Are you training to become a nurse? Do you love helping people look and feel good?If you can answer yes to both questions, you are a strong candidateBecome an aesthetic nurse.As with any nursing discipline, the training to become a certified specialist in aesthetic nursing requires several years of study and practical training. The work is worth it. Upon successful completion of hands-on training, these healthcare professionals will be able to perform a variety of cosmetic procedures and procedures including (but not limited to):
- dermal fillers
- Botulinum toxin injection (Botox®)
- Removal of tattoos
- Laser treatment of the skin
- hair removal
- Liposuction and other body contouring procedures
- Aesthetic operations such as removal of scars
doctor-educatedtraining as a cosmetologistteach all these skills and more, as well as advanced surgical procedures, injection techniques and practice management skills. But the process of becoming a board-certified aesthetic nurse begins long before you enroll in your first education module—often even before you enroll in nursing school. This guide covers the steps to take after you've determined that aesthetic nursing is the right career path for you.
Steps to becoming a board certified aesthetic nurse
Becoming a board-certified aesthetic nurse typically takes four to seven years from the day you enroll in nursing school to the day you pass your Plastics Surgical Nursing Certification Board exam and your certification is officially received. The exact time frame mostly depends on your nursing program (nursing degree type) and how long you work under a board before taking your aesthetic nursing exam.
Complete your nursing education
This is a crucial first step for anyone hoping to land a job in a nursing specialty, including aesthetic nursing.Aspiring aesthetic nurses have several study options available. The most common are:
- Education in nursing:This two-year degree, known as the ADN, is a "basic" nursing certification and a prerequisite for working as a licensed registered nurse in the United States. ADN holders can find work as aesthetic nurses, but tend to have lower earning power and may be underqualified for some jobs.
- Bachelor of Nursing:This four-year degree, known as the BSN, is a "standard" nursing certification. BSNs have higher starting salaries than ADNs and may have more available employment opportunities.
- Master's degree in nursing:Known as the MSN (Master of Science in Nursing), this five-year degree is increasingly preferred by discerning employers. An MSN is not a nursing degree—it's a Nurse Practitioner (NP) degree—but MSNs still enjoy higher starting salaries and more career opportunities than ADNs or BSNs.
Pass the NCLEX-RN and gain the necessary experience in a core competency
After completing your chosen nursing degree, you must complete and pass the degreeNCLEX-RN Nursing Exam. This licensing exam is required to be licensed as a registered nurse anywhere in the United States.Passing the NCLEX-RN nursing exam does not make you an officially certified aesthetic nurse. Once you are allowed to work as a registered nurse in the United States, you must gain an additional two years of experience in one of the four core competencies of aesthetic nursing by working under a plastic surgeon or other board-certified physician:
- Plastic, aesthetic or cosmetic surgery
- Dermatology
- Facial plastic surgery
- ophthalmology
You must spend at least 1,000 hours focusing on one of these four core competencies. You can do this at the same time, that is, work under the same doctor with whom you gain the necessary two-year experience.To get all this experience, you must first find a job in a practice or health system that hires (or accepts nurse interns) nurses in your preferred discipline. This requires intense networking, which is best started as early as nursing school and probably several multi-level interview processes before you actually land a position. You should be ready to move for your first job, and if that move involves moving across state lines, you'll need to meet any additional certification requirements to ensure proper registration in your new home.To increase your chances of quickly finding a job or internship that will provide you with the aesthetic nursing experience you need, you should:
- Registration led to a doctorcertification as a cosmetologistCourse or Course package
- Network with doctors and injection nurses you meet during the training
- Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date and make it clear that you are pursuing aesthetic nursing certification
- Informally reach out to board-certified professionals who may be willing to intern (shadow) you in their practice or create a position where you can gain the necessary experience
Pursue your formal aesthetic nursing certification
Only after at least two years of relevant practical experience can you take the final step in the training to become an aesthetic nurse.While pursuing prior Aesthetic Nursing Board Certification is not required to work as a registered nurse in an aesthetic specialty, it provides you with the optimal combination of earnings and career development potential.TheThe Certification Board for Plastic Surgery Nursingconducts certification exams for the two types of aesthetic nurses: Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN) and Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS). To officially obtain any of these certifications, you must take and pass the appropriate certification exam.
What is an aesthetic nurse? And other questions answered
It is only natural for future aesthetic nurses to have questions about this field and its educational and certification requirements. These are among the most common.
What is an aesthetic nurse? What do aesthetic nurses do?
Aesthetic nurses assist cosmetic surgeons and other aesthetic practitioners in their tasks. Aesthetic nurse responsibilities may include:
- Management of patient intake, including patient screening, interviews and preliminary assessments
- Preparation of equipment and medicines for cosmetic procedures
- Assist doctors and surgeons in cosmetic operations and treatments
- Performing minimally invasive cosmetic treatments such as botox and dermal filler injections, laser skin treatments, tattoo removal and more
- Carrying out follow-up examinations and care after the procedure
How Much Do Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners Make?
According toBureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a registered nurse in the United States in 2020 was approximately $75,000. Starting salaries are typically lower than, but aesthetic nurses who are willing to learn on the job and take on additional responsibilities can quickly increase their earning power. Nursing salaries also vary by region, with nurses in high-cost-of-living areas tending to earn more than their counterparts in lower-cost-of-living areas.
Is the field of aesthetic care growing?
Another way to ask this is: is becoming an aesthetic nurse a good career decision?The answer is yes. The overall nursing sector is growing faster than the general labor market -- at about 7% per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.Aesthetic nurses can find work in a variety of medical settings: beauty clinics, cosmetic surgery offices, medical spas, and more. With the increasing demand for cosmetic treatments – from botox and dermal fillers to more invasive aesthetic surgical procedures – aesthetic nurses are likely to be in short supply for the foreseeable future.
Do aesthetic nurses have to meet continuing education requirements?
The Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board requires formally certified aesthetic nurses (CANS or CPSN) to complete continuing education (practice) requirements every three years in preparation for recertification or to take the appropriate board certification exam in lieu of continuing education.For nurses in active practice, the Plastic Surgery Certification Board requires a minimum of 45 contact hours (continuing education hours), with a minimum of two hours dedicated specifically to patient safety and 30 hours dedicated to the four core specialties of aesthetic nursing.
FAQs
How do I start an aesthetic nurse? ›
- Step One: complete a nursing degree and get NMC registration. ...
- Step Two: get post-qualification nursing experience. ...
- Step Three: find an entry-level position in aesthetics, or undertake training. ...
- Aesthetic Nurse Injector/Independent Prescriber: ...
- Aesthetic Clinic Nurse:
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $138,500 and as low as $50,500, the majority of Aesthetic Nurse salaries currently range between $72,500 (25th percentile) to $104,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $125,000 annually across the United States.
How long does it take to be an aesthetic nurse? ›The general timeline for becoming an aesthetic nurse is approximately 4-7 years, depending on the type of degree you obtain and the time it takes to pass the NCLEX-RN.
Where do aesthetic nurses make the most money? ›- Alaska. Alaska is the state with the highest average salary for Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners. ...
- 2. California. Aesthetic NPs in California make $105,815 per year on average. ...
- D.C. ...
- New Jersey. ...
- Massachusetts.
Cosmetic nurses assist plastic surgeons and dermatologists in providing treatments for patients seeking to improve self-confidence. They can also perform many treatments themselves. An aesthetics nurse can perform or assist with many procedures, such as: Collagen replacement therapy.
What cities are best for aesthetic nurses? ›Where do Aesthetic Nurses get paid the most? The highest-paying state for aesthetic nurses is Tennessee, but California is home to the highest-paying cities for aesthetic nursing. These cities include Sunnyvale ($110,747 per year), Santa Rosa ($107,140 per year), and Vacaville ($101,590).
Who are the highest to lowest paid nurses? ›- Family Nurse – $113,000.
- Urgent Care Nurse – $113,000.
- Oncology Nurse – $113,000.
- Orthopedic Nurse – $115,000.
- Cardiac Nurse – $116,000.
- Emergency Room Nurse – $116,000.
- Neonatal Nurse – $127,000.
- Nurse Anesthetist – $189,000.
The field of medical aesthetics can be difficult to break into and may have its challenges, but is such a rewarding career for those who are truly passionate about instilling confidence through an artistic and scientific form.
Can you go straight into aesthetic nursing? ›In order to work as an Aesthetic Nurse, you must earn a Registered Nurse degree. There are two main educational avenues for that. The first option is a two-year ADN program. The second option is to earn your Bachelor's Degree in Nursing by pursuing a BSN program.
Do you get tips as an aesthetic nurse? ›Tips are never expected, but they are certainly appreciated when you feel that your aesthetician has provided outstanding service during your spa visit.
How do I get into aesthetics? ›
To be a qualified aesthetic practitioner, you likely want to get a bachelor's degree in aesthetics. Going to university for aesthetic practitioner training provides you with all the experience and credentials required to immediately start as an aesthetician.
What is the lowest paid Nurse Practitioner? ›The average annual salary for a Nurse Practitioner is $118,040. The bottom 10% of average annual NP salaries is $79,470. The top 10% is $163,350 per year. The median annual wage for a Nurse Practitioner is $120,680.
What is the highest-paid nursing specialty in the world? ›The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist consistently ranks as the highest-paid nursing career. That is because Nurse Anesthetists are highly skilled Registered Nurses who work closely with medical staff during medical procedures that require anesthesia.
What is the difference between aesthetic nurse and aesthetic Nurse Practitioner? ›Unlike aesthetic nurses, Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners have the advantage of being able to open their own practices and prescribe medication. You don't need to be an NP to become a cosmetic nurse. However, cosmetic NPs do have some advantages that come with their higher education and work experience.
Where is the highest paid nurse in the world? ›1. Luxembourg. Luxembourg is one of the top highest-paying countries for nurses. The average salary for a nurse in Luxembourg is $91,000.
Who makes more money than nurses? ›While both nurse practitioners and doctors can enjoy the benefit of great incomes, doctors make almost twice as much as nurse practitioners. In fact, according to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, doctors typically earn an average annual salary of about $200,000 or more.
Why choose aesthetic nursing? ›Instead of an intensive care unit surrounded by pain and despair, picture yourself in a place of serenity. Additionally, aesthetic nurses enjoy numerous perks that other nurses do not. Their schedules typically don't require weekend shifts or holidays spent at work.
Is dermatology nurse the same as an aesthetic nurse? ›Often, Cosmetic Nurses perform duties similar to that of a Dermatology Nurse, in that both careers deal directly with skin and appearance-related issues. However, the job responsibilities of a Cosmetic Nursing career usually differ in scope based on the areas of specialization and additional certification requirements.
What is the point of an aesthetic nurse? ›Aesthetic nurses keep their focus in the clinical area. They may perform non-surgical procedures and therapies to assist patients in improving their cosmetic appearance.
What state has the happiest nurses? ›- #5 Colorado. Quality of life ranking: #10. Average RN salary: $69,990.00. ...
- #4 Alaska. Quality of life ranking: #19. Average RN salary: $88,510.00. ...
- #3 Oregon. Quality of life ranking: #18. ...
- #2 Wisconsin. Quality of life ranking: #3. ...
- #1 Minnesota. Quality of life ranking: #2.
Where is the hardest place to work as a nurse? ›
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses. ICU is an extremely high-pressure environment and these nurses work with patients who have significant injuries and disease with added morbidity risks. ...
- Emergency Department nurses. ...
- Neonatal ICU. ...
- OR nursing. ...
- Oncology Nursing. ...
- Psychiatric Nursing.
As the name suggests, CNAs assist nurses with patient admittance and vitals. It is the lowest-level credential related to the nursing field and the quickest point of entry.
What is the lowest salary for an RN? ›Registered Nurses made a median salary of $77,600 in 2021. The best-paid 25% made $97,580 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $61,790.
Can a nurse make a million dollars? ›What is this? Yes, many nurses can become millionaires by following some simple steps. For starters, nurses should strive to increase their income, manage their expenses, and save and invest some of their money. It's not easy (otherwise, everybody would be millionaires), but it's doable.
What is the hardest type of nurse to be? ›The most stressful nursing jobs include ICU nurse, ER nurse, and NICU nurse. In these roles, nurses work in an intense environment with high stakes. They manage emergency situations and care for critically ill patients. Other stressful nursing jobs include OR nursing, oncology nursing, and psychiatric nursing.
What is the hardest nursing class to take? ›- Pathophysiology. In this course, students learn how different anatomical systems work and how diseases or injuries affect these systems. ...
- Pharmacology. ...
- Medical Surgical 1 (also known as Adult Health 1) ...
- Evidence-Based Practice.
Seeing the death of their patients.
"Seeing those patients you took care of die and how devastating it is to the family" is the hardest part of being a nurse, said Melissa, a nurse from Oklahoma city.
So can a registered nurse (RN) open a med spa? The general answer is no — legal regulations tell us that a med spa owner must be a qualified aesthetic practitioner or medical doctor who specializes in aesthetic medicine.
Can aesthetic nurses have tattoos? ›The simple answer is yes. A tattoo is unlikely to disqualify you from working as a nurse, though there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Depending on your place of work, there may be rules about the types of tattoos and visibility restrictions, but these can vary greatly from place to place.
How much do you tip for $500 Botox? ›“Rule of thumb: If your injector own the practice, no tipping necessary. If they are an employee it is customary to tip. That being said, no one expects 20% tip of their service. … $20 goes a long way in making your provider feel appreciated, in my experience.”
How much should I tip for a $50 facial? ›
Remember that your esthetician is providing you with a service, so you should always tip. What to tip for a facial is much like tipping a server at a restaurant. A 20% tip is good, but base it off the esthetician's performance.
How much do you tip for Microneedling? ›Tipping also doesn't apply to any medical spa service like Botox, laser hair removal, microneedling, or anything performed by a medical professional. The main reason why these services don't require tips is that they usually cost hundreds of dollars, so following the standard 15% to 20% is costly.
What is level 7 aesthetics? ›The Level 7 diploma is a JCCP approved and VTCT certified clinical aesthetics diploma in injectable treatments for medical professionals considering a career in aesthetic medicine as well as those already practicing but looking to obtain formal recognition for their knowledge and skills.
What is level 5 in aesthetics? ›Level 5 Aesthetics – Legal and Regulatory Requirements in Aesthetic Practice; Professional Standards within Aesthetic Practice; Working Collaboratively with Healthcare Professionals; Anatomy, Physiology and Morphology of the Ageing Face; Skin Micro-needling and Chemical Peels.
What makes the most money in aesthetics? ›- Injection Specialist. Salary range: $35,000-$88,000 per year. ...
- Skin Therapist. Salary range: $37,500-$74,000 per year. ...
- Skin Care Consultant. Salary range: $29,500-$60,000 per year. ...
- Spa Therapist. ...
- Beauty Therapist. ...
- Lead Esthetician. ...
- Wax Specialist. ...
- Licensed Esthetician.
- Hemodialysis. ...
- Remote Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. ...
- Working in a Minute-Clinic. ...
- Working at an Online Urgent Care Center. ...
- NP on Foot Care Team. ...
- Case Management. ...
- NP for Long-Term Care Facility. ...
- Health Coach.
- Urgent Care Center. ...
- University Health Center. ...
- Addiction Medicine. ...
- Nephrology. ...
- Hard to place locations. ...
- Family health private practice. ...
- Locum Tenens (Travel Nursing) ...
- Occupational Care.
More time with patients.
Despite these positives when compared to working as an RN, the NP role can be very challenging and more demanding. Their duties may be more stressful compared to RNs because nurse practitioners often manage complicated patient cases and are responsible for making higher-level decisions.
- Cardiovascular Nurses. ...
- Intensive Care Unit Nurses. ...
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurses. ...
- Operating Room Nurses. ...
- Emergency Room Nurses. ...
- Pediatric Nurses. ...
- General Nurse Practitioners. ...
- Clinical Nurse Specialists.
Medical-surgical nursing is the single largest nursing specialty in the United States and beyond. Medical-surgical nurses provide care to adults with a variety of medical issues or who are preparing for/recovering from surgery. They have a broad knowledge base and are experts in their practice.
What do the top 10 percent earn in nursing? ›
The median annual wage for registered nurses was $77,600 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $59,450, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $120,250.
Is there a demand for aesthetic nurse practitioners? ›Though a highly competitive specialty, as the aesthetic and cosmetic industry continues to grow, there will be a demand for more aesthetic nurse practitioners.
How do I get started in aesthetics? ›- Researching – is there a demand/ much competition in your area? ...
- Training in the correct field. ...
- Business Structure. ...
- Creating a business plan. ...
- Naming your business & creating a logo. ...
- Funding your business. ...
- Finding a location. ...
- Registering your business.
The field of medical aesthetics can be difficult to break into and may have its challenges, but is such a rewarding career for those who are truly passionate about instilling confidence through an artistic and scientific form.
How do I start an aesthetic clinic? ›- Get Qualified. ...
- Determine Your Target Client. ...
- Set Your Pricing. ...
- Build Your Business. ...
- Brand Awareness. ...
- Personal & Professional Development. ...
- Get Free Advice for those who book on our Course.
To be a qualified aesthetic practitioner, you likely want to get a bachelor's degree in aesthetics. Going to university for aesthetic practitioner training provides you with all the experience and credentials required to immediately start as an aesthetician.
How long does it take to train for aesthetics? ›With weight training 4 days a week and a help of a trainer . 3 months to see some change. 1 year for women to see good muscle. And 6 months for men.
Can RNS do Microneedling? ›Supervision & Delegation
This means that if the patient is first examined by a physician or a mid-level practitioner—a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant—an individual working in a medical spa may perform microneedling.
Cosmetic nurses who work in medical spas and other private practices usually have a Botox and filler certification. Those who wish to obtain one will need to undergo around 8 hours of certification courses. There are plenty of providers who offer courses that can be completed within one day or over the weekend.
What can a nurse do in a spa? ›A med spa nurse is often referred to as an aesthetic nurse. This type of nursing focuses on treatments such as botox/fillers, IV vitamin infusions, and various skincare treatments, tattoo removal, laser hair removal, and micro-needling.
Is aesthetics nursing hard? ›
If you do not like school or taking tests, becoming an aesthetic nurse can be difficult. You must receive a Bachelor's degree, at minimum, and complete a licensing exam to start practicing. But if these requirements sound okay to you, you may not find the process very difficult at all.
What is the future of aesthetic nursing? ›The Future of Aesthetic Nursing
Aesthetic nursing's future looks to be as promising as its past, despite the temporary drop in the number of aesthetic procedures performed in 2020. ASPS reported that 35% of women who had previous aesthetic procedures planned to spend more on this type of treatment in 2021.
Unlike aesthetic nurses, Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners have the advantage of being able to open their own practices and prescribe medication. You don't need to be an NP to become a cosmetic nurse. However, cosmetic NPs do have some advantages that come with their higher education and work experience.
Who can practice aesthetic medicine in USA? ›Aesthetic and cosmetic medicine is currently a discipline within medicine that does not require formal residency training or a fellowship and can be practiced by a licensed physician of any specialty.
How do I write a business plan for an aesthetic clinic? ›- Give a brief overview of the medical aesthetics industry.
- Discuss the type of medical aesthetics business you are operating.
- Detail your direct competitors. ...
- Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. ...
- Offer an overview of your financial plan.
- Miraculous.
- Euphoria.
- Cherish.
- Eternity.
- Luca.
- Collective.
- Lunar.