Education Standards & Frameworks
.png)
American Council of Aesthetic Medicine & Surgery (ACAMS)
Defining Quality Benchmarks in Aesthetic Medicine & Surgery Education
The American Council of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery (ACAMS) develops and maintains structured education standards and competency frameworks to support consistency, quality, and ethical practice in aesthetic medicine and surgery education worldwide.
These standards form the foundation for ACAMS accreditation, quality rating, and professional board certification.
Purpose of ACAMS Education Standards
ACAMS education standards are designed to:
-
Establish clear benchmarks for aesthetic medical education
-
Promote competency-based learning and assessment
-
Support patient safety and ethical clinical practice
-
Guide institutions in curriculum design and delivery
-
Enable transparent and objective accreditation evaluation
Scope of ACAMS Standards
ACAMS standards apply to:
-
Training academies and educational institutions
-
Clinics offering structured aesthetic education
-
Professional training programs and fellowships
-
Certification and professional recognition pathways
Core Components of the ACAMS Framework
-
Structured curriculum aligned with defined learning objectives
-
Balance of theoretical knowledge and clinical training
-
Clearly documented learning outcomes and competencies
1. Curriculum & Learning Outcomes
-
Qualified medical faculty with relevant clinical experience
-
Defined roles for trainers, mentors, and supervisors
-
Ongoing faculty development and academic integrity
2. Faculty Qualifications & Teaching Standards
-
Supervised clinical practice aligned with training objectives
-
Ethical patient selection and informed consent
-
Emphasis on patient safety and procedural competence
3. Clinical Training & Hands-on Exposure
-
Transparent assessment methods
-
Competency-based evaluation rather than attendance-based completion
-
Documentation of skills, outcomes, and professional readiness
4. Assessment & Competency Evaluation
-
Ethical training practices
-
Patient safety protocols and risk management
-
Professional conduct and accountability standards
5. Ethics, Governance & Patient Safety
-
Adequate training facilities and clinical environments
-
Learning materials, digital resources, and documentation systems
-
Compliance with basic safety and educational requirements
6. Infrastructure & Learning Resources
Alignment with International Best Practices
ACAMS education standards are informed by globally accepted principles of medical education and professional training, while remaining adaptable to regional practices and legal requirements.
ACAMS standards are designed to complement—not replace—national medical regulations and licensing systems.
Use of ACAMS Standards
-
ACAMS education standards are used to:
-
Evaluate institutions and programs for accreditation
-
Guide quality rating and benchmarking
-
Structure professional board certification assessments
-
Support continuous quality improvement initiatives