The Core of Knowledge is the underpinning physics and safety qualification that insurers, Laser Protection Advisers and most practical laser courses expect you to hold before you go anywhere near a device. This course is delivered entirely online, so you can work through it at your own pace and in your own time.
Course structure
Unit 1 — Laser and intense light generation and characteristics
- Light waves, wavelength and the electromagnetic spectrum
- Ultraviolet, visible and infrared radiation, and the distinctive features of optical radiation
- Key technical terms: radiant exposure (fluence), pulse duration, output power, power density and pulse energy
- How lasers and intense light sources work, the lasing medium, and solid-state, gas and semiconductor diode lasers
- What makes light laser light, beam size and shape
- Laser and IPL applications
Unit 2 — Hazards and risks from equipment and laser/IPL beams
- Working safely in the laser and IPL Controlled Area
- The principal equipment-related hazards
- How human aversion responses help keep exposure below safe limits
- The requirements manufacturers follow to limit exposure
- Risk assessment, quality assurance and safety management
- The main hazard control procedures, and why equipment safety features matter
- Safety policies, procedures and credentialing
- Laser and IPL eye hazard
- Laser and IPL skin hazard
Unit 3 — Laser and intense light source radiation-tissue interaction
- Interactions of light with tissue, tissue targets, chromophores and selective photothermolysis
- Output spectrum, heating effects and thermal relaxation time, and spot size on tissue
- Therapeutic tissue effects: photothermal, photoablative, photoacoustic and photochemical
- Photodynamic therapy and photobiomodulation
- How the physics applies to hair removal, photo-rejuvenation, ablative resurfacing, fractional photothermolysis, tattoo removal, pigmented and vascular lesions, and acne
Unit 4 — Relevant legislation, safety standards and management
- Registration and licensing requirements for laser and IPL devices across the UK
- The roles of the Authorised User, the Laser Protection Supervisor and the Laser Protection Adviser
- Local rules, safety policies and procedures, and routine tests
- A working knowledge of the relevant national and international standards and guidelines
- Emergency action, accident procedure and reporting
- The non-laser regulations that also apply to a treatment establishment
- The educational standards for laser and intense light applications
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course you will be able to:
- Explain how lasers and intense light sources generate light, and what makes laser light different
- Use the key technical terms correctly: fluence, pulse duration, power density and pulse energy
- Explain selective photothermolysis, chromophores and thermal relaxation time, and why they govern safe settings
- Describe how each therapeutic tissue effect is produced and where it is used clinically
- Relate the underlying physics to the treatments you offer, and to safe practice
- Identify the hazards a laser or IPL system presents to the eye and skin, and the precautions that keep exposure below the Maximum Permissible Exposure
- Select and check appropriate protective eyewear for the wavelength in use
- Explain the role of the Laser Protection Adviser and the Laser Protection Supervisor, and what local rules and a controlled treatment area are for
- Carry out and record a risk assessment, and know when and how to report an adverse incident to the MHRA
Syllabus and standards
The syllabus follows the core of knowledge content set out in the MHRA Device Bulletin Lasers, intense light source systems and LEDs – guidance for safe use in medical, surgical, dental and aesthetic practices (September 2015), and the British Medical Laser Association Essential Standards.
The course also includes a Unit 5 assessment, and a Unit 6 pack of forms and templates for your own clinic.
The course has been expanded beyond the content of the MHRA document, to cover intense pulsed light systems as well as lasers. Participants completing it meet the requirements of the recommended BMLA Essential Standards in respect of adequate training as a Laser Protection Supervisor (LPS).
The MHRA guidance states that there is no statutory approvals body for core of knowledge courses. We therefore describe this course as following that syllabus, rather than as approved or accredited by any of those bodies.
Re-attendance
The MHRA guidance advises that it is good practice for staff to periodically re-attend a core of knowledge course, at least every five years, in order to maintain their awareness levels. Your Laser Protection Adviser, your insurer or your local authority may set a shorter interval, so check what they expect.
Duration and delivery
Online only, worked through at your own pace, with a student workbook for each unit.
Assessment and certification
Workbook and course questions. On successful completion you receive your Core of Knowledge certificate.
Course credits
3 CPD credits.
Verify this accreditation
This course is CPD accredited and has its own entry on The CPD Register, where the accreditation can be checked independently. View this course on The CPD Register.
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