Aesthetic Nurse Certification Requirements: What You Need 👩‍⚕️

The aesthetics injectables market has seen steady growth of 10 percent annually, with analysts projecting an opportunity for more than 12 percent growth over the next five years. 

As the cosmetic industry booms and more and more medical professionals seek career alternatives, aesthetic nursing jobs are becoming the go-to ticket.

Not to mention aesthetic nurses earn an additional $7 per hour compared to those in traditional nursing roles. For RNs with an entrepreneurial spirit, aesthetic nursing has proven to be a viable option with plenty of opportunity. 

But for anyone setting out on a new career path in aesthetics, the question may be: where to start? And what exactly is required before taking on any aesthetic nursing jobs or nurse practitioner jobs? 

As we walk through the aesthetic nurse certification requirements, we’ll also share the criteria for selecting the best aesthetic nurse certification courses. Ready? Let’s dive in.

What qualifications are required for aesthetic nursing jobs? 

Aesthetic nurses are trained to perform minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, including injectables, laser treatments, and chemical peels. 

In order to become an aesthetic nurse, you’ll need to undergo specialized training on top of what you’ve already done as a registered nurse (RN) or nurse practitioner (NP). 

This training will focus on how to assess patients and determine the right treatment course to obtain the desired outcome, as well as how to undertake the cosmetic procedures you’ll be performing.

Aesthetic nursing job procedures include:

• CoolSculpting
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• Chemical peels
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• Microdermabrasion
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• Laser facial treatments
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• Laser hair removal
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• Non-surgical body treatments (e.g. radiofrequency)
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Nurse injector training will also teach you how to inject botox and dermal fillers, two of the most popular med spa procedures.

Education and certification requirements for aesthetic nursing jobs include:

• An Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
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• Two years of work experience as an RN, with at least one year of this experience being in some area of cosmetics, such as aesthetic surgery or dermatology
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• The CANS credential
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• Renewal of the CANS credential every three years
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• Continuing education is required to maintain nursing licensure

How to evaluate the best aesthetic nurse certification options 

Determining the best aesthetic nursing program for you will depend on a host of factors, but you’ll first need to consider where you live and what’s available to you. For example, if you’re looking to get certified as an aesthetic nurse in Texas, the training options will differ from the aesthetic nurse certification options in California, or injector training programs in Pennsylvania.   

This begs the question: what separates the best aesthetic nurses from the rest of the pack? 

We’ve surveyed hundreds of graduates of aesthetic clinic courses across the country, and we’ve found that those who go on to become most successful attribute that success to a few key factors: excellent training, strong mentorship, and plenty of hands-on experience with live models.

When evaluating aesthetic training courses, look for small classes, good reviews or personal recommendations, and accreditation. These are the markers of a well-rounded certification program. 

Evaluating the credentials of an aesthetic nurse certification program:

• Does the program have accreditation from a reliable regulatory body in clinical aesthetics?
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• Is there a recognized certificate provided on completion of the course?
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• Is the curriculum comprehensive enough to cover all essential topics, including facial anatomy, injection techniques, and safety precautions?
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• Are the instructors experienced and qualified enough to teach these techniques?
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• Is there enough hands-on practical training provided? Do they allow students to practice on live models under supervision? If so, how often throughout the duration of the course? 
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• Is their ongoing support, mentorship, or follow-up training courses to build on skills?
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Pro tip: Prioritize the nurse injector training programs that are more hands on. The best way to improve your skills is by gaining real, hands-on experience. This will allow you to hit the ground running.

With these tips in mind, check out our guides to top aesthetic nurse certification courses in North Carolina, Ohio, Illinois, and Arizona. 

Leveraging your aesthetic nurse certification to open a med spa

Once you’ve completed your aesthetic nurse certification, there are a few career paths you can take.

Business that typically hire for aesthetic nurse jobs include:

• Dermatology offices
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• Outpatient clinics
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• Private clinics
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• Med spas
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• Cosmetic day hospitals
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• Skin surgery centers
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Additionally, you might consider opening your own med spa! If the idea of being your own boss, managing your patient load, and accessing uncapped earning potential appeals to you, then you might just be ready to embark on the exciting journey of launching your med spa!

With two-thirds of nurses reporting they feel burnt out, opening your own med spa can be a way to continue to provide patients with important care while also caring for yourself.

While opening your first med spa might seem like a daunting process, your initial investments can really pay off in the long run. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for RNs is $71,730, with the average salary for aesthetic nursing jobs sitting at $90,142. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of opening your own med spa, remember it doesn’t have to be complicated — Moxie is your growth partner as you launch. We help you to:

• Find a medical director
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• Secure appropriate insurance
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• Select an initial location
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• Design your launch menu and pricing
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• Promote your services
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We’ll be by your side every step of the way, from the time you decide to open your med spa to your first $100K. 

TLDR; Finding the right aesthetic nurse certification for you

Thanks for sticking with us!

At this point, you should have a thorough understanding of the aesthetic nurse certification courses that are available to you, as well as your options for aesthetic nurse practitioner jobs once you’ve completed your training. 

Maybe you’re weighing your aesthetic nursing job options, or maybe you’re feeling the itch for an entirely new adventure. If you’re ready to make the leap from employee to entrepreneur and want to start building your business, now’s the time. We’re here, waiting for you.

Learn more about how Moxie helps entrepreneurs (like you) open and run successful med spas! Get in touch today.