Company Profile
honest - ethical - passionate expert educators & independent laser brokers
NZ Laser Training Institute was established in 2011 after recognising the industry needed an independent, professional, and expert education provider for cosmetic Laser and IPL (pulsed light).
Director, Ruth Nicholson is an NZQA qualified adult tutor with 20 years of relevant industry experience, including thirteen years of developing and teaching Laser and IPL to beauty and medical aesthetics professionals - her goal is to ensure laser safety and laser science topics are well understood, and that best practice is upheld, protecting the public and ensuring operators of laser and IPL devices receive the best education and guidelines, coupled with expert support learners career success.
Our Senior Clinical Tutor, Stacey Spencer -King is also a Qualified Adult Educator (City & Guilds, UK) & Nominated Laser Safety Officer / Health and Safety Qualified (UK) , and boasts 22 years of laser industry experience - including approx. 10 years with NZ Laser Training Institute. Stacey has developed exceptional world-class protocols and practical skills for both our NZQA-Micro-credential practical classes and the NZLT Institute Mini Mods classes across Skin Rejuvenation, Hair Removal & Laser Tattoo removal.
WHY PROFESSIONALS CHOOSE US:
Our tutors (Ruth and Stacey) know everything about everything to do with lasers and IPL and are recognised as the industry authorities
As qualified tutors we know and understand what learning means and we are experts at teaching laser and IPL
Expert laser consultants to health and industry authorities (MOH, HDC, and Local councils)
Because we possess more than 42 years combined relevant experience in laser & IPL, not just ‘industry experience’, or a ‘medically qualified’ person
We can teach ANY cosmetic skin therapy laser, and ANY pulsed light device regardless of brand
YES, we can teach fractional, ablative, pico second, nanosecond, long pulse , short pulsed, continuous wave, KTP, Diode, Nd:Yag, Visible light and Infra-red based lasers of any kind
CPD accredited and qualified adult tutors: Independently accredited by UK quality management system accreditation (the CPD group)
We refer to, teach from, and know the AS/ NZS safety standard 4173: 2018 and previous version 4173: 2004 inside and out
We are endorsed and recognised by the NZ Society of Cosmetic Medicine (NZSCM) - Industries highest benchmark
5 of our main educational programmes are now internationally accredited through the CPD Group, UK (England) (CE1, LSC Beauty, LSC Med, LTR, LHSO)
We do 80% of our work through word of mouth and our reputation precedes us
The experts ask us for advice before they speak to you… so just come to us!
NZ Laser Training Institute has forged ethical industry connections over many years with quality laser and IPL suppliers who meet our high standards for their technical expertise, quality equipment, and operator service and support; we offer a laser brokerage service.
We know the history of many NZ and Australian companies dating back to 2004 and will steer you in the right direction to avoid disappointment.
We provide educational services to the New Zealand beauty and appearance medicine industry educating and advising on areas including biophysics and effects of lasers on tissue, identifying hazards and associated risks with cosmetic lasers and pulsed light devices (IPL), as well as how to implement laser safety standards, and the highest codes of practice.
Our educational programmes are designed for cosmetic practitioners, and beauty and laser therapists seeking to learn laser science, and laser safety as well as understand the science behind emerging technologies, and undertake training in practical applications of lasers, and pulsed light (IPL) devices. Our Laser safety programmes assist with developing and maintaining safe work practices and include laser safety online certification and laser health safety officer certifications. NZ Laser Training Institute also provides infrastructure templates via our Laser procedural manual and the Health & Safety Laser procedural manual.
LOOKING TO BECOME AN IPL or LASER TRAINING PROVIDER?
New Zealand is a very small country, everyone knows someone that knows you. When people develop a passion for something they often what to start a business based on that topic and share their knowledge. We did the same thing back in 2011, but since then we have been on a very extensive learning journey and discovered it’s not as easy as just ‘training people’, so if you are on a similar path now, why not join us, and benefit from the work we have already done. We need to be able to maintain high standards, professional memberships, LMS overheads, record systems, accreditation, audits, education reviews, education and regulation submissions, advise and push for regulations, conduct moderation, and continue to produce excellent materials, this all costs money and valuable time and resources. We, therefore, encourage people who share our passion to join us, and work in synergy to provide the best to industry rather than dilute a small niche industry making it more difficult for potential trainees to select a quality provider.
If you are a qualified tutor, or possess extensive IPL and Laser knowledge (more than 5 years minimum) and have a passion for teaching it, why not approach us, and look to work with us, please email your CV, and cover letter to: ruth@nzlasertraining.co.nz
Company Co-Founder
A bit about our co-founder: Ruth Nicholson been actively involved with medical and beauty professionals since 2004, this includes a past role of product specialist, and sales representative for a range of appearance medicine and beauty products, class IV laser and IPL based technologies, and a range of beauty equipment at NZ Medical & Scientific Ltd. Her background also includes an adult tertiary teaching qualification (NZQA level 5), NZQA 4098 workplace assessors qualification, she is a Laser Safety Officer (LSO - QLD), having been formally trained by leading laser companies including: Cutera, Cynosure Lumenis and Alma, she also holds an NZQA pharmaceutical qualification as well as past roles and experience in the hairdressing (operations manager for the Sharing shed) and skincare retail sector (The Body Shop and Pharmacy brands) spanning back to the 1990’s.
Ruth recognised the laser industry was dangerously unregulated and made it her mission, and business to change this. She is passionate about educating laser users and sharing the extensive knowledge she has learned over the years working with these highly technical machines to offer the best laser training in New Zealand.
NZ Laser Training has seen the consequences of inferior imported lasers and IPL machines, often used by un-trained hands. Ruth and her team, experienced at stepping in when requested to put necessary safeguards in place to reduce unwanted hazards and provide education.
Ruth and her team are honest, ethical and transparent and are more than happy to assist business owners who have recently purchased laser and IPL equipment and are maybe unsure of what they actually have, or how to use it safely. Many businesses need help to understand the expectations to meet industry best practice, or regulations, NZ Laser Training can assist with this. There are many pitfalls for the unaware so NZ Laser Training always goes the extra mile to help and is a valuable and recognised industry resource.
Our Team of qualified Laser educators & Professional experts
Our Team of Experts
“NZLT Institute has previously employed the services of Dr Angie Winnington-Sharp to verify selected scientific content and for her valuable contribution to selected teaching resources – these continue to be annotated as such”
Our dedicated support staff team
Kylie, Ruth, Helena, Stacey
HELENA MCVEY - ADMIN ANGEL / academic administrator
Helena may be your first point of contact with our Institute, she manages enrolments and assists our learners to stay on track with their studies. She runs a tight ship, ensuring the business runs smoothly for both Ruth and for our clients. You will hear from Helena when you have queries about our courses - she assists Ruth so work can continue on the development of new courses and projects. Ps: In her spare time, Helena sells beautiful homemade candles, check them out
kylie nichols - ADMIN support / e-development assistance / Supplier relations / Project MANAGER
Kylie works with all areas within the company and projects, managing the CRM system, accounts, overseeing marketing and distribution of it through newsletters and social media, website maintenance, supplier relations, system updates, implementations or integrations. She creates the video animation in our e-learning modules working closely with Ruth and Stacey on content.
Our consistent contribution to industry
Industry watchdogs
NZ Laser Training actively keeps an eye on the media, government regulators and decision makers at government level , over the years we have proactively attended Auckland council meetings, spoken at council conferences, forums, and public hearings on behalf of the industry. This information is then filtered back to industry associations, and thought leaders. We will keep people informed about updates in Australian and NZ Safety standards relating to Laser and IPL, provide information of how to write submissions, and where to find the correct information from the source. Our goal is to ensure our industry can access the latest and most up to date laws, and matters that will affect their business. We are independent and believe in transparency and honesty. We deliver on this through our actions.
We find many our our clients have no idea about consumer law, including the code of rights whereby every client treated by health professionals and health practitioners is entitled to professional care. Many salon / clinic owners buying machines are also unaware of the legal framework that they can refer to when they are left high and dry by dodgy and unregulated suppliers.
On-going education
NZ Laser Training actively keeps an eye on the media, government regulators and decision makers at government level , over the years we have proactively attended Auckland council meetings, spoken at council conferences, forums, and public hearings on behalf of the industry. This information is then filtered back to industry associations, and thought leaders. We will keep people informed about updates in Australian and NZ Safety standards relating to Laser and IPL, provide information of how to write submissions, and where to find the correct information from the source. Our goal is to ensure our industry can access the latest and most up to date laws, and matters that will affect their business. We are independent and believe in transparency and honesty. We deliver on this through our actions.
We find many our our clients have no idea about consumer law, including the code of rights whereby every client treated by health professionals and health practitioners is entitled to professional care. Many salon / clinic owners buying machines are also unaware of the legal framework that they can refer to when they are left high and dry by dodgy and unregulated suppliers.
MELanoma awareness
NZ Laser Training started incorporating melanoma awareness information to all its educational programme in 2012, this includes providing Melanoma NZ a free exhibition stand at Beauty Tech Conference in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018.
The goal is to reach as many beauty and aesthetic professionals to make them aware of the seriousness of melanoma in NZ, additionally to highlight how easy it is to accidentally remove skin lesions that could prove to be malignant.
In November 2018, Ruth Nicholson was chosen to present a poster at the Melanoma summit in Auckland and spoke to medical professionals about how laser and IPL wavelengths can attract to targets in the skin and which treatments are more high risk based on this science.
On a regular basis NZ Laser Training shares information from Melanoma NZ (formally Melanoma foundation) and keeps in touch with the CEO and admin team to continue discussing ways to reach industry with the key messages about awareness versus diagnosis. Melanoma NZ now has a list of registered skin check clinics that clients can be referred to.
Auckland IPL & Laser Regulations
We help you to become compliant to Council Regulations (Auckland)
In the greater Auckland Region you must meet the Auckland Council Health & Hygiene Bylaw 2013 , this is not new and came into effect on July 1st 2014. Council regulations apply to anyone wanting to operate a Laser or an IPL (known as pulsed light). You will learn more about these regulations when you do a course with us; however we will help you to become compliant with the following requirements of the Bylaw.
Evidence of professional development’ - You can obtain a Laser Safety Certification (LSC) using our online courses - check these here.
Hair Removal / Skin Rejuvenation “Evidence of training’ - You can attend our 2 day theory only, or 3 day full training by attending our next CE1 - Core Essentials course - check for dates here.
Laser Tattoo Removal “Evidence of training” - You can study this topic online and request on-site practical training when you are ready.
View this document on how to “Get Compliant to Auckland Councils Health & Hygiene Bylaw for IPL & Laser”.
Stay on top of changes to regulations affecting the Auckland region for IPL and Laser operators
Warning: Please be aware that if you have, or look at buying an IPL or Laser that cannot be correctly calibrated, it will not be able to be used in the Auckland region as per clause 7 (10) of the Health & Hygiene Bylaw 2013 - Code of practice.
Read our FAQ’s section on this topic here.
You will need to produce evidence of a calibration report (provided to you from the service technician who knows who to check and re-calibrate your machine to be accurate, If that is possible for your machine) and this is different to a general service check up. Don’t get caught out with an inferior machine, we strongly suggest people do not import machines from overseas, or buy from second-hand trading websites sites, or cheap internet sites; please consider purchasing from one of our preferred suppliers who meet the requirement.
Download the free E-Book on buying a Tattoo removal machine here
Photo Gallery
NZ Laser Training Institute has vast and relevant experience in Laser and IPL, just ask around, we like to think our reputation precedes us.
We are very proud to be NZ owned and operated. Both Ruth and Stacey continuously keep up to date with new technologies and professional development to ensure all topics taught are up-to-date and relevant to the ever-changing laser and IPL industry.
With more than 38 years of combined industry-relevant experience, you will not only be in good hands but you will be mentored and guided with confidence.
Please browse through our photo gallery to view course photos, partnerships, and industry trade shows we have participated in.
OUR preferred Professional Industry Body
It is imperative that professional therapists belong to an impartial and expert organisation that can represent them; not only to be the voice for industry but also to provide independent advice, support, mentoring and guidance when it is needed.
For years, professional therapists across sectors of the beauty and aesthetic industry in New Zealand have voiced their concern about the lack of representation of our industries issues to Government, local authorities and affiliated organisations. You now have a way to join forces with other like-minded professionals