Institute of Trichologists helps to give students a ‘head start’ in their professional training!
News of Level 5 accreditation by leading awarding body cements the IoT’s reputation as superior provider of trichology education
The Institute of Trichologists (IOT) – the leading professional association for trichologists in the world, and the largest trichology training provider in Europe – has recently received recognition for the high quality of its training course from NCFE, a leading awarding body and provider for education.
In April 2021, NCFE awarded The Institute of Trichologists with centre approval demonstrating their high level of quality assurance processes and high standards as an education provider.
The Institute has now been awarded Level 5 status, which reflects the excellent standard of the course content and structure.
The Level 5 Diploma in Clinical Trichology is a Customised Qualifications accredited from a leading awarding organisation, demonstrating the quality and rigour of their qualification. Future certificates will now hold the NCFE logo in addition to the IOT demonstrating their confidence and approval for our Trichology qualification(s) and re-enforcing the quality of their training.
Since its foundation in 1902, hundreds of trichologists have qualified into the professional through the programme provided by the Institute – which has a worldwide reputation for its high standards of trichology practice and education (with many students continuing to enrol from across the globe).
Achieving course approval from NCFE elevates the Institute’s training course to a new level as graduating students will be recognised not just by the Institute but also by this prestigious awarding body. This recognition will create more opportunities to widen IOT membership and for members to work collaboratively with other trade bodies such as the British Association of Dermatologists and the British Hair and Nail Society.
Significantly, this NCFE recognition makes the IOT the only training body to offer this calibre of clinical education and qualification. Furthermore, it confirms that even prior to assessment from the NCFE the Institute was operating at a Level 5, indicating that exceptional standards were already being demonstrated by the IOT.
The duration of the Level 5 Diploma in Clinical Trichology is 2.5 years, and the qualification is divided into three stages – the foundation level, intermediate level and final level. Designed as a blended learning programme, students complete the entire 6-month foundation level online.
This stage is also known as Introduction to Trichology and can be taken as a standalone course. The aim of the foundation is to introduce students to key areas of trichology including basic science, microbiology, the trichology profession and more.
In the intermediate and final levels, students will develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of trichology. Communication, patient consultation, hair and scalp disorders, physiology – and more – are all part of the intermediate level course, while the final year sees students studying research and statistics, nutrition, genetics, immunology and hormones among other subjects.
These learnings are combined with practical trichology work, with students expected to attend 20 clinical training sessions across the final two years to get hands-on trichology experience.
In light of the glowing assessment from the NCFE, the Institute of Trichologists will continue to work with subject specialists, industry experts and medical professionals in order to develop a bespoke Level 6 course for those wishing to take their studies to the next level. This would allow students to gain a bachelor’s degree level qualification.
Eva Proudman MIT IAT, Consultant Trichologist & Chair of the Institute of Trichologists comments; “The Institute is very proud to oversee a training programme that is both structured and flexible, catering for a wide range of students. Here at the IOT, we can help those who would like to upskill their knowledge, those wanting to enter clinical practice and those who want to progress their studies to an even higher level.
Eva adds; “Gaining official recognition as a Level 5 education provider from such an esteemed provider as the NCFE is absolutely fantastic news. For over 100 years, the Institute has worked hard to become the global go-to for trichology practice and education, and the decision from NCFE is just the latest step to cement the IOT as the superior provider of trichology education for a wide variety of students. As an institution we are so excited to see new opportunities for growth and development emerge from this prestigious accolade and look forward to what the future holds.”