A Comparison of the Top Botox® Training Programs
Of any non-invasive aesthetic procedures, Botox® remains the most popular among patients. And demand is only expected to grow!
It’s no wonder more medical providers are expanding their skillset with Botox® training.
The problem for many new providers to aesthetic medicine is knowing which Botox® certificate program to pick. With so many choices on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to choose the right one.
In this article, we will compare the top 7 Botox® certification and training schools in the USA to help you pick the one that’s right for you.
Why Should You Get Botox® Certified?
When it comes to highly popular aesthetic procedures, Botox® remains king.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, “As the top minimally invasive procedure of 2023, with nearly 9.5 million procedures counted in the U.S., Botox has been a patient favorite since 2005 and has been the number one minimally invasive treatment for almost 20 years.”
The need for Botox® has greatly increased over the years. Not only does Botox® help with people’s facial issues, such as wrinkles and folds, it is also known for treating other medical issues like hyperhidrosis, migraines, and TMJ, to name a few.
Even though Botox® is a non-invasive procedure, successful treatments require a great deal of skill and care. Only a highly trained healthcare professional should be able to perform these procedures. Good training is critical to the success of any healthcare professional wanting to enter the field of aesthetic medicine.
Choosing the right certification will ensure the healthcare professional does not need to worry about messing up the procedure or causing any harm to the patient.
There are numerous Botox® training programs available across the country. However, the availability of too many programs can quickly become overwhelming when you have to pick one.
What should you look for in a Botox® training program? How do you know which program is going to be the best for you? Which Botox® training program offers the ideal training? In order to help answer these questions, we have compiled a list of the top institutes that currently offer Botox® training programs in the United States.
With this helpful comparative guide, you can see for yourself and decide which training program is the right fit for you.
How to Choose The Best Botox® Training
Request a copy of our free e-report including tips on how to identify the best Botox® training and a printable comparison chart of the top Botox® training programs available today.
Choosing the Right Botox® Training Program
When it comes to Botox® training programs, there is no one size fits all program to ensure you are getting the best training possible. While there are certain qualities you should look for, there are also other factors that come in to play like the credentials of the instructor, class size, location of the training, your goals in aesthetic medicine, and more.
Here is a list of questions you should be asking to help you narrow down your choices:
- Does the course have an extensive overview of facial anatomy and musculature?
- Will you be provided with ample hands-on training?
- Is the course curriculum based on the latest and best scientific resources?
- Is the course certified and will it provide you with CMEs?
- Will you be provided with the tools and knowledge to add Botox® to your practice? Like additional profitable non-invasive procedures and/or business training?
- Does the training keep a report card from attendees?
- How long has the organization been providing Botox® training?
- Who is doing the Botox® training? Are they highly qualified injectors and board-certified dermatologists?
- Is there an opportunity to learn other Aesthetic Procedures at the same time?
- Is the course held in a first class medical facility as recommended by the FDA? Or are you injecting in a hotel room?
- Is training available online or in-person?
Virtual or E-Learning Botox® Training
Incorporating virtual learning into Botox® training programs can greatly enhance the flexibility and accessibility of education for healthcare providers.
Virtual training allows practitioners to learn at their own pace and convenience, making it easier to balance professional and personal commitments.
When selecting online training options, it’s important to look for comprehensive course content, interactive components, and access to experienced instructors for feedback.
Effective e-learning platforms should also provide practical demonstrations and opportunities to add-on hands-on practice to ensure proficiency in Botox® administration.
More details can be found on the benefits and considerations of e-learning here.
Top Botox® Training Institutes In The U.S.
Here is a list of the top Botox® training programs:
- Harley Academy, United Kingdom (HA)
- International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)
- American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM)
- APT Injection Training (APT)
- MedAesthetics Training (MAT)
- Aesthetic Medical Educators Training (AMET)
- National Laser Institute (NLI)
- Empire Medical Training (EMT)
Below, we’ve put together a list of the top 7 programs to help you compare and contrast what is offered and which program is the best fit for you:
1. Harley Academy (UK)
Harley Academy is a leading postgraduate training school in the United Kingdom for medical practitioners looking to expand their skills in aesthetic medicine.
Courses are geared towards doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives and include training in Botox, fillers and cosmetic dermatology education. Accredited training includes hands-on experience from top clinical trainers and expert knowledge on trends and techniques that go beyond standard qualification.
Courses range from an introductory 15-hour course to a level 7 diploma that can take from 12-36 months to complete. Costs for individual courses start at £245 and can cost upwards of £2,995 or more depending on the certification and previous experience and qualifications.
Harley Academy training is well suited for practitioners looking for employment in the field of aesthetic medicine but not necessarily providers who also need the business training to open and grow a successful and profitable medical spa or aesthetic medicine practice.
Training Summary
London, UK
Cost
Starting at £245 and up depending on certification and previous experience.
One day to 36 months
Are Models Provided for Hands-on Training?
Yes
Yes
No
Clean clinic
Physicians, dentists, nurses and midwives
CPDs (UK equivalent) are offered
Yes
2. International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)
The IAPAM has been offering Botox® training and certification since it opened its doors in 2006. Certification is recognized internationally and is led by highly trained board-certified dermatologists.
It’s the top training program for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and dentists in the USA who want to open and grow a profitable aesthetics practice or medical spa.
More than 10,000 providers have completed training in the IAPAM’s exclusive Successful Aesthetic Practice System™ with the goal of opening a profitable and successful aesthetics practice or medical spa.
Hands-on training is offered through their comprehensive 4-day accelerated training event, the Aesthetic Medicine Symposium, which is hosted several times per year in Scottsdale, Arizona. Hands-on Botox injection training is done in a clean dermatology clinic as per FDA-recommendations, not in a hotel setting.
During their 2-day interactive Aesthetic Medicine Program, attendees learn not just how to successfully and skillfully inject Botox, but also the other top 4 most profitable non-invasive procedures (fillers, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and lasers). Medical weight management and the Secrets to a Successful Business program can also be added on to make up the 4-day training weekend.
Hands-on Botox® training is limited to no more than 7 attendees per group. Models and product are provided for attendees.
In addition to their outstanding aesthetic training courses, they also offer medical weight management and business courses which include topics related to marketing and how a healthcare professional can start their own aesthetic practice.
Pricing ranges from $595 – $4,195 depending on number of classes and if choosing online or in-person training.
Registration is primarily open to physicians, although nurse practitioners (and equivalent such as CRNA/APRN), physicians assistants or dentists are welcome to attend. Providers may bring their support staff such as RNs to training, but nurses are not eligible to register on their own.
This training is physician-focused and best suited for providers interested in starting their own profitable and successful aesthetics practice or medical spa, or expanding an existing practice to include aesthetic treatments.
Training Summary
Cost
$595-$4,195 depending on the program
Are Models Provided for Hands-on Training?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
3. The American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM)
Founded in 1999, the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine offers a wide variety of aesthetic courses including Botox® training, dermal fillers, chemical peels and body contouring. Training is broken down in to Level 1 and Level 2 Diplomas in Aesthetic Medicine.
In Level 1, the training is 3-days long, but your hands-on Botox® injection training is limited to 1.5 hours. Training is available in California and in multiple locations around the world.
Registration is restricted to physicians-only and the cost of training can range anywhere from $695 for some online training seminars to $4,300 per program.
Additional Master courses are available in thread lifting, hair loss management and hair transplant, liposuction, platelet rich plasma (PRP) & stem cell therapy.
Training Summary
California & globally
Cost
$695 – $4,300
Are Models Provided for Hands-on Training?
Yes
Yes
Yes
4. APT Injection Training (Canada)
APT Injection Training provides training from its facility just outside of Toronto, Canada. It provides advanced Botox and filler injection training for physicians and other registered medical professionals such as nurses and dentists.
Hands-on Botox and dermal filler training is performed on live models in their clean training clinic. Pricing ranges from CAD $2,950 – $10,250 depending on the course or certification. Introductory training is available for medical practitioners with no previous experience in aesthetic medicine as well as advanced training courses.
Training is offered through a blended learning approach with some online learning required to be completed prior to hands-on training.
Training Summary
Toronto, Canada
Cost
CAD $2,950 – $10,250
Starting at 1-day, certification can vary depending on the individual
Yes
Are Models Provided for Hands-on Training?
Yes
Clean training facility
Physicians (MD & DO), Registered Nurses (RN), Nurse Practitioners (NP), Dentists (DDS & DMD) and other medical professionals
Yes
Yes
5. Aesthetic Medical Educators Training (AMET)
Since 2003, Aesthetic Medical Educators Training has been teaching attendees medical aesthetic training. They offer training in Botox, fillers, microdermabrasion and sclerotherapy.
Hybrid training is available with online didactic and hands-on training available down the road. Botox and filler training is offered as a 1-day only training course. Advanced training is also available as a 1-day training course.
Training is available in multiple locations across the United States. Pricing ranges from $1,650 – $1,950 per course. Registration is open to physicians, nurse practitioners, physicians assistants, dentists and registered nurses.
If a physician is seeking a program that is primarily physician-based, there is no guarantee on the number of physicians versus nurses and other designations you may be training with in your course. However, this can be a benefit for registered nurses looking for training that do not currently have a physician sponsor for their registration.
Class sizes are limited to 12 participants. Botox and filler training is included in the same 1-day course. Hands-on training time is limited to 4 hours in the afternoon and includes both toxins and fillers.
This can be a benefit for trainees to gain exposure to many types of products, however, may not leave enough time to go into detail on specific procedures to ensure successful treatments right out of the gate. This is especially important for new injectors.
AMET offers private group training as well.
Training Summary
Various locations across the USA.
Cost
Are Models Provided for Hands-on Training?
Yes
Yes
Hotel
Yes
Yes
6. National Laser Institute
The National Laser Institute was founded in 2003. They offer Botox training as well as courses in dermal fillers, PDO threads, Kybella, PRP training, among others.
Training is primarily offered at their campus in Scottsdale, AZ, but it does conduct some workshops in various locations across the country. Pricing can range anywhere from $1,495 for a one-day workshop to upwards of $15,000 for a 2-week training course, depending on how many classes you sign up for.
This school caters to a wide variety of healthcare professionals wanting to start a career in medical aesthetics. While this can provide you with access to many different training courses, if you are a provider looking for an experience to be trained amongst your peers (for example, primarily physicians), this may not be the right fit for you.
On the other hand, if you are a nurse or other healthcare provider hoping to expand your skills without needing sign off from your supervisor, National Laser Institute could provide a good fit for you to start your training.
Training Summary
15 locations across the USA
Up to $15,000.
One day to two weeks
Are Models Provided for Hands-on Training?
Yes
Yes
Does Hands-On Training Take Place In A Clean Setting Or A Hotel?
Yes
Yes
7. Empire Medical Training
Empire Medical Training was founded in 1998. Its aesthetic medicine training courses include: Botox, fillers, PDO threads, PRP, Sclerotherapy, Mesotherapy, Kybella and laser training.
Botox training is a half-day training event and does not include other treatments in the training. These must be signed up for separately. Filler training is typically scheduled in the afternoon on the same day as Botox training if attendees want to attend both. But it must be signed up for separately.
Registration is open to physicians, dentists, nurses, and other licensed healthcare professionals. This can be a benefit if you are a nurse looking for a Botox training program and currently do not have a supervising physician to sponsor you. However, if you are a physician looking to be trained amongst your peers, there is no guarantee on who will be in your class.
An extensive on-demand video library is available for members to reference additional training material.
Training Summary
Multiple locations across the USA
Cost
$699-$3,499
Are Models Provided for Hands-on Training?
No
Yes
Is Training Led By Board-Certified Dermatologists?
Not guaranteed
Physician, Dentists, Nurses, and other licensed healthcare professionals
Yes
Yes
Top US-based Botox Training Program/Course
International Association of Physicians for Aesthetic Medicine, also known as IAPAM, is an organization that offers Botox® training led by board-certified dermatologists – true experts of the skin. Medical providers looking to get Botox® training for their own aesthetic practice can greatly benefit from their well-versed training programs.
With IAPAM Botox® training, they have combined several highly popular non-invasive procedures and offer it in a single training program. Attendees get 5 courses included in one accelerated training weekend. This also includes hands-on CME Botox® training.
Once the trainee completes their training, they can immediately start their practice of offering aesthetic procedures. This program is ideal for physicians (MD/DO), nurse practitioners (NP), advanced practice nurses (APN/APRN), nurse anesthetists (CRNA), and physician’s assistants (PA).
Through IAPAM’s exclusive Successful Aesthetic Practice System™, a trainee can turn their medical practice into a successful and profitable practice in just four days. This training is offered on the weekend and led by experienced and credentialed board-certified dermatologists.
Once a trainee has completed their introductory training at IAPAM, they are eligible to become a professional and certified aesthetic provider.
In addition to Botox® training, a trainee will also learn about other non-invasive procedures (including fillers, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and lasers) so that they are well-trained in all areas and can have a profitable practice. Support staff should also be trained in these procedures where possible as they may be used as extenders by the physician.
All participants will learn from experts in the field of dermatology. IAPAM’s proprietary training framework, the Successful Aesthetic Practice System™, is inspired by and based on “Secrets to a Successful Practice,” which is a best-selling practice management book by Jeff Russell, Executive Director.
Why Choose IAPAM For Your Training?
1. You Learn From The Experts In The Industry
At IAPAM, students get to learn everything they need to know about different aesthetic procedures from two board-certified cosmetic dermatologists, when it comes to Botox training.
With the help of true professionals, students can start learning different aspects of aesthetic practices in their training sessions.
2. Training Is Conducted In A Clean Dermatology Practice
As compared to other popular Botox training programs that take place in hotel conference rooms, IAPAM training takes place within a medical aesthetic practice or a medical spa. Cleanliness is one of IAPAM’s top priority, hence everything is sterilized beforehand.
Plus, students get to go on a tour of the aesthetic practice, which offers them a direct look at how they can set up their own aesthetic medical practice one day.
3. You Learn Everything You Need To Know
At IAPAM, students get to learn about a wide variety of topics and everything they need to succeed on their aesthetic practice journey.
They cover four crucial aesthetic practice areas such as cosmetic injectables, skin care (chemical peels and cosmeceuticals), laser or light related procedures, and even different business skills that are required to run a successful aesthetic practice.
4. There’s Plenty Of Practice Support Available
5. Students Receive Additional Benefits
Once a student joins IAPAM’s training program and becomes a member, they get additional amenities along with their training. They receive a monthly newsletter that contains all of the latest news regarding the industry.
Plus, they receive generous discounts on all equipment, such as microdermabrasion machines and laser machines. Students can also benefit from numerous other programs such as the on-site training program, physician financing program, “medmal” insurance program, extra hands-on training programs for Advanced Botox plus Filler, and so on.
6. This Is A Well-Known Training Program
IAPAM maintains a 99.6% average of past students that would recommend training to their colleagues looking to expand their skills with aesthetic medicine.
IAPAM’s training program was specifically designed to offer their students all of the important information that is required to start their own medical aesthetic practice. Students get to learn about all of the important medical aesthetic procedures that they need to know in order to open and grow their own practice, making this one of the most comprehensive aesthetic medical training program in the United States.
7. Students Have The Chance Of Earning Up To 33.5 CMEs
Earning CME’s is highly important for students who are looking to learn about aesthetic procedures and want to open their own practice one day.
In addition to getting international recognition all across the world for their IAPAM training, students will also receive 18 CMEs when they participate in IAPAM’s two-day Aesthetic Medicine Symposium that takes place in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Plus, students have the chance of earning extra 9 CMEs by taking part in IAPAM’s physician medical weight management program and 6.5 CMEs by taking part in their ‘Secrets to a Successful Practice’ Workshop.
8. The Best Aesthetic Training Program In North America
Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, IAPAM’s training programs are truly one of a kind. They thoroughly follow FDA recommendations and perform their live Botox training in clean medical facilities. With IAPAM’s training programs, students get to learn from true experts in the field.
At the end, they receive an international certificate that qualifies them as an accredited member within aesthetic medicine. They get access to unbiased training that contains no exhibitors and only offers comprehensive education.
Students also learn about injectables by following the 3-Step Botox® Training Protocol™ that’s offered by IAPAM. Not to mention, the price of the training programs start from $595 for online introductory Botox® training and go up to $4195 for a full comprehensive Botox® training weekend, which means students have access to comprehensive training that’s recognized internationally without having to pay tens of thousands of dollars for their training programs.
What You Will Learn In Your Botox® Training At IAPAM
Here’s what students will learn in their Botox® training course.
- Detailed understanding of the epidermal layers of the skin.
- Learning about the physiology and anatomy of the skin.
- Learning about facial structure and musculature.
- Understanding common cutaneous diseases.
- Recognizing skin tension lines that appear on facial muscles and cosmetic subunits.
- Guidelines, protocols, and techniques regarding Botulinum Toxin injections (Botox).
- How to identify common skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, etc.
- Learning about the various cosmetic injectable options that are out there such as Botox, Xeomin, Jeveau, and Dysport, which are FDA approved Botulinum Toxins for the face.
- Learn about patient selection, cautions, and contraindications.
- Hands-on injection workshop where live patients are provided.
- Hands-on learning about patient mark-up exercise.
The 3-Step Botox® Training Protocol™
Step 1: Complete the required pre-course work.
Prior to attending hands-on training, all students are required to complete the pre-course work to ensure they are familiar with facial anatomy and musculature and upper face Botox® injections.
Students will have immediate access to the pre-course material once they have registered for specific hands-on training dates as noted in Step 2. Students will have 12-months of unlimited access to review the pre-course work as much as they want from their signup date.
Step 2: Attend hands-on training
The IAPAM offers hands-on Botox® injection training as part of our accelerated Aesthetic Medicine Program at the Aesthetic Medicine Symposium.
Step 3: Practice on 12 friends or family before treating patients
Once you have completed your hands-on training, the IAPAM’s faculty of board-certified dermatologists recommend you practice on 12 friends or family to refine your technique before treating patients.
Topics Covered During Live Botox® Training
- Details of the facial anatomy and musculature
- Guidelines for Botox injections
- Best practices used for facial injections
- Instructions regarding how to prepare the injection, the dosage, and how to administer it
- Detailed regarding dermal filler complications like etiology, how to prevent it, and how to treat it
Conclusion
If you are a healthcare professional who is looking to open their own aesthetic practice or medical spa, then there is no better place than IAPAM to get your Botox training. With highly-qualified experts and professionals, you are in good hands.
A comprehensive and detailed training program is all you need to learn everything that there is about Botox and other related procedures.
The IAPAM offers the most comprehensive Botox® and aesthetic medicine training available for physicians, nurse practitioners and physicians assistants. You can get started with self-study on-demand certificates or hands-on in-person training. Follow the links below to learn how to get started.
Questions? Contact us at 1-866-206-8085 or visit our website for more details.
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Please note that the information gathered in this publication is current and accurate as of the publishing date and publicly available information. Although the author and publisher have made every reasonable attempt to achieve complete accuracy of the content in this article, they assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Also, you should use this information as you see fit, and at your own risk. Your particular situation may not be exactly suited to the training programs included here; you should adjust your use of the information accordingly.
Any trademarks, service marks, product names or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if we use one of these terms.
Please note that the information presented in this article is for informational purposes only. The IAPAM (or its affiliates), shall not be liable to anyone for any loss or injury caused in whole or in part by your use of this information, or for any decision you make or action you take in reliance on information you received from this article. This article is not intended to replace legal, medical, accounting or other professional advice, and is only meant to be used as a guideline for the reader.
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