Frequently Asked Questions About Finding a Prescriber
Setting up an independent practice after aesthetic training can be challenging albeit highly rewarding. One of the daunting aspects of this which new practitioners frequently encounter is finding a prescriber.
Derma Institute has been providing answers to these challenges for several years and here, we discuss these common questions in more detail in order to better inform our delegates regarding what are they permitted to do themselves, necessary qualifications, the choice of either becoming an independent prescriber or working with a local prescriber and how to find them.
Do I need a prescriber to administer botox treatments?
Yes you do. Botulinum toxin (including BOTOX® and other brands) is classified as a POM (prescription only medicine) which means that only a suitably qualified prescriber can source them. This includes health professionals such as doctors, dentists, prescribing nurses or pharmacists who have successfully trained in Botox administration.
According to GMC, NMC and GDC, all clients need to have a physical consultation face to face with their prescriber. Social media and other digital channels used for remote prescribing such as Face time and Skype are not allowed any more.
Do dermal fillers require a prescription?
No they don’t. In the UK, dermal fillers are not classified as a POM but rather, as “medical devices” and according to the regulating body MHRA in 2020, there are currently no plans to change this classification.
This means that as a qualified injector, you can source for dermal fillers directly from manufacturers’ sales reps or from pharmacies. You may be requested to provide copies of your training certificates as well as indemnity insurance especially by pharmacies before you can order.
How do I go about finding a prescriber to work with?
Many of our delegates are concerned about this. However, finding a local prescriber to work with can be a lot easier than you imagine:
- Get in touch with medical colleagues or friends in your local vicinity. They may be able to provide prescriptions for you or help with recommendations of others that can.
- Take advantage of your social media pages to advertise your need for an aesthetic prescriber.
- Our training courses can also be quite beneficial for our delegates after which many prescribers and non-prescribers partner up to help each other out.
- Derma Institute also offers exclusive benefits to our delegates where we help to link them up with a Prescriber via our contacts. We also partner with a company that provides this service and are happy to give their details to our delegates upon completion of their training course.
Should I go for a V300 prescriber course? Is it worth it?
Health professionals such as Nurses, midwives and pharmacists can gain rights to prescribe when they complete the V300 course.
Many of our delegates often want to know if it is a better option to undertake the V300 course themselves. We often answer that it is largely dependent on their unique situation. Becoming a prescriber certainly comes with many benefits in addition to saving you the cost of paying the prescriber fee.
The V300 course is offered by many universities in the UK and costs approximately £1,800 depending on the university. Studied part-time, this course will usually have a duration of 8 months.
You would need to take into consideration, the cost and duration of study and decide whether or not this would suit your present circumstances. If it would not, then working alongside a qualified prescriber is an easy and straightforward option that allows you provide Botox treatments as you desire.
As far as we know, many of our delegates who are non prescribing nurses have mostly been able to find a Prescriber within their locality and this without having to do the V300 Prescribing qualification course.
Is aesthetic training required before a prescriber can prescribe botox?
There is need for an aesthetic practitioner to be well trained, competent as well as having indemnity, whether they’re only prescribing or equally giving botox treatment.
A prescriber who is providing support to another aesthetic practitioner by helping them to prescribe still needs to have received adequate aesthetic training in order to protect themselves should a legal claim arise.
This is because the prescriber is to be held accountable for the Botulinum toxin and the results for that patient which makes it necessary for them to have the knowledge of how to manage any complications should they arise.
Aesthetic Medicine Training
Derma Institute, UK’s top aesthetic training provider, teaches aesthetic training courses – botulinum toxin and dermal filler training courses – to health professionals across the UK.
Our Training courses take place in London, Manchester, and Nottingham. Internationally, we also offer these trainings in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia as well as in Dubai (UAE).
Contact us now if you would like to discuss your prescribing options or any other aspects of our training courses before booking.
Training with Derma Institute
Here at Derma Institute, we provide award-winning training to all of our trainees. We pride ourselves in offering the very latest in skills and techniques to the highest professional and regulatory standards. Patient safety is our highest priority, and we ensure that we provide our trainees with all they need to practise safely and give patients results they will love.
We offer courses that are suitable for both beginners and advanced practitioners, helping you through your career path every step of the way.
For more information and recommendations on where to begin on your path to becoming a medical aesthetician, get in touch with one of our experts today!