By NAIMA Education Team · Reviewed by NAIMA Clinical Faculty
Quick answer: NAIMA, the North American Institute of Medical Aesthetics, offers every course and masterclass in both Calgary and Edmonton, so the choice comes down to where you live, how you travel and venue logistics. Calgary suits southern Alberta; Edmonton suits northern Alberta. The same CRNA, CLPNA and CPSA rules apply in both cities.
Key facts
- NAIMA has 15,000+ graduates and trains in seven Canadian cities: Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Kitchener and Regina.
- Both cities offer every course: the same certifications, masterclasses and bundles run in Calgary and Edmonton.
- Calgary: your venue details are confirmed when you book. Raj Parmar is listed as Lead Course Instructor - Injectables NAIMA Calgary.
- Edmonton: Whyte Ave Medical Centre, 9943 82 Ave NE, is a training venue NAIMA uses in Edmonton.
- Same rules province-wide: nurses need a client-specific order from an authorized prescriber, and standing orders are not allowed (CRNA).
- Payment: tuition can be paid upfront, in four bi-weekly instalments, or through Humm financing arranged with admissions.
How do Calgary and Edmonton compare for aesthetic training?
Both cities offer every NAIMA course, so the differences are catchment, travel access and venue logistics. Course content, eligibility and Alberta's regulations are the same in both.
Calgary | Edmonton | |
|---|---|---|
Courses offered | Every NAIMA course, masterclass and bundle | Every NAIMA course, masterclass and bundle |
Regional catchment | Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, Chestermere, Canmore, southern Alberta | Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Spruce Grove, Leduc, Fort Saskatchewan, northern Alberta |
Travel access | International airport (YYC); Highway 2 corridor | International airport (YEG); Highway 2 corridor |
Venue | Your venue details are confirmed when you book | Whyte Ave Medical Centre, 9943 82 Ave NE, is a venue NAIMA uses |
Named city faculty | Raj Parmar, Lead Course Instructor - Injectables NAIMA Calgary | Dr. Jimmy Kwok hosts the Shockwave & PRP Masterclass |
Regulators | CRNA, CLPNA, CRPNA, CPSA, ACP | Same |
Dates | Course page, or book a call with Admissions | Course page, or book a call with Admissions |
Red Deer sits between the two on Highway 2, so clinicians there can pick whichever city has the dates that suit them.
Do Calgary and Edmonton offer the same courses?
Every NAIMA course and masterclass is offered in both cities. That includes:
- Neuromodulators Certification: 2 days of Botox (botulinum toxin) training, with a minimum of 13 supervised procedures on live cosmetic models provided by NAIMA. Tuition is CAD $2,500. Tuition is subject to change; confirm with admissions.
- Dermal Filler Certification: a 2-day course with tuition of CAD $4,500. Each student gets 10 syringes for supervised treatments.
- 8-Day Preceptorship Program: tuition is CAD $9,995. Modules run with two-week breaks between them and cover neuromodulators, dermal fillers, PRP, fat dissolving injectables, and sales and consultation.
- Musculoskeletal Shockwave Therapy & PRP Masterclass: shockwave therapy for musculoskeletal conditions and joint pain, plus ultrasound-guided PRP injection for knees, elbows and shoulders, with live demonstrations and supervised hands-on practice. Tuition is CAD $6,995.
- Every other masterclass and bundle, including the 3-Master Classes: Men's Health & Sexual Wellness program.
What is training in Calgary like logistically?
Calgary is the practical choice for southern Alberta. Clinicians in Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks and Chestermere can usually commute for a course day, while those in Canmore and smaller southern communities may want an overnight stay for 2-day certifications. Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the entry point if you fly in. Your venue details are confirmed when you book. Read the full Medical Aesthetics Training in Calgary guide and Botox Certification in Calgary.
What is training in Edmonton like logistically?
Edmonton is the practical choice for northern Alberta. Clinicians in Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Spruce Grove, Leduc and Fort Saskatchewan can usually commute, and Edmonton International Airport (YEG) serves those flying in from the north. Whyte Ave Medical Centre, 9943 82 Ave NE, is a training venue NAIMA uses in Edmonton, where Dr. Jimmy Kwok hosts the Shockwave & PRP Masterclass. Read Medical Aesthetics Training in Edmonton and Shockwave Therapy and PRP Training in Edmonton.
Do the rules differ between Calgary and Edmonton?
No. The same provincial colleges regulate practice in both cities. According to CRNA's Injectable Cosmetic Therapies: Practice Advice for Registered Nurses:
- Schedule 1 drugs such as neuromodulators need a client-specific order from an authorized prescriber.
- Standing orders "must never be used."
- Nurses must have "reasonable access to the authorized prescriber."
LPNs follow the CLPNA practice guideline. Since 2025, the Alberta College of Pharmacy has barred regulated members from injecting for aesthetic purposes.
Federally, botulinum toxin is on Health Canada's Prescription Drug List, and fillers are Class III or IV medical devices. For the full profession-by-profession breakdown, see Who Can Inject Botox and Filler in Alberta?.
Scope of practice is set by your regulatory college. Confirm with your college before practising.
Who can enrol in either city?
The same eligibility rules apply in both cities. NAIMA's FAQ says licensed medical practitioners can enrol in a certification course, masterclass or the hands-on preceptorship. This includes physicians, surgeons, NPs, RNs, LPNs, RPNs and internationally trained medical graduates. Admissions confirms eligibility for each course. The 3-Master Classes: Men's Health & Sexual Wellness program is designed for family physicians and nurse practitioners.
How should you choose?
Because both cities offer every course, base your choice on travel time and dates:
- Pick the program. Choose the course you need; it runs in both cities.
- Check travel. Both cities have international airports and sit on the Highway 2 corridor. Red Deer is between them, so either city can work if you're based there.
- Choose your dates. Sessions run regularly. Book a call with Admissions (a 30-minute call) to choose your dates before you book travel.
- Plan your practice setting. Your training city doesn't change the rules. Arrange your prescriber relationship under CRNA or CLPNA requirements before you start treating clients.
About the faculty
NAIMA faculty include:
- Raj Parmar: Lead Course Instructor - Injectables NAIMA Calgary.
- Dr. Jimmy Kwok: Clinical Assistant Professor and Masterclass Instructor, who teaches NAIMA's Musculoskeletal Shockwave and Joint PRP masterclasses.
- Brandy Bordula: Medical Esthetician and Licensed Practical Nurse, and a Clinic Owner and Educator.
- Maneesha Fraser: Head of NAIMA & Lead Aesthetics Trainer.
Frequently asked questions
Does NAIMA offer training in both Calgary and Edmonton?
Yes. Every NAIMA course and masterclass is offered in both Calgary and Edmonton, including the 3-Master Classes: Men's Health & Sexual Wellness program. Book a call with Admissions to choose your dates.
Where is NAIMA's Edmonton training held?
Whyte Ave Medical Centre, 9943 82 Ave NE, Edmonton, is a training venue NAIMA uses in Edmonton. Your venue details are confirmed when you book.
Is Botox (neuromodulator) training different in Calgary and Edmonton?
The Neuromodulators Certification is the same course wherever it runs. It's a 2-day program with a minimum of 13 supervised procedures on live models provided by NAIMA, and it runs in both cities. Book a call with Admissions to choose your dates.
Are the injection rules different in Calgary and Edmonton?
No. The same Alberta colleges regulate practice in both cities. CRNA requires a client-specific order from an authorized prescriber for neuromodulators and says standing orders must never be used.
Can I pay for Alberta courses in instalments?
Yes. NAIMA's FAQ says tuition can be paid upfront or in four bi-weekly instalments. Humm financing is also available and is arranged through admissions.
Next steps
Compare the Neuromodulators Certification, the 8-Day Preceptorship Program and the Musculoskeletal Shockwave Therapy & PRP Masterclass. Check dates at naimaed.ca/courses?city=Calgary or naimaed.ca/courses?city=Edmonton, then Book a call with Admissions to choose your dates. You can also call 416.623.8424 or email education@naimaed.ca.
