The medical aesthetic field is full of career opportunities, and you can choose from a range of aesthetic courses for a stable career in this industry. Today, people with clinical skin afflictions do not want to be treated by someone who is merely a beautician. They prefer going to a qualified doctor specialized in aesthetics. Hence, people who wish to make a career in aesthetics should be currently licensed as doctors, nurses, physician assistants, or dentists. The focus is on meeting their patients’ concerns about aesthetics and helping them get back the healthy, glowing look on their faces. This will add to the revenue in your practice.
You no longer need to rely on Medicare-based revenue alone because you would have expanded your portfolio with a unique specialization in aesthetics.
Obtain a Nursing Degree
The first step in enrolling in aesthetic courses is to obtain a primary nursing degree. It would help if you aimed for a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN). While at it, you can explore the possibilities of adding an aesthetics portfolio while at nursing school itself. You may get a chance to specialize in Botox, fat grafting, and chemical peels, which will come in handy in your career as an aesthetics specialist.
Apply for a Nursing License
The next step involves applying for and obtaining an RN license. It includes completing a challenging test: The National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN, depending on the state you belong to or want to take the exam.
Before you can become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), you first need to become an RN, after which there is additional testing that you need to pass. These steps are essential for becoming an aesthetics specialist, though there may be other paths.
Acquire Some Experience before Practicing
After you earn your license, you can look out for openings under a practicing plastic surgeon, at any medical spa, or as an assistant/intern to an aesthetics practitioner.
If you want to move up in your career as an aesthetics practitioner, you need to get at least 2 years of experience to learn practical skills under expert specialists. This learning curve helps you acquire the necessary skills and experience while understanding the job requirements and the stresses that go with an aesthetics practitioner’s job.
Science-based Courses
Today, institutes offer science-based aesthetic courses delivered by general practitioners to benefit medical practitioners who wish to specialize in aesthetics. You need specialized training that empowers you to gain medical and business exposure and knowledge to integrate into your regular practice.
Certification in Aesthetic Medicine
You must enroll in a professional certification course, which will help you lay the foundation to gain the knowledge and skills in aesthetic principles. The focus is on safe practice on specialized treatment methods in aesthetics for chronic clinical skin conditions.
The course includes:
1. Study of facial aging, the various concepts of aesthetic medicine and skin classifications.
2. Cosmetic procedures, facial anatomy and anesthesia.
3. Study of chemical peels and various topical skin treatments.
4. Botulinum toxin, chemical composition and safe practice methods.
5. Lessons on chemical fillers and the basic techniques related to fillers.
Certification in Botox/Dermal Fillers
You may be able to undertake complex Botox or Dermal Filler procedures even without certification. However, getting certification in these sub-specialties makes you better qualified than those who are already practicing without such certification. Remember that an aesthetics practitioner’s job requires specialized training, where your responsibilities include assisting in clinical procedures and assisting your doctor with patient care.
Certification allows you to carry out Botox and dermal filler procedures involving a series of injections and hair removal techniques, as well as non-invasive body-contouring procedures that call for skill and experience. Aesthetics practitioners can also attend to patients without a doctor’s supervision and carry out procedures independently.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Certification Help?
It is a unique course that nurses undergo to become laser hair-removal technicians, for which professional certification is required. Every state insists on nurses having this additional certification to practice or conduct business in laser hair removal. You are trained to handle laser hair removal equipment safely.
Most laser hair removal technicians work in medical spas, dermatology clinics, doctor’s offices, exclusive laser hair removal centers, and other healthcare facilities. As a certified technician, you are even allowed to open your own cosmetic laser/hair-removal business.
With average rates hovering at $150 to $500 per sitting, the number of sittings would depend on the area to be covered. With each sitting lasting anywhere between 10 to 30 minutes, laser hair removal, a part of the aesthetics treatment, is one of the most lucrative practices today.
Summing it Up
With millions of people seeking aesthetics treatment as they are more concerned about their skin condition and appearance, aesthetics courses are in great demand.
