If you’re interested in becoming an aesthetic practitioner, there is more than one pathway you can take. But before you can make a decision, you must be aware of the experience and skills you will require to succeed.

This is why we created this post to share the training and licensing requirements to become an aesthetic practitioner.

What is an Aesthetic Practitioner?

An aesthetic practitioner specializes in providing non-surgical cosmetic treatments to enhance the appearance of the face and body. They can be licensed medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, or physician assistants or trained and licensed non-medical professionals such as estheticians or laser technicians. They use treatments like Botox injections, dermal fillers, laser hair removal, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion to improve the skin and overall appearance.

Requirements to Become an Aesthetic Practitioner

Becoming an aesthetic practitioner typically involves completing a combination of education, training, and certification in aesthetics. The specific requirements may vary depending on the country or state you are in, but generally include the following steps:

1. Education: Aesthetic practitioners must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Many practitioners also have a degree or diploma in nursing, medicine, or a related field.
2. Training: Aesthetic practitioners must complete a training program in aesthetics, either classroom or online.
3. Certification: Aesthetic practitioners must pass a certification exam. The certification exams are offered by various organizations, such as the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM), the American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses (ASPSN), and the National Council on Laser Certification (NCLC).
4. Licensing: Most countries and states require aesthetic practitioners to be licensed to practice. Requirements for licensing vary depending on the location but generally include passing an exam and meeting specific educational and training requirements.
5. Continuing Education: Aesthetic practitioners must complete continuing education to maintain their certification and licensure.

It’s important to note that the requirements and regulations for aesthetic practitioners vary depending on the location. Therefore, it’s always best to check with your local authorities to ensure you meet all the requirements.

What Do Aesthetic Practitioners Do?

An athletic practitioner is a nurse responsible for helping with clinical procedures and assisting doctors with patient care. They are specially trained nurses, usually registered nurses (RNs) or nurse practitioners (NPs), who take unique courses like lip filler courses for non-medics. Some of the aesthetic practitioners are also advanced practice registered nurses called APRNs.

As an aesthetic practitioner, you can provide several non-invasive and cosmetic procedures such as Botox, dermal filler injections, laser hair removal, and non-invasive body contouring procedures. One of the benefits of becoming an aesthetic practitioner is that you can offer these services independently of a doctor. As these special nurses can provide services without supervision, they can work at places like a medical spa, an outpatient surgery centre, or any other medical establishment.

Qualifications to Become an Aesthetic Practitioner

A career as an aesthetic practitioner can be promising, but you must be careful about the qualification requirements. The goal here is to become a successful aesthetic practitioner who has the legal clearance to offer procedures for cosmetic and surgical benefits. You can take the best aesthetic training course and get your aesthetics career started.

Here is a step-by-step qualification requirement.

You Must Have a Nursing Degree

To become an aesthetic practitioner, the first step is to have a online nursing degrees. Several nursing courses are offered at the University level, but you must have at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Some schools also contribute to exploring cosmetic nursing or aesthetic practitioner specialisation. While a primary degree in nursing is necessary, you will benefit from pursuing a specialisation course that provides the opportunity to train in specific procedures such as chemical peels, fat grafting, etc. You can also pursue lip filler courses for non-medics along with BSN.

Get a Nursing License

The following requirement is a nursing license. To become an aesthetic practitioner, you must be a registered nurse. To secure an RN license, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse or NCLEX-RN exam, which is a complex test. A nursing license is a requirement in most cases, but the rule can differ from state to state. Some states require that you have an APRN license, for which you must first become a registered nurse and then clear additional tests. While there are other options, a nursing license is the most straightforward pathway to becoming an aesthetic practitioner.

Work Experience 

After you have completed your nursing degree and secured a license, the next step is to gain some experience to become an aesthetic practitioner. You will require at least two years of experience at a medical spa or a plastic surgery practice as an assistant to an aesthetic practitioner. This is not just a formal requirement but a critical step to learning about the job requirements and fully understanding the rules and responsibilities of an aesthetic practitioner. You will learn essential skills, such as assessing skin ageing and performing post-op care.

Aesthetic Practitioner Salary

The salary of an aesthetic practitioner can vary widely depending on factors such as location, years of experience, level of education and training, and type of employer.

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an aesthetic practitioner in the United States is around $70,000 annually. However, some practitioners can earn significantly more, depending on their experience level and the type of treatments they provide. For example, practitioners with specialized training in advanced procedures such as laser resurfacing or injectable treatments may earn higher salaries.

Salary also varies by location, with practitioners in larger cities and metropolitan areas often earning more than those in smaller towns or rural areas. Additionally, those who work in private practice or own their businesses may earn more than those who work for a company or clinic.

Conclusion 

These are the qualification requirements to become an aesthetic practitioner. However, we recommend you pursue lip filler courses for non-medics to stand out from other candidates without certification. Such a training program can provide you with continuing education credit and help you get better compensation.