What is CPD?

CPD is an abbreviation of Continuing Professional Development. It is a term used specifically for describing the learning activities in which practitioners engage to develop as well as improve their skills, knowledge, and capabilities. It makes learning proactive and conscious process allowing the practitioners to put their newly learned skills to practice. As the term suggests, CPD is a continuous and self-driven learning form which helps you to learn and progress your skills as well as career.

Why do you need CPD?

The industry of aesthetic medicine is among the rapidly expanding industries, globally. Every other day innovative cosmetic treatments and aesthetic clinics are developing. This has attracted a large number of new practitioners to get training in aesthetic medicine as well as increased awareness of non-surgical cosmetic procedures among people.

Before visiting the cosmetic clinic, most of the patients do their research. They are more aware of how they want to look, and which treatments they want to have to improve their physical aesthetics. The celebrities have also played a significant role in creating awareness about non-invasive aesthetic treatments. Many celebrities publically declared their cosmetic treatments, and it is no longer considered a taboo thing to talk about.

Due to rapidly increasing public awareness of various cosmetic procedures and the latest trends, it has become vital for cosmetic practitioners to stay up-to-date and knowledgeable about the advanced aesthetic treatments and procedures. They also need to offer the aesthetic procedures of highest standards, quality and safety to stay ahead of their competitors in this market of cut-throat competition.

In this regard, it is imperative for cosmetic practitioners to undergo medical revalidation for advancing their cosmetic practice and medical revalidation. There are NMC, GMC and GDC revalidation systems. All these systems require evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) for medical registration.

As a cosmetic practitioner, you know how many CPD hours you need to complete every year. These learning hours should be relevant to your medical practice, and you should have sound knowledge about what you have learned to discuss it confidently.

How to Gain CPD Hours?

You need to expand your knowledge in the field of aesthetic medicine to gain valuable knowledge and of course CPD hours. You can add to your CPD hours throughout the year by;

• Exploring the latest aesthetic procedures
• Enrolling in accredited and professional cosmetic training courses
• Reading high-quality articles published in Journals such as Aesthetic Journal, Prime and Aesthetic Medicine
• Attending special aesthetic workshops and conferences

All of these activities add to your CPD points. These are evidence of your continuing professional development which shows your passion for learning and advancing your career.

The regulatory bodies review your CPD portfolio as an aesthetic practitioner to ensure that you meet the standards of annual CPD requirements. Your CPD portfolio should display different learning methods and how those impacted your capabilities. Therefore, you should always keep your CPD portfolio updated as it is challenging to remember and record your every CPD related activity at the end of the year.

Benefits of Taking Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Courses

There are several benefits of continuing professional development (CPD) courses for independent as well as employed cosmetic practitioners.

• As a professional cosmetic practitioner, taking regular CPD courses to ensure that your skills, as well as knowledge, stay up-to-date.
• With CPD courses, you can maintain professional medical registration standards and qualifications.
• CPD ensures that your clinic standards meet the highest quality, safety, and consistency.
• It enables you to proactively engage in your role as a cosmetic practitioner and give value to your position.
• CPD courses help you to be more confident in your skill and more knowledgeable about the field of aesthetic medicine. You are better able to exhibit your achievements, learning, and skills most efficiently and confidently.
• As a professional aesthetic practitioner, you keep on upgrading your skills and knowledge through CPD courses which sets you apart from your competitors.
• Whether you are operating your cosmetic clinic or working for the employer, CPD courses are of great help. These give you a distinct position at your clinic or workplace. You have accredited proof to demonstrate your training and skills proudly.
• CPD learning and training enhance your overall capabilities and compliments your aspirations for a successful career in aesthetic medicine.
• Taking CPD courses exhibit how committed you are towards self and professional development.
• With the help of CPD, you can identify gaps in your learning and fill them with the latest knowledge.

Bottom Line

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) holds more benefits than drawbacks for your professional, personal and career development. The thing you need to ensure as a cosmetic practitioner is to gather your CPD evidence regularly. Undertake professional CPD courses from accredited cosmetic training institutes so that you have substantial evidence to demonstrate at the end of the year.