Aesthetic medicine is an exciting and rapidly growing job market that attracts many clinical providers. However, breaking into this competitive and highly sought after industry can be challenging due to its unique regulations and requirements. We’re here to answer all your questions though and help you navigate the path to becoming an aesthetic nurse and getting the hands-on experience you need.
Do I Qualify to Become an Aesthetic Nurse?
Aesthetic medicine does not have a certified medical board (with the exception of plastic surgery) and each state regulates the industry differently. While in some states, like Texas, the barrier to entry into aesthetic medicine can be lower requiring an esthetician’s license or other trade certification, in other states, such as Florida, you are required to be a Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, Dermatologist, or Plastic Surgeon to practice aesthetics.
Steps to Gaining Experience in Aesthetic Nursing
Like every industry, it is difficult to get started in aesthetic nursing without having previous experience administering neurotoxin injections (Botox, Xeomin Dysport) or dermal filler. Entry-level jobs can be hard to come by in aesthetic medicine and it’s difficult to find a practice or med spa that’s willing to train newcomers.
Our recommendations for gaining hands-on experience in aesthetic nursing are:
- Participating in aesthetic workshops or trainings
- Shadowing or apprenticing for an experienced aesthetics nurse
- Networking in the aesthetics industry
Participating in Workshops and Trainings
It is common to see different aesthetic courses, Botox and filler training, and certifications available in the aesthetics industry offered by third party training companies. Many medical spas and aesthetic organizations require a certification from a training company to join their team. Aesthetic training programs look different across different companies, but a good course should include:
- Educational and clinical courses prior to completing hands-on training
- Hands-on aesthetic injection and treatment training supervised by an experienced provider
- Ongoing education and professional development opportunities after hands-on training
- Enough education that you feel comfortable and confident replicating procedures, such as Botox injections and dermal filler, on your own
- Strong, positive reputation for training successful, well respected aesthetic nurses
The best companies will not just train you but offer a job opportunity after successful completion of their programs, like Skin Clique.
Shadow or Apprentice with an Experienced Aesthetic Nurse
Getting face time with an experienced aesthetic nurse can be valuable to learn what their role is like and how to treat patients both clinically and professionally. This is a great way to understand the intricacies of the role as it goes beyond medicine. Aesthetics is an opportunity to bring joy and happiness to patients. Interacting with them beyond treatment is a huge part of the job. Shadowing an aesthetic nurse will give you insight into the clinical decision-making process when it comes to recommending treatments to patients and developing a long-term plan for skin health.
Network with Experience Aesthetic Nurses
Getting into the competitive aesthetics industry can be difficult and with a small tight-knit community, sometimes it’s all about who you know! Some ways to network in the aesthetics industry include:
- Join local and regional committees in your area that are specific to the aesthetics industry
- Attend open houses for aesthetic businesses and talk to their staff
- Participate in aesthetic industry conferences
- Network with industry experts by engaging on social media
By following these tactics, you can earn hands-on experience in aesthetic nursing which in turn could lead to job opportunities. Don’t be afraid to take a chance on yourself and find joy in medicine again.
Get Hands-On Aesthetic Training with Skin Clique
Skin Clique provides a comprehensive clinical education program that combines hands-on training with cutting-edge medical expertise. This industry-leading training program is designed to empower aesthetic nurses with the skills and expertise needed to deliver outstanding patient care and shape the future of aesthetic medicine. To join Skin Clique's clinical education program, simply apply to become a Skin Clique provider, complete the training program, and start treating patients as a certified Skin Clique provider with confidence.
