HCM101 Introduction to Professional Practice

Unit Description

This unit has a focus on the socio-cultural, legal and ethical implications of professional therapeutic practice in the aesthetics and dermal industries. The student is introduced to a range of practice modalities and explores topics including sustainability, reflectiveness and ethics in practice, including the theoretical and philosophical foundations influencing the decision-making processes of the aesthetic and dermal practitioner. The unit also introduces students to communication skills required to operate effectively in a commercial environment and for working with clients and other professionals in cross-functional teams, while addressing marketing and branding strategies that relate specifically to professional practice within these industry sectors and client groups.

This unit is designed to provide students with a depth and breadth of professional practice knowledge, skills, techniques and ethical and legal awareness to sustain and nurture their development as practitioners within a healthcare context.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this unit.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit the student will be able to:

• Describe the core elements of a contemporary professional practice and contextualise them to the dermal/aesthetics industry
• Compare and contrast a range of professional practices in relation to their ethics, sustainable values and behaviours
• Discuss the professional behaviours, attitudes and responsibilities expected of a dermal/ aesthetic practitioner and the characteristics of a reflective practitioner
• Present clear and detailed examples of different methods of communication. Explain barriers to effective communication and outline strategies and/or techniques to enhance effectiveness of communication
• Demonstrate the ability to research and retrieve relevant resources to enhance professional communication skills and medical knowledge
• Analyse strategies to enhance marketing and branding of a professional practice, its staff and services
• Demonstrate an understanding of medical terminology and its correct use within context

Graduate Attributes (GA)

In addition to the unit-specific learning outcomes listed above, the following graduate attributes are taught, developed and assessed in varying degrees within this unit:

• Knowledge of applied health science theory and practice
• Knowledge of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities within healthcare delivery systems
• The ability to communicate effectively with clients, peers and the wider community
• The ability to demonstrate in-depth competence in their area(s) of specialisation
• The ability to formulate and apply therapeutic interventions in their area(s) of specialisation
• The capacity to lead, manage and/or work effectively with multi-disciplinary and culturally diverse teams
• Awareness of professional and ethical responsibilities and a commitment to ongoing professional development and life-long learning.