Both are established organizations. Both offer Botox and aesthetic medicine education. Both include medical weight loss training. The similarities largely stop there.
20+
Years in Aesthetic Medicine
15,000+
Certified Providers
4.9/5
Rating Across 6,359 Reviews
33.5
AMA PRA Cat. 1 CMEs (full program)
Healthcare providers researching cash-pay services face a crowded training market. IAPAM (the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine) and Empire Medical Training both consistently come up in that search. Both are established organizations offering Botox and aesthetic medicine education with medical weight loss training in their catalogs.
IAPAM has been training providers since 2006 — over 20 years in aesthetic medicine — has certified more than 15,000 physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, and holds a 4.9 out of 5 star rating across 6,359 reviews. Its programs are built specifically around aesthetic medicine, medical weight management, and practice launch. Empire Medical Training, founded in 1998, operates as a broader multi-specialty platform with 50+ courses across six academies.
The right choice depends entirely on what the provider is trying to build. For healthcare professionals who want focused, dermatologist-led, hands-on Botox training paired with GLP-1 and medical weight loss certification, these two programs serve fundamentally different purposes.
At a Glance
| Category | IAPAM ★ 4.9 | Empire Medical Training |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2006 (20+ years in aesthetic medicine) | 1998 |
| Providers Trained | 15,000+ certified providers | 200,000+ across all courses and professions |
| Primary Focus | Aesthetic medicine, Botox, medical weight management, and practice startup | Broad catalog across aesthetics, pain management, functional medicine, and business |
| Training Locations | Centralized symposium in Scottsdale, AZ plus online | 35+ cities nationwide plus livestream and on-demand |
| Hands-On Setting | Real working dermatology clinic; live models and product provided | Workshop-based; setting varies by location |
| Faculty | Board-certified cosmetic dermatologists | Physician instructors across multiple specialties |
| Max Group Size | 7 attendees per injection group | Varies by course |
| CME Credits | Up to 33.5 AMA PRA Category 1 per full program | Varies by course; ACCME-accredited |
| Medical Weight Loss | Dedicated GLP-1, CWMP certification, semaglutide and tirzepatide protocols | Medical weight loss available as standalone workshop |
| Business Training | Integrated into the symposium via the Successful Aesthetic Practice System | Separate Academy of Business and Marketing |
| Membership Model | $295/year; discounts on training rates | $7,299–$9,299/year tiered unlimited-access |
| Certification | CAP and CWMP annual designations | Course completion certificates |
| Best Fit | Providers building a focused aesthetics and weight management practice | Providers wanting broad multi-specialty course access |
IAPAM
2006 (20+ years)
Empire
1998
IAPAM
15,000+ certified providers
Empire
200,000+ across all courses
IAPAM
Aesthetic medicine, Botox, medical weight management, practice startup
Empire
Broad catalog across aesthetics, pain management, functional medicine, and business
IAPAM
Real working dermatology clinic; live models and product provided
Empire
Workshop-based; setting varies by location
IAPAM
Board-certified cosmetic dermatologists
Empire
Physician instructors across multiple specialties
IAPAM
Up to 33.5 AMA PRA Cat. 1 per full program
Empire
Varies by course; ACCME-accredited
IAPAM
$295/year
Empire
$7,299–$9,299/year
IAPAM
CAP and CWMP annual designations
Empire
Course completion certificates
Aesthetic Medicine & Botox Training
IAPAM
HighlightedEmpire Medical Training
Where IAPAM stands out: Single Botox workshops are widely available across the industry. IAPAM addresses a different need — providers who want Botox training in the context of building a successful aesthetic practice, with clinical training, business preparation, and medical weight management integrated into one program. Training inside a working medical facility, instruction from board-certified dermatologists, and a curriculum that connects procedures to practice economics are the defining features.
Medical Weight Management
GLP-1 therapies like semaglutide and tirzepatide have driven significant demand across all practice types. Building a sustainable weight management program requires more than familiarity with available medications — providers need working knowledge of prescribing protocols, patient eligibility, side effect management, follow-up care, lifestyle support, and long-term retention. When comparing IAPAM and Empire in this category, the distinction is clear.
1. GLP-1 Essentials
IAPAMCore GLP-1 prescribing principles, custom titration protocols, patient side-effect management. $395 • 3 AMA PRA Category 1 CME credits.
2. CWMP Certification
IAPAMComprehensive certification covering GLP-1 medications, FDA-approved drug therapies, ketogenic and IF protocols, IV nutrition, and hormone therapy. Includes Clean Start Weight Loss patient materials. $995 initial • $597/year renewal. Annual recertification required.
3. In-Person Weight Management
IAPAMHands-on weight management day at the Scottsdale Symposium. Build an aesthetics service line and a weight management program within a single training event.
Empire Medical Weight Loss
Physician Medical Weight Loss Training through the Academy of Functional Medicine. Covers GLP-1 pharmacotherapy, metabolic evaluation, and obesity treatment. Available standalone or via membership. A practical option for providers who want a single workshop alongside other specialty courses.
Where IAPAM stands out: Annual program-specific certification, patient-facing program materials, practice workflow guidance, business resources, and a direct connection to aesthetics. The annual recertification structure reflects the reality that GLP-1 drugs and FDA guidance continue to change.
Training Format
IAPAM Training Formats
HighlightedEmpire Training Formats
Key difference: Empire brings training to providers across the country. IAPAM centralizes hands-on training in a single, consistent clinical environment. For providers who prioritize convenience and geography, Empire’s distributed model has real advantages. For providers who value learning in a real working medical practice — with consistent faculty and a controlled clinical setting — IAPAM’s format offers something different. The training environment itself is part of the learning experience.
CME, Certification & Practice Support
CME
Both offer AMA PRA Category 1 CME. IAPAM’s full 4-day Symposium provides up to 33.5 credits in a single registration. Individual Learning Lab programs offer 1.75–8 credits. Empire’s totals vary by workshop. Always confirm CME eligibility with your licensing body before enrolling.
Certification
IAPAM offers two named annual certification pathways: CAP (Certified Aesthetic Provider) and CWMP (Certified Medical Weight Management Provider). Both require annual renewal, keeping certified providers current as clinical guidelines evolve. Empire provides course completion certificates.
Practice Support
IAPAM integrates the “Secrets to a Successful Practice” business workshop into the 4-day symposium — covering funding, pricing, marketing, hiring, legal, and accounting. The Business of Medicine online course covers similar ground for Learning Lab completers. Medical weight management completers also receive patient-facing practice resources.
Membership & Ongoing Support
IAPAM Membership
$295/yearEmpire Membership
$7,299–$9,299/yearKey difference: Empire’s membership is a course-access model. IAPAM’s membership is a practice-support model. For providers actively building an aesthetic medicine or medical weight management practice, ongoing access to clinical resources, business tools, and direct support may be just as valuable as the training itself.
Which Is the Better Fit?
IAPAM Is the Better Fit If You Want:
Empire May Be the Better Fit If You Want:
Providers should evaluate both programs based on their clinical goals, schedule, budget, and the specific services they intend to offer. Scope of practice varies by state and provider designation — any training program should be verified against local licensing requirements before enrollment.
Ready to Get Started?
For healthcare professionals whose primary goal is building or expanding a practice around Botox, aesthetic medicine, and medical weight management, IAPAM offers a purpose-built path for achieving that.
Questions? Call 1-866-211-6901