Looking for an accredited laser “core of knowledge” safety training course? The Online Laser Training modules offer a dedicated distance-learning pathway for Australian and New Zealand practitioners.
Laser safety training aims to provide the practitioner with a basic understanding of relevant physics and laser/IPL safety to deliver elective patient treatments using powerful laser and intense light source systems in a safe environment. It is a recommended foundation training module to provide the learner with a fundamental understanding of laser and light technology, how light interacts with tissue to produce specific biological effects and how to use laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) safely.
The Online Laser Training (OLT) Laser Safety Officer course is a dedicated distance-learning pathway for Australia and New Zealand and was approved by Radiation Health Queensland on 15th January 2014 as “satisfying the theoretical components of the required competencies for persons wishing to obtain: i) use licence for surgical, cosmetic and maintenance procedures; and ii. Radiation safety officer certificate for surgical and cosmetic laser practices”. It was adopted by the Australasian College of Cosmetic Medicine (ACAM) in April 2020, approved by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and granted 40 CPD points under Accredited Learning Activity number 191523. By February 2023, this course had successfully graduated over 3,000 learners.
The physics and safety information contained in this course is a collaboration of the current evidence-based and consensus-based practices listed in the Joint Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZ 4173:2018 Safe use of lasers and intense light sources in healthcare, AS/NZ IEC 60825.1.2014 Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements, AS/NZS 1336:2014 Eye and face protection – Guidelines, AS/NZ IEC 60825-14:2022 Safety of laser products – Part 14: A user’s guide, Australian Standard AS 16571:2015 Systems for evacuation of plume generated by medical devices (ISO 16571:2014, MOD) and ARPANSA’s published guidance documents on lasers, IPL and LEDs and OSHA regulations.
The training programme requires the learner to study the course materials in detail (ie, video, workbooks and slide transcripts) and complete the online multiple-choice assessments at the end of each lesson. This online course consists of 11 bite-size lessons over 3-unit topics and is worth 30 CPD learning credits from The CPD Accreditation Group, London. Learners can access online support and the multiple-choice assessments after each lesson feature a unique QuizAssist® function to help learners locate applicable course content.
Typically, the course takes 2-3 days to complete, with a maximum duration of 28 days.
The course is designed to give about 12 hours of training at QCF Level 4 for doctors, dentists, nurses, nurse practitioners, aestheticians, beauty therapists and other personnel intending to provide laser and/or intense light source services in registered establishments. It is intended to give the appointed Laser Safety Officer (LSO) the necessary knowledge to facilitate the duties required of them under national standards and state legislation.
The course is provided through an e-Commerce managed, distance learning platform allowing the training programme to be delivered ubiquitously across popular platforms, so it does not matter what type of device the learner uses, smart phone, tablet, laptop or desktop device. The learner can progress through the activity at their own pace and in their own time.
The Online Laser Training online course modules are assessed annually for quality assurance purposes by an independent moderator and are regularly updated to reflect changes in technology and legislation.
Where to access the laser safety course
The course can be accessed easily at the following websites:
ACAM: acam.org.au/acam-acam-laser-physics-and-safety-course/
OLT: onlinelasertraining.com.au/courses/laser-user-level-4/
Pastiche Training: pastiche-training.com/online-courses/laser-intense-pulsed-light-physics-and-safety-core-of-knowledge-certificate/
By Godfrey Town[1] Ph.D. Course Author & Patricia Owens[2] RN, BSN, MHA, CMLSO, CNOR, Course Co-Author
[1] Dr Town Ph.D. is a UK Registered Clinical Technologists (since 2002) and scientist specialising in the comparative measurement of IPL and laser devices and an RPA2000 Certificated Laser Protection Adviser (LPA) (since 2003). His professional affiliations include Senior Research Fellow, Ph.D., Department of Dermatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark (since 2019); Member of European Society for Lasers and Energy Based Devices (ESLD) (since 2001); Fellow of American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) (since 2003).
[2] Patti Owens RN, BSN, MHA, CMLSO, CNOR provides consultation services in aesthetic and medical safety programs and in-office management services for a variety of laser companies and professional organizations. Patti is an active member on the ANSI Z136.3 committee where she has been appointed as the acting secretary (since 2012).
