An aesthetic nurse is a registered practitioner trained to correctly place, add, and remove non-invasive cosmetic devices to improve patient appearance. They can do treatments, such as applying Botox or dermal fillers on individuals to help them appear younger and more refreshed-looking.
Suppose you’re thinking about entering the aesthetic nurse profession. In that case, there are several aspects to know about what it takes to become successful with an aesthetic certification for nurses. If you’re interested in training for this position, read on for information that could help guide your career path decision.
Step 1: Become a Registered Nurse (RN)
First and foremost, you should become a registered nurse (RN) and be licensed to practice in your state. You’ll need to complete an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam, the national standardized test used for licensure as a registered nurse. This will qualify you to work as an RN in any hospital or clinic across the country.
Step 2: Complete a Program in Aesthetic Nursing
Next on the list of essential steps to becoming an aesthetic nurse is to complete a program specifically for this profession. You can do so by attending an associate’s or bachelor’s degree-granting program or an accredited aesthetic certification for nurses offered by the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) or the American Medical Technologists (AMT). These are the highest standards for aesthetic nursing programs in the country.
Step 3: Gain Work Experience as an RN
After you’ve earned your degree, it’s important to gain work experience as an RN before moving into the field of aesthetic surgery. This position will allow you to learn more about the latest advancements in various cosmetic treatment methods and aftercare. You’ll also learn critical skills like properly sterilizing and preparing equipment, treating skin irritations, and performing post-operative care.
Step 4: Obtain the Required Licenses and Certifications
Finally, you’ll need to continue your training as an aesthetic nurse by obtaining the required licenses and certifications needed to do treatments. You can expect to take written or practical exams depending on the state you practice in. Still, there are certification options for both registered nurses and licensed practical/vocational nurses who want to work as aesthetic nurses.
Step 5: Keep Your Skills and Knowledge Current
As an aesthetic nurse, it’s essential to keep your skills and knowledge current by staying on top of the latest trends in non-invasive body contouring and other cosmetic treatments. You can do so by attending seminars and conferences where you can network with colleagues, discuss treatment options for specific patient cases, discover new methods of performing treatments and explore new treatment protocols.
Step 6: Advance Your Aesthetic Nurse Career
As an aesthetic nurse, you can advance your career by taking courses in business management and becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). If you have only a little time, consider continuing your education via graduate school or professional training programs.
Many options are available to give you the skills needed to take on management, teaching at the collegiate level, and advance your career to the highest levels.
Step 7: Make a Difference
Lastly, as an aesthetic nurse, you can make a difference in people’s lives by helping them look and feel younger and more refreshed. This is specifically true for individuals who want to stay looking young without having cosmetic surgery or undergoing invasive treatments.
The field of aesthetic nursing is growing every year because the population continues to age, which means more people are interested in using cosmetic treatments to help them appear younger. This profession has the potential for an incredibly bright future, so consider becoming an aesthetic nurse if you’re interested in this dynamic and rewarding healthcare career.