TOPIC DESCRIPTIONS

PLT-001: LASER BASICS

In this section, the student learns what a laser is, the history of lasers and basic physics of lasers. These basics are essential to understanding the differences in lasers and other light treatments. At the end of this section the student will be able to: describe how lasers work, the different types of lasers, general uses for aesthetics, the variables associated with laser energy delivery and how variables might affect tissue treatments.

PLT-002: LASER BIOPHYSICS-TISSUE INTERACTION

This section builds on the Laser Basics section. The student will learn how lasers and light interact with tissue and some core fundamental definitions that define medical laser treatments. At the end of this section the student shall be able to: define and discuss “Selective Photo Thermolysis”, describe what a Chromophore is, what chromophores are targeted in medical laser treatments, and why this is vital to safe, effective medical laser treatments.

PLT-003: HAIR AND SKIN ANATOMY/PHYSIOLOGY

This section covers pertinent anatomy and physiology of the skin, blood vessels and hair that are necessary for understanding treatments.  The various laser “target” elements will be covered.  These target elements, also known as chromophores, are vital to understanding and determining which laser or light is required for treatment of particular conditions.

PLT-004: MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Knowledge about medications, serious medical conditions, pregnancy, and lifestyle is important in a laser technician’s decision to treat or not treat a client.  Some of the most common and deleterious medical conditions will be covered.

PLT-005: LASER SAFETY

Laser safety training will provide safety precautions, federal and regulatory agency requirements and guidelines. At the end of this section, the student will be able to: list the regulatory bodies for laser practice, state the basic safety operational practices and procedures, and list hazards and administrative controls.

PLT-006: INTENSE PULSED LIGHT (IPL)

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is not a true laser, but rather a non-coherent intense pulsed light in a low energy to rejuvenate the skin.  IPL treatments when done on the face are called PhotoFacials. This treatment is excellent for dyschromias (dark & red spots), shrinking pore size, roughness and fine wrinkles. In this section, the student will learn: conditions treatable, variables to consider when adjusting settings, expected outcomes, safety issues, how to minimize discomfort, areas of the skin that benefit from treatments and technique tips that can be used.  The student will also be able to explain and list treatment protocols, clinical endpoints, contraindications, precautions, and pre-post treatment instructions.  Instructor demonstration with student hands-on training for Intense Pulsed Light.

PLT-007: LASER HAIR REDUCTION

Laser hair reduction is one of the most popular light-based treatments. This section will describe the indications, contraindications and how to perform laser hair reduction. At the end of this section, the student will be able to: describe which hair type and locations are amenable for treatment, which lasers are best and why, identify the target tissue, determine number of treatments needed, energy needed to treat and what hair types and skin types cannot be treated safely and effectively.  The student will also be able to explain and list treatment protocols, clinical endpoints, precautions, and pre-post treatment instructions.  Instructor demonstration with student hands-on training for Laser Hair Reduction.

PLT-008: TATTOO REMOVAL

Laser tattoo removal is a very unique process and technique in the medical laser aesthetic realm. This section will discuss the tissue / ink relationship, which tattoos are difficult to remove and how it is done using lasers. The student at the completion of this section will be able to: identify which colors are most difficult, which laser types are needed to perform tattoo removal, the difference between a regular laser and a Q-switched laser, estimate the number of treatments needed, discuss pain reduction during the procedure, and how the body works to remove the ink after treatment. The student will also be able to explain and list treatment protocols, clinical endpoints, contraindications, precautions, and pre-post treatment instructions.  Instructor demonstration with student hands-on training for Tattoo Removal.

PLT-009: FRACTIONAL

Fractional laser treatments (both ablative and non-ablative) are great tools to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and skin irregularities from many causes. After this section, the student will be able to: describe what a fractional treatment is, describe target areas, identify criteria for client selection, describe the difference between an ablative and non-ablative treatment.  The student will also be able to explain and list treatment protocols, clinical endpoints, contraindications, precautions, and pre-post treatment instructions.  Instructor demonstration with student hands-on training for Fractional.

PLT-010: PATIENT CONSIDERATIONS

Patient interactions from initial phone call, consult, assessment, consent and home instructions will be covered.  It is essential that patients fully understand pre-and post-treatment considerations and expected results.  The student will learn how to perform a successful consultation and assessment of patients concerns and develop a treatment plan.

PLT-011: MED SPA LOGISTICS

This section will cover protocols, policies and procedures that should be in place when lasers and light are in use.  What is necessary for space, equipment, personnel and supplies to perform laser/light treatments and business aspects of laser/light services will be included.

PLT-CLINICAL: LABS, Instructor demonstration with student hands-on training.

• PLT-LAB 006   INTENSE PULSED LIGHT (IPL)
• PLT-LAB 007   LASER HAIR REDUCTION
• PLT-LAB 008   TATTOO REMOVAL
• PLT-LAB 009   FRACTIONAL

Clinical labs take place in a state-of-the-art medical spa and students have the opportunity to treat patients who have booked appointments at the med spa.  All clinical labs include:  Instructor demonstration, student observation, participation, and assisting in treatments with hands on training, review of the equipment to be used and settings of the device, assessment of patient chart and history, patient preparation, pre-and post-care considerations, and review of treatment protocols.

PLT-012: COURSE REVIEW

Extensive course review for final evaluation and testing.