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Understanding Your Credentials

Understanding the differences between certificates, certifications, diplomas, and licenses is essential when pursuing education and professional development, especially in fields like Medical Aesthetics and Aesthetic Lasers. Each credential serves a different purpose and carries different levels of recognition, training, and legal authority. Below is a breakdown of their key distinctions:

Types of Awards

Certificate

  • What It Is: A certificate is awarded upon completion of a course or training program. It signifies that the student has completed a specific course but does not imply legal authority to perform a job.

  • Who Issues It: Schools, colleges, or training organizations (often non-regulated).

  • Purpose: To show participation or completion of a particular educational program.

  • Examples:

    • Certificate of Completion for an online aesthetics workshop

    • Attendance certificate for a laser training seminar

Certification

  • What It Is: A certification demonstrates competency and proficiency in a specialized skill or field after meeting certain criteria and passing an exam. It is usually awarded by an industry-recognized organization rather than a school.

  • Who Issues It: Professional organizations, associations, or accrediting bodies.

  • Purpose: To verify knowledge and skills in a specific industry, often requiring periodic renewal.

  • Examples:

    • Certified Medical Aesthetician (CMA) from a professional aesthetics organization

Diploma

  • What It Is: A diploma signifies the successful completion of a formal education program that is regulated by a governing board. Diplomas are more advanced than certificates and are typically issued by state-approvedinstitutions.

  • Who Issues It: Accredited schools or institutions licensed by the state.

  • Purpose: To provide structured, in-depth training that prepares students for a specific career.

  • Examples:

    • Diploma in Medical Aesthetics (awarded by IOMA)

    • Diploma in Aesthetic Lasers (awarded by IOMA)

License

  • What It Is: A legal authorization issued by a government regulatory board that allows individuals to legally perform certain services within a profession. Licensure is required to practice in regulated fields such as aesthetics, nursing, and medicine.

  • Who Issues It: State boards (e.g., Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology, Nursing Boards).

  • Purpose: To ensure that professionals meet state-mandated education, training, and ethical standards before legally practicing.

  • Examples:

    • Esthetician License (issued by the State Board of Cosmetology)

    • Registered Nurse (RN) License (issued by the State Nursing Board)

Key Differences at a Glance

Category
What It Proves
Issued By
Legal Authority?
Renewal Needed?
Certificate
Course completion
Schools, trainers
No
No
Certification
Proficiency in a skill
Industry organizations
No
Yes
Diploma
Formal education completion
Accredited schools
No
No
License
Legal authority to practice
State boards
Yes
Yes

Why IOMA Offers Diplomas Instead of Certificates

Many aesthetic programs offer certificates of completion, but IOMA is different.

  • We are a private licensed school, meaning our programs meet state-regulated standards.

  • We award diplomas, which carry more credibility and value in the medical aesthetics industry.

  • We prepare students for real-world careers, ensuring they receive an education recognized by employers and medical professionals.​

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It is essential to understand that your professional license carries the most authority. If your license does not permit you to perform a specific service, obtaining a diploma, certificate, or certification will not grant you the legal authorization to do so.

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