52919WA

Graduate Diploma of Cosmetic Nursing and Injectables

Advance your nursing career into aesthetics with a nationally accredited qualification

Students learning cosmetic nursing hands on with AACDS trainer

Build the theoretical knowledge, practical capabilities and professional confidence to thrive in one of Australia’s fastest-growing industries.

AACDS provides nationally accredited postgraduate education designed for Registered Nurses looking to build specialised knowledge and practical skills for contemporary aesthetic practice.

Course Overview

Looking for a cosmetic nurse course that takes you from Registered Nurse to confident Cosmetic Injector? The Graduate Diploma of Cosmetic Nursing and Injectables is AACDS’ nationally accredited cosmetic nursing course, built specifically for Registered Nurses (RNs) and Enrolled Nurses (Division 2), with current Ahrpa registration who want to move into cosmetic medicine.

This course blends online theory with hands-on clinical training, so you graduate with both the qualification and the real-world experience employers are looking for. Practical workshops are delivered in person at our Aspire Training Clinics in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and the Gold Coast, giving you access to real clients in a purpose-built clinical environment. It includes CDNEIP03, the first nationally accredited unit to cover the theory and practical skills for administering dermal fillers and wrinkle relaxants.

This qualification is recognised on the AQF as a Level 8 Graduate Diploma

ACCREDITATION

Nationally accredited qualification (52919WA)

ENROLMENTS

Monthly enrolments available

DURATION

15 months full-time, 20 months part-time

DELIVERY AND STUDY COMMITMENT

Blended delivery (online and face-to-face)
Full-time: 30 hours per week
Part-time: 18-20 hours per week

CLINICAL PLACEMENT

2 week full-time block in dermal therapies
4 days full-time block in cosmetic injectables

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Must be a Registered or enrolled/division 2 nurse and have a current registration through Ahpra

Download Course Brochure

Course Outcomes

This course is designed to equip qualified nurses with the comprehensive knowledge and practical skills necessary for a career in cosmetic medicine. Upon successful completion of this nationally accredited program, graduates will be able to:

Perform Cosmetic Injectable Procedures

Conduct Comprehensive Patient Consultations

Implement Dermal Therapy Techniques

Integrate Health and Dermatology Principles

Maintain Infection Control Standards

Manage and Promote a Cosmetic Practice

Career Opportunities

1. Cosmetic Nurse Injector

One of the most sought-after career paths for graduates, a Cosmetic Nurse Injector specialises in performing non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures and are able to work in various settings, including medical aesthetic clinics, cosmetic surgery practices and dermatology clinics.

2. Dermal Therapy Specialist

Graduates can specialise in advanced dermal therapies, working with technologies such as:

Laser and IPL treatments
Skin needling (microneedling)
Chemical peels and advanced skin resurfacing

Dermal Therapy Specialists often work in cosmetic clinics, dermatology practices or even in high-end medical spas.

3. Cosmetic Nursing Educator or Trainer

With experience, graduates may transition into education and training roles, teaching new practitioners about cosmetic nursing procedures, patient safety and business management. Career options include:

Becoming a clinical trainer for a cosmetic injectable product company
Working as an educator for a cosmetic nursing school or training academy
Conducting workshops and masterclasses for advanced injectors

4. Aesthetic Clinic Owner or Business Manager

Many graduates use their skills to start their own aesthetic businesses or manage an existing cosmetic practice. Career options include:

Opening a cosmetic injectables clinic
Managing a dermal and aesthetic practice
Consulting in business development and marketing for aesthetic clinics

This role requires strong leadership skills, business acumen and an understanding of compliance and regulations in the aesthetic industry.

5. Cosmetic Nurse Consultant in Plastic Surgery & Dermatology

Graduates can work alongside plastic surgeons and dermatologists, assisting with:

Pre- and post-operative care for cosmetic surgery patients
Non-surgical treatments as part of a comprehensive skin and anti-aging plan
Wound care and scar management using advanced dermal techniques

This role is ideal for those who want to work in a medical and surgical setting while still performing non-invasive cosmetic procedures.

6. Research & Development in Cosmetic Science

Graduates with a strong interest in product development and clinical research can work in:

Pharmaceutical and aesthetic companies developing new skincare or injectable products
Clinical trials and research related to cosmetic medicine and aesthetic treatments
Product formulation and testing for medical-grade skincare brands

This path is ideal for those who want to contribute to the scientific advancements of the cosmetic industry.

7. Skin & Wellness Coach (Integrative Aesthetic Nursing)

With additional certifications, some graduates move into holistic cosmetic nursing, offering services that integrate:

Aesthetic treatments with nutrition and wellness coaching
Gut health and skin health management
Preventative anti-aging strategies combining injectables and lifestyle medicine

This growing niche allows nurses to combine beauty, wellness, and healthcare into a unique service offering.

Course Information

The Graduate Diploma of Cosmetic Nursing and Injectables is a comprehensive program combining online theoretical components with hands-on practical training in real-world clinical environments, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to excel.

Entry Requirements

Must be a Registered nurse (RN) or Enrolled Nurse (division 2)
Current registration through Ahpra
Please note: If you graduated prior to 2008, you MUST hold a current medications endorsement
Enrolled nurses must meet additional requirements for course entry

Please click here for further information and course entry requirements.

Delivery and Study Commitment

Our Graduate Diploma of Cosmetic Nursing and Injectables combines evidence-based online learning with practical clinical training.

Blended delivery (online and face-to-face)
15 months full-time (30 hours per week)
20 months part-time (18-20 hours per week)
Please note: A reliable computer and internet connection is needed for the online study components.

Trainer demonstrating injectables to students

Curriculum

CDNPDD02 - Apply principles of dermatology and dermatoscopy to cosmetic medicine

CDNERT03 - Analyse epidermal resurfacing techniques

CDNCAS01 - Apply communication and assessment strategies to patient consultation

CDNIHD02 - Integrate health and dermatology for aesthetic practise

CDNEFC03 - Evaluate the use and formulation of cosmeceuticals and topical pharmaceuticals

CDNLBT03 - Analyse energy and light-based therapies used in cosmetic medicine

HLTINF005 - Maintain infection prevention for skin penetration treatments

CDNESP03 - Evaluate cosmetic surgical procedures

CDNEIP03 - Evaluate and perform cosmetic injectable procedures

CDNWCF01 - Work within a cosmetic medical framework

PRACTICAL CLINICAL WORKSHOP

This Practical Clinical Workshop is conducted over 13 days and completed in person at the end of your course at one of our Aspire Training Clinics located in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, or the Gold Coast.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

No matter your career stage or commitments, AACDS offers flexible payment options to help you invest in your future. Not sure which option suits you best? Contact our team now, we are here to assist you take the next steps into your future career.

AACDS offer the following payment options.

Fee for Service

Fee For Service fees apply when a student is not eligible for subsidies, government loans or where no subsidies are available.

Upfront Payment

Students can choose to pay a) the full tuition fee for their course, OR b)their student contribution (if they are eligible for a subsidy or concession) amount upfront at enrolment.

Payment Plan

Students may be eligible to enter into a payment plan arrangement to pay off their tuition fees in smaller amounts over a period of time.

Payment plans require an initial upfront payment towards their student contribution fees to set up the plan, and then each payment period a recurring payment amount is directly debited from the student’s nominated account.

VET Student Loan

The VET Student Loans (VSL) program is an Australian Government loan program that assists eligible students enrolled in approved courses to pay their tuition fees. If eligible, the department may approve a VET Student Loan for an approved course. The department will pay the loan cap amount directly to your approved course provider. The student will be responsible for any gap amount in the tuition fees, which are not covered by the loan.

The 52919WA Graduate Diploma of Cosmetic Nursing and Injectables is approved for VET Student Loan.

VSL will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements and o that a VSL gives rise to a VETSL debt which continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

How to Enrol

Why Choose Cosmetic Nursing with AACDS

AACDS delivers nationally accredited aesthetics education designed for today’s evolving industry.

Our Graduate Diploma of Cosmetic Nursing and Injectables combines evidence-based online learning with practical clinical training through Aspire Training Clinics. Students are supported by experienced educators, dedicated academic support and low student-to-trainer ratios, helping them build the knowledge, practical capabilities and professional confidence for contemporary aesthetic practice

Personalised Training

Practical sessions run for a maximum of two students at a time, so training stays targeted and effective.

Flexible Training

High-quality materials are available online any time, backed by live support sessions and one-on-one coaching from industry educators.

Real World Experience

Practical workshops are run at our Aspire Training Clinics in Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, with real clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a cosmetic nursing course take?

Do I need to already be a nurse, or can I become a cosmetic nurse without a degree?

Yes, you need to be a registered nurse to enrol in this course with current Ahpra registration.

This course is designed for:

Registered Nurses
Nurses transitioning into aesthetics
Cosmetic Nurses looking to strengthen their expertise

If you don't have the right experience for this course but still want a pathway into cosmetic dermal therapy, the Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science is the right starting point.

If you’re only after the injectables component, take a look at our Skillset in Cosmetic Injectables.

Can an enrolled nurse become a cosmetic injector?

What qualifications do you need to inject wrinkle relaxants in Australia?

How much can a cosmetic nurse earn in Australia?

Trainer and students practising facial treatment

Try our Free Short Course Sample

Our free ‘Become a Successful Cosmetic Nurse’ short course sample allow you to experience our educational pathways and make an informed decision about pursuing a career in Cosmetic Nursing.

Get started now

What our students say

PRAC exceeded my expectations! I learnt so so much! Claire , Natalie and Maria are exceptional in their fields! Honestly such a highlight for me undergoing dermal therapy at AACDS! I have learnt such an array under such amazing mentors! Really enjoyed every aspect of study and especially PRAC. I would highly recommend to anyone! The support, education and development are at the highest level! It's been a huge journey and I wouldn't do it anywhere else!!

Any studies that I have undertaken, have all been face to face and so I was a little apprehensive to start a course online but following my many calls/emails to AACDS, I decided to take a leap of faith! The ladies are all friendly, supportive and are always happy to help:) The portal is easy to navigate and so my journey continues!

AACDS is well recognised within the industry, providing flexible study options to further your knowledge in your area of interest. A mix of online lectures and face-to-face practical workshops gives you the opportunity to have a more rounded learning experience. A great option to consider if you are new to the industry or wanting to expand your current knowledge and qualifications.