Hair Restoration Technician’s Diploma

Regrettably this course is currently unavailable.

 

Are you a Hair Transplant Surgeon seeking trained technicians to assist with certain hair restoration procedures and other routine duties.

Are you a practicing or prospective technician (in the hair-transplanting field) seeking to acquire a qualification which will assist in validating your academic and technical ability.

Whereas current practicing surgical technicians seeking this Diploma will (subject to evidence of ability) be exempt from the practical clinical training, they will be required to undergo the academic part of the course and the associated viva examination.

The Trichological Society stands alone for academic excellence in its discipline,  its philosophy dictates that any person performing services within a medical or para-medical discipline should be qualified to high academic and practical standards.  In the current era any over-qualification is to be welcomed, never criticised.

This unique diploma course offers dedicated, tenacious students the opportunity of gaining such a diploma in this unique discipline. It must be stated that gaining this unique Diploma will require determination and tenacity.

Each student will be assigned a College appointed Mentor to whom any difficulties may be addressed. Students will be required to attend occasional assessment visits with their academic Mentor and dependant upon aptitude a number of tutorials and practical observation sessions culminating in the performance of mock clinical procedures with their Clinical Mentor.

This Open University style course is therefore both academic (conducted from your home computer) and extensively practical  (conducted within an orthodox surgical environment).

The course provides the vehicle to qualification within the parameters of The Trichological Society. Graduands will be  entitled to use the post-nominal designatory letters TTS Dip.HRT.  Graduates pay reasonable annual subscriptions to TTS (a not-for-profit professional association) and receive a listing on its celebrated Portal www.hairscientists.org, and an ongoing advice service.

TTS does not get involved in funding options, however it does offer students the opportunity to pay monthly at no additional cost – see Course fees

All  enquiries may be addressed  to [email protected].  (or 07742 336 337)

Details of the course curriculum, syllabus  (also see Course Fee Structure) 

This Open University style course provides the vehicle to qualification as a Hair Restoration Technician within the auspices of The Trichological Society. Graduands will be elected to Membership and be entitled to use the post-nominal letters TTS Dip.HRT.   Graduates of this course pay reasonable annual subscriptions to The Trichological Society (a not-for-profit professional association) and receive a listing on its celebrated Portal, and an ongoing advice service.

This course which is both academic and practical. The academic part is designed to be completed within 2 x 10 month years.  All essays are marked / corrected by independent Consultant Dermatologists.

PRACTICAL TRAINING/ EXPERIENCE (experienced technicians may have exemption)

The practical part of this course which may vary with individual aptitudes and abilities should theoretically take approx. 8 weeks with tutorials and skill development under the control of experienced tutors at established specialist clinics in London’s Harley Street to observe and develop a high level of proficiency in the performance of the specific surgical support services, and ancillary duties associated with the smooth operation of such a practice.   Students will also be expected to develop good patient relationship skills (daily fees may apply).

ACADEMIC TRAINING

Overview and requirements

The  academic part of this course is conducted from the student’s own home as distance learning. All correspondence (including essays etc) should be transmitted to the appointed Mentor via email, therefore an efficient computer equipped for internet and email is essential.

Each of the topics within the syllabus should be researched using carefully chosen Internet resources and recommended textbooks (see bottom of the page), written up as  ‘academic standard essays in the student’s own words’ and submitted via e-mail to his/her Mentor. All medical or scientific words / phrases / abbreviations must be explained as the work progresses in order to convince the examiner that the content is fully understood. Plagiarism is unacceptable and if discovered (via routine testing) will lead to the immediate termination of a studentship without refunding.

Opinions, graphics, photographs or any material sourced from texts or internet page must be referenced in the obligatory bibliography. Too much well presented information is never criticised. ‘A diagram or picture can paint a thousand words.’

The College examiners (independent consultant dermatologists) will mark and return up to 20 essays per academic year (10 months – not August or December). The College will mark the required two essays per month if received respectively on the 7th and 21st days there-of.  Essays received late will not be marked in that month.  Additional essays (beyond the entitled two) will not be processed. August and December are vacation months during which essays must not be submitted.
If an examiner’s comment (in red type at the foot of the essay) suggests an essay should be supplemented or re-written, it should be obeyed as a matter of priority and the essay re-submitted. Any essay which requires an examiner’s full time slot will constitute a new essay (one of the 2 per month entitlement).
Starred (*) topics in the syllabus generally attract short answers, therefore two or three starred (*) topics may be submitted as one of the two permitted essays in any month.  All essays must include a comprehensive bibliography.

The course work is programmed to take the stated period of time.  Where a student fails to complete the course within that time-frame for any reason (including; late presentation of essays, or representation of unsatisfactory essays)  he/she may be permitted to extend the academic period accordingly (additional time is currently charged at £200 per month).

Work is always examined for plagiarism which is illegal and therefore regarded seriously by examiners.  Repeated offenders will be dismissed from the course without refund.

Words guides are not generally given because written material will vary in length according to the individual student’s vocabulary and composition style. However the importance of including all relevant data and points of interest cannot be overstated.  Omissions may result in the examiner requesting additional work.

If after the initial essays have been received it is felt that guidance would be advantageous, the College may send a limited number of sample essays.

The course requires that an essay for every topic listed herein be submitted and accepted by the College.  All accepted essays will attract the essential credits and collectively create the student’s own personal ‘textbook’. This material should be constantly revised as it will be used as a basis for the Viva/Voce part of the examination (held at the conclusion of the final year’s study more usually in early May prior to the Graduation Day). During the Viva/Voce examinees will be questioned on a wide variety of subjects contained within their own catalogue of essays.  The examination will also include a practical demonstration by each student of his/her ability with consultation, diagnosis, prognosis and treatments (where applicable).

Your success as a professional in this discipline will be enhanced by a thorough understanding of the subject gained by dedicated tenacious study now.  Please remember that researching and writing an essay is just the first step, understanding and memorising the content sufficiently to answer an examiners questions on it with accuracy and confidence must remain the principle objective as it will dictate success or failure.

                                                                                                    ENROLMENT PROCEDURE

A prospective candidate seeking enrolment should email The Registrar for the S.E.A (Student Enrolment Application) document.

This will be sent by email.

On completion this is to be returned to The Registrar by email.

The College will then review the application and inform the applicant accordingly.

Successful applicants will be offered a place on the course to commence on day one of any agreed month of the year (not August or December)

Having accepted the place, the student is required to pay a non-returnable registration fee of £200 within 5 days to secure it and guarantee that he/she will honour the reservation. This sum also represent the first monthly academic fee.

The Course fees are to be received by The College not less than 14 days prior to the commencement date.

CANCELLATION OF A COURSE

It is to be understood that no refunds of academic fees will be considered where a student pays for and thereafter drops-out of or otherwise fails to complete any intended part of the course. We therefore recommend the annual fees are paid by monthly Bankers Standing Order (or PayPal).


 

THE  COURSE HAS THREE SECTIONS

SECTION 1 – ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

THE TOPICS

The Skeletal system – an overview of the skeletal structure with a detailed description of the bones of the face and cranium. Mention the numerous fontanelle and their origins.

The Muscular system – a description of muscle types with detailed description of the muscles of the face and head.

The Endocrine system. This will be an extensive work detailing the numerous hormones their function and effect. Mention any known affect on hair.

The Skin. This work will include a detailed explanation of its structure and function but will exclude any detailed description of the pilo-sebaceous follicle, nails and hair/skin diseases/deformities, which will each be the focus of future individual assignments (this major essay will be equivalent to 3 others. Time allowed one month

The Hair. This extensive work will include a detailed morphology from conception, in-depth accounts of hair type (Afroid, Caucasoid Mongoloid) physical/ chemical structure, development, growth cycles (anagen, catagen, telogen and exogen) and follicular re-genesis, post puberty development, pigmentation, genetic factors, natural curl, density and other specific characteristics but exclude diseases which will each be the focus of future individual assignments  (this major essay will be equivalent to 3 others. Time allowed one month).


SECTION 2 

HAIR and SCALP CONDITIONS

The purpose of this part of the course is to familiarize the student with the visual symptoms of conditions which could potentially present at any time.

Some topics in this section will constitute major essays, which will take time to research effectively to satisfy TTS academic standards. Each of the following conditions/diseases must be researched appropriately, written up in the students’s own words (including bibliography) and submitted to his/her assigned Mentor for marking and return (usually within 10 days). Plagiarism is forbidden.

As many of the conditions listed within the syllabus are rare, it is unlikely that students will see live examples of them during any practical sessions. The recommendation is therefore that the student researches and collects an extensive personal photographic library from which to become acquainted with the visual symptoms of all conditions/diseases. Dermatology textbooks which include clear photographs of hair / scalp disease are highly beneficial.

Topics suffixed with a star (*) indicate that short explanations are expected – two or three such topics may be submitted as one of the required two essays in any month.

 

THE TOPICS
Those suffixed thus* are usually short therefore can be submitted in groups of two or three.

Acne Necrotica Miliaris* & Varioliformis*

Acquired progressive kinking.

Alopecia areata, totalis and universalis.

Androgenetic alopecia in males –include details and discussion regarding modern drug therapies, surgical hair replacement techniques, and non-surgical hair replacement.

Androgenic alopecia in females – include details and opinion on currently used drug therapies and suitability to surgical hair replacement. Discuss non-surgical replacement methods.

Canities* Leucotrichia* Poliosis*

Eczema’s – with special reference to scalp and effect on hair.

Effluvium’s (anagen, telogen, loose anagen syndrome).

Folliculitis Decalvans.

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia.

Hair Pigmentation Chemistry – Mention the chemistry, function and source of melanin, its distribution and the consequences of its absence.

Hair fall associated with fever.

Hair fall associated with eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia nervosa).

Herpes (Shingles) of the scalp.

Idiopathic Trichoclasia*

Lichen Planus (Planopilaris)

Lupus Erythematosus (discoid and systemic)

Malignant Melanomas – with special reference to scalp
Non-Melanoma skin cancers – with special reference to scalp.

Monilethrix*

Neurodermatitis.

Nutrition and hair health.

Pediculus capitis – mention the body and pubic louse and discuss the treatments available.

Pemphigus – with special reference to scalp.

Pityriasis (‘Seborrhoeic dermatitis’) with special reference to scalp and effect on hair. (Include graphic descriptions of each – include photos where possible.

Post-natal alopecia.

Pseudo-pelade (Brocq).

Psoriasis of the scalp.

Dermatophytosis Capitis (Ringworm) with special reference to scalp and effect on hair. Include details of anthropophilic and zoophilic fungi, microspora, trichophyta, epidermophyta.

Serum Ferritin, Serum Iron, Vitamin B12 and hair status.

Thyroid functions and hair status – mention hair loss and changes in characteristics.

Traction Alopecia.

Trichokinesis*

Trichotillomania*

Vitiligo with special reference to scalp and hair.

Woolly Hair Syndrome.

 

SUGGESTED TEXTBOOKS (confer with your Mentor)

Diseases of the Hair and Scalp (R Dawber)

Disorders of Hair Growth Diagnosis and Treatment by Elise A Olsen (2nd Edition)

Blume-Peytavi, U. at all. Hair Growth and Disorders. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. 2008.

 

Please make full use of the Internet as the primary research facility.

http://www.educypedia.be/education/skinhair.htm

http://emedicine.medscape.com/

ESSENTIALS

Gray’s Anatomy (Barnes & Noble).

The Illustrated Medical Dictionary (Harper Collins).
Please make full use of the Internet as your primary research facility.

Diseases of the Hair and Scalp (R Dawber – Blackwell Science)

MENTORS

Will be assigned to each student,
each will be appropriately qualified and experienced.

STUDY ASSISTANCE (via e-mail):

at any reasonable time with the assigned Mentor – or with TTS Office.


 

SECTION 3 –

THE TOPICS

Detailed essays are required on the following topics.

Medicines:   An overview of OTC BTC POM medicines.  Include an in-depth description of the families of drugs (e.g. antibiotics, steroids, homeopathic, chemotherapeutic etc) together with details of any known responses relative or potentially relative to hair / scalp.

Biochemistry: (explaining briefly the structure and function of cellular components in living organisms). The work should include an overview of the structure of amino-acids, carbohydrates, fungi and other micro-organisms, lipids, monomers, nucleic acids, polymers, proteins, vitamins.

Bacilli: Demonstrate a clear understanding of staphylococci and streptococci. Mention other members of the Kingdom ‘Bacteria’.  Give examples of disease (especially to scalp follicles) associated with these.

Anaesthetics: Demonstrate and understanding of anaesthesia and how it functions.


 

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE ETIQUETTE

The clinic you will attend will be a privately operated entity, therefore the student must respect the etiquette imposed by the presiding surgeon or senior practice staff.

Students must reflect the dignity of the practice by presenting a conservative, smartly dressed demeanor (Jeans, unwashed or untidy hair, dirty nails or chipped varnish, obvious facial piercings etc are taboo).  The student will be expected to wear freshly laundered surgical clothing during procedures.

Students are there to observe and learn, the practice is essentially the surgeon’s domain. Questions should only be addressed to the senior practice staff at convenient times out of the hearing of patients.

Students must not under any circumstances offer advice or opinions to patients.

Students must never discuss a patient’s diagnosis, condition or treatment other than in private with the surgeon or senior practice staff.


FINAL EXAMINATION

Subject to the performance of the course and at the College Committees discretion a candidate may be invited to attend an examination which will consist of:

  • An extensive Viva (verbal questions and answers exam) –  based exclusively on the individual student’s coursework.
  • Confirmation of the examinees knowledge, ability and efficiency in clinical procedures and the routine duties surrounding the management of a clinical practice will have preceded this examination.

These examinations may take place as required throughout the year.

GRADUATION

Graduands must have gained the required credits for academic work,  proved their knowledge at a viva examination and satisfied examiners that they possess a  satisfactory level of proficiency in all practical aspects of the course.

THE PRESIDENT’S DAY & GRADUATION (annually in May)

The President’s Day & Graduation Ceremony is held annually at Hunton Park (Hertfordshire) – a delightful Queen Anne Mansion set in parkland. Graduands (wearing academic robes with the Red, White and Black hoods of TTS) receive their well-earned Diplomas from the President in the presence of Family and Friends.

This prestigious event offers an opportunity to meet with colleagues and other inspiring academics (old and new) and to attend the lectures presented. The lunch is good too. All UK students are expected to attend these events.

JOHN A HARWOOD CITATION (at the Graduation Ceremony) 

This Citation is awarded annually in memory of the  Co – Founder and illustrious Past President

MENTORS will be appropriately qualified and experienced persons.

STUDY ASSISTANCE (via e-mail):

Any reasonable time with the assigned Mentors – or with TTS Office

This overview represents the current updated syllabus (as at 02-01-2017).   The College reserves the right to implement changes to the curriculum as appropriate. Students are therefore required to make regular reference to this page throughout their period of study.

PLEASE ADDRESS ANY QUESTIONS TO THE COLLEGE REGISTRAR