Party Accreditation Mean?

Third-party accreditation involves an independent organisation reviewing a training centre’s processes and educational materials. The organisation assesses whether the centre meets specified learning objectives and requirements for the relevant qualification or certification.

When researching an injection training course, it is important to understand who provides the accreditation, what standards are assessed, and which qualification is awarded.

2. Why Is Third-Party Accreditation Important?

Third-party accreditation can provide information about the quality and standards of a training programme and its instructors. This is particularly important when choosing medical aesthetics training courses.

The Canadian medical aesthetics industry continues to evolve. Understanding the accreditation behind a course can help healthcare professionals assess whether their education prepares them for the knowledge and skills required in Botox® and filler injections.

3. “Canadian Standards” vs. Recommended Practice Standards

When researching an injection course in Canada, you may encounter providers advertising “Canadian standard” certification.

It is important to understand exactly what that claim means.

The original article states that, at the time of writing, Ontario had no official certification for injectable therapies and that some providers used their own standards while promoting their courses as certified.

It also states that the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) had not established regulations specifically for injectors.

Key points to remember

• Check the meaning of “certified”: Find out which organisation awards the certification and what requirements must be met.
• Ask about the standards: Determine whether an independent body assesses the course or whether the training provider sets its own criteria.
• Understand the certificate offered: A certificate of attendance confirms participation, but it is not necessarily the same as an independently assessed qualification.
• Look for transparency: Training centres should clearly explain the standards and qualifications associated with their programmes.

The key is to distinguish between a provider’s own certificate, a certificate of attendance, and a qualification awarded through an independent organisation.

4. How to Become Properly Certified

Obtaining a professional qualification can involve more than attending a training course provided by a product supplier.

As described in the original article, independent certification involves completing work that is assessed against defined learning objectives by an independent body. When the required criteria are met, the relevant qualification or accreditation can be awarded.

The article identifies the UK’s OTHM as an option for international certification. It states that OTHM is regulated by Ofqual and recognised by Qualifications Wales, with a global network of delivery centres.

Before enrolling, check the specific qualification, its awarding organisation, the assessment requirements, and the recognition that applies to your professional circumstances.

5. International Injection Certification with APT Injection Training

APT Injection Training offers international certification through MATA Training and OTHM. According to the original article, MATA developed the postgraduate injectable qualification awarded by OTHM.

APT describes its International Certificate in Clinical Aesthetic Injectable Therapies as an internationally standardised qualification.

International certification does not automatically grant permission to practise in another country. Practitioners must still meet the applicable licensing, registration, and professional requirements for the location where they intend to work.

The original article also explains that APT Injection Training provides a certificate of attendance showing that training was overseen by a medical director.

Learn More About International Injection Certification

Choosing a training programme involves more than comparing course prices or looking at the certificate offered. Understanding the awarding organisation, assessment process, accreditation standards, and professional requirements can help you make a more informed decision.

To learn more about training and certification options, contact APT Injection Training.