How to become an aesthetic/cosmetic nurse (2023)

Nurses transform people's lives in many different ways, and the same goes for an aesthetic or cosmetic nurse. In this career path, you would help people through the use of non-invasive in-office treatments such as injections and skin care treatments.

Aesthetic nurses often assist cosmetic plastic surgeons and dermatologists by providing pre- and post-operative care related to plastic surgery and caring for patients under medical supervision.

In this guide, we explain how to become an aesthetic or cosmetic nurse, the average cosmetic nurse salary, educational requirements, and more.

• What is an aesthetic/cosmetic nurse?
• What are you doing?
• How to become an aesthetic/cosmetic nurse?
• Types of Aesthetic Nurses
• Esthetic/Cosmetic Nurse Salary
• Top Tips for Becoming an Esthetic/Cosmetic Nurse
• Requirements for UEC
• frequent questions
• resources
• Next steps

Esthetic/Cosmetic Nurses are registered nurses who provide a variety of services. This may include

• Injections of dermal fillers and botox neurotoxin.
• photofacials
• Dermabrasion
• microagujas
• tattoo removal
• Body contouring without surgery

Note: Some employers use the alternate spelling "cosmetic nurse" or "cosmetic nurse" in job descriptions and listings. In this guide, we will use the traditional spelling "cosmetic nurse."

Cosmetic nurses typically work in private practices or medical spas affiliated with plastic surgery practices or cosmetic dermatology practices. Cosmetic nurses provide services to a wide range of patients looking to improve their appearance and self-confidence.

The majority of patients seeking this type of treatment are women, but men are also increasingly seeking these treatments, further increasing the demand for aesthetic medical procedures.

Aesthetic/cosmetic nurses assist plastic surgeons and dermatologists with cosmetic procedures. These medical procedures, whether invasive or non-invasive, help improve the appearance of their patients.

In some cases, patients seek treatment for medical reasons; For others, the procedures can increase confidence and give a more youthful appearance.

Whether working full-time or part-time, beauty/cosmetic nurse job responsibilities may include:

• Consultation with patients, including planning, interview, and medical examination prior to the provision of services.
• Skin examination to evaluate both aging and other health problems.
• Performing preoperative and postoperative care.
• Assist the doctor during interventions and operations.
• Preparation and sterilization of instruments and operating rooms.
• Giving Botox injections and fillers, performing chemical peels, laser hair removal, dermabrasion, CoolSculpting, tattoo removal and more.

Aesthetic/cosmetic nurses work in dermatology and plastic surgery practices and medspas, and may also assist in hospital operating rooms. Occasional emergencies and treatment side effects can create an unpredictable schedule for surgical nurses, but for the most part, cosmetic nurses work regular hours with no night shifts.

In addition to working in an environment dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients, aesthetic nurses may also develop long-term relationships with returning patients to maintain existing treatments or explore additional treatments.

Nurses working in medical aesthetics can see the improvements their treatments offer and the increased confidence patients can receive in achieving their individual aesthetic goals.

Show me maintenance schedules

If you want to become a cosmetic nurse, you need to follow the steps below.

Step 1. Get your Nursing degree

Becoming an aesthetic/cosmetic nurse starts with a nursing degree, which you can earn through a two-year degree.Associate Degree in Nursing(DNA) or four yearsBachelor of Science in Pflege(BSN) Graduation.

Some nurses choose to go beyond the BSN and earn their Master of Science in Nursing under thenational momentumfor advanced practice nurses.

Step 2. Pass the NCLEX-RN

Once you earn your RN degree from an accredited nursing program, you must passNCLEX-RNLicensing exam for one or more states.

Step 3. Gain experience

Must be working at least two years in basic skills with a board certified plastic/aesthetic/cosmetic surgeon, dermatology, facial plastic surgery or ophthalmology.

Step 4. Get a Board Certified Cosmetic/Aesthetic Physician

Position yourself for the best aesthetics/cosmeticsnurse jobs, consider earning your Certified Aesthetic Nursing Specialist (CANS) certification through thePlastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board.

To earn this certification, you must take an exam, which the PSNCB typically offers in the spring and fall of each year. Unlike some certifications, no special training is required to earn the PSNCB certificate.

To be eligible for certification, nurses must have:

• An unencumbered and unrestricted RN license in the United States, its territories, or Canada
• At least 1,000 hours of practice in the basic specialties in the last two years
• At least two years of nursing experience with a licensed physician in one of the following specialties:
  • Plastic/Aesthetic Surgery
  • ophthalmology
  • dermatology or
  • Facial plastic surgery (ENT)
• Current employment with a state-certified physician in one of the above fields.
• A supervising physician with a current full and unrestricted license will support your application

Timeline to Become an Esthetic/Cosmetic Nurse:

• Two to five years to earn an ADN, BSN or MSN degree
• Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
• Two years of employment with a specialist in plastic/cosmetic/cosmetic surgery, dermatology, facial plastic surgery, or ophthalmology

One of the best parts of becoming a cosmetic nurse is the many unique opportunities to help patients feel and look their best! Aesthetic nursing is a rapidly growing field due to the introduction of new treatments and technologies, and there are many exciting specialties to choose from.

To take on a new cosmetic specialty or learn how to perform a new treatment, aesthetic nurses must attend training and learn under the guidance of a highly experienced doctor or nurse.

Also, this type of care requires hard work to maintain a great experience and stay up to date with the latest products, procedures, and techniques in the aesthetic market.

Regardless of the specialties a nurse chooses, duties typically include:

• medical history assessment
• Explain the procedure in detail to the patient.
• Prepare patients for treatment.
• Monitor the patient during treatment.
• electronic documentation
• Provide follow-up and aftercare instructions

injection nurse

Injection nurses specialize in cosmetic treatments designed to enhance or improve the appearance of the face through needle injections. Some types of cosmetic injections that a nurse may specialize in include:

• Botulinum toxin, such as Botox or Dysport, to temporarily smooth facial muscles and reduce fine lines and wrinkles
• dermal fillerssuch as hyaluronic acid (HA) or calcium hydroxyapatite to plump or "sculpt" the face.
• Injections for fat reduction.to break down "double chin" fat, like Kybella.

sister face laser

Nurses who perform laser facials can help patients minimize wrinkles, reduce acne scarring, and improve skin discoloration from overexposure to the sun. Most laser facials remove the outer layers of skin to reveal new skin underneath to promote and stimulate collagen production.

Caregivers using laser devices of all types must accurately assess each patient's skin type and determine the most appropriate treatment and level settings. Types of laser facials include:

• CO2 laser treatment
• Treatments with intense pulsed light (IPL).
• Pulsed dye laser treatments
• Fractional laser treatments

tattoo removal nurse

This type of cosmetic nurse specializes in tattoo removal using laser technology. There are many different technologies available for tattoo removal and caregivers need to understand the different types of laser systems, proper laser settings and removal techniques, and the potential risks of treatment.

laser hair removal nurse

As one of the most popular and widely used aesthetic procedures today, laser hair removal is an increasingly popular specialty among aesthetic nurses. A laser hair removal nurse specializes in removing unwanted hair using laser technology.

Nurses performing laser hair removal must provide safe and effective treatment and discuss follow-up instructions with patients. Most laser hair removal treatments require multiple visits over several months to a year, so many laser hair removal nurses get to know their patients well over time.

chemical peel nurse

A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment that involves applying a chemical solution to the skin, causing the outer layers of the skin to peel off. Chemical peels typically take several days or even weeks to heal, but treatment ultimately reveals smoother, more youthful-looking skin underneath. Treatments usually last 1 hour or less.

Non-Surgical Body Treatment Nurse

Many cosmetic nurses enjoy giving non-surgical body treatments because they can help their patients feel better and maybe even inspire them to improve their health.

Types of non-surgical cosmetic body treatments include:

• radio frequency: to reduce cellulite
• contouring process: Treatments that produce strong muscle contractions, such as Emsculpt
• Loss of fat: a procedure that “freezes fat” like B. Coolsculpting

Aesthetic Nurse Salariesmay vary within the country based on education, certification, experience, and geographic location.

According to theBLS, the median annual salary for registered nurses in 2021 was $77,600 per year, or $37.31 per hour. While the BLS does not specifically report salaries for aesthetic nurses,ZipRecruiterreports that the median annual salary for a cosmetic nurse is $89,970. However, some cosmetic nurses earn as much as $138,500.

As in most other patient care professions, the most experienced cosmetic nurses typically receive the highest compensation. Nurses can also increase their total compensation through other benefits, such as:

• paid holidays

• sick leave

• Medical, dental and vision insurance

• recipe cover and

• training allowance

>> Related:Aesthetic Nurse Salary Guide

Hello wonderful people! My name is Sabrina and I am a cosmetic injection nurse practicing in Bellevue, WA. I have TONS of potential beauty nurses asking how to get into the industry and I want to help you.

I am going to give you five tips on how to become a cosmetic injection nurse.

1: Watch YouTube Videos

Watch so many YouTube videos on the basics of neuromodulators (your Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin) and different types of commonly used dermal fillers like Juvederm (Ultra/Ultra Plus, Voluma, Vollure, Volbella, etc.) Restylane (Lyft, Refyne, Defyne, etc.) .), Galderma (Sculptra) and Revanesse (Versa). See what they are, how they work, what makes them different, where on the face they are used, etc.
It may seem overwhelming at first, but you'll get the hang of it. It is also important to know your facial anatomy and how the facial muscles work. Youtube also has great videos on technique and depth, so dive into all of that. This is a great place to start.

2: Take a botox and filler certification course

There you will learn more about the basics of Botox and fillers and gain practical experience. You will also receive a certification that will enhance your CV for future employers.

Most of you are inexperienced which puts off most employers so it is important to show initiative. Show that you are willing to do whatever it takes and pay the price.

I can add; that the reason most practices want an experienced injector is because training is so expensive - we're talking thousands and thousands!

I have been told by several practices that nurses are known to gain experience in one practice and then move on to another. Not Good for business. Anyway, google "botox and filler certification course near me" to find a course and make sure it includes hands-on training. I urge you to attend at least one.

3. Follow the injectors in your area on social networks

Participate, participate, participate! Like, comment; be their biggest fans. Reach out to them, ask them about their experience as injectors, if their practice affects attitude, if they have opportunities to follow, if they have advice for you - make a connection.

Half of them won't answer, but the other half will! In the event that a practice closes, it will have an impact due to your continued support and interactivity on their social media. If they accept a day to shadow, be sure to add it to your resume. Anything and everything helps!

4. Up your social media game

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for this industry because it allows you to put a face to a resume. Follow as many practices in your area and all your staff.

Send personalized messages, share your passion for the industry, and let them know when they get a chance to contact you.

You can also ask about shading options here. They will remember you for being brave and sending them messages (surprisingly, not many people do).

5. BE PATIENT AND STAY HUNGRY

It took me almost a year to break into the industry. I applied to numerous internships, had several job interviews, and was rejected over and over again. But I took every opportunity because I knew I would eventually get in, and I did.

Ultimately, it all comes down to how much you want it at the end of the day. Really ask yourself why you want to go into the industry and use your "why" to motivate you in every situation. Don't give up babes, you've got this!

Show me maintenance schedules

Esthetic/Cosmetic Nurses who meet the requirements for CANS status must recertify every three years.

Recertification Requirementsthey imply accumulating 45 contact hours, with at least two hours specifically related to patient safety.

At least 30 contact hours must be in the core subject areas of plastic/cosmetic/cosmetic surgery, dermatology, facial plastic surgery, or ophthalmology.

Nurses may also retake the CANS exam every three years to maintain this certification. Again, no training course is required for recertification.

• What is a beauty/cosmetic nurse?

  • Aesthetic nurses, also known as cosmetic nurses, are registered nurses who provide aesthetic and cosmetic care and services to their patients. These nurses have specialized training in services ranging from fillers, laser skin treatments, liposuction, tattoo removal, cosmetic surgery, and more.

• How do I become a beauty/cosmetic nurse?

  • To become an aesthetic nurse, you must first complete the registered nurse training course, keeping in mind that nurses with their four-year BSN degree will likely find it easier to find a job in their chosen profession. After you graduate and become a registered nurse, look for jobs in skin care clinics, cosmetic surgery practices, or similar areas of the medical field. Then you can get certified by the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (PSNCB).

• What does a beauty/cosmetic nurse do?

  • In addition to providing inpatient and outpatient cosmetic services such as laser hair removal and skin care treatments, dermabrasion, botox injections, and fillers for a more youthful appearance, they also work alongside physicians such as dermatologists and plastic surgeons to perform clinical and surgical procedures for patients

• What are the educational requirements to become a beauty/cosmetic nurse?

  • The path to becoming a beauty/cosmetic nurse begins with the completion of an ADN or BSN degree and passing the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed in your state. Although certification with the PSNCB is not required, it is available and preferred by many employers in this healthcare field.

• How much does an aesthetics/cosmetic make?

  • RespectivelyZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a beauty/cosmetic nurse in the United States is just over $89,970. Note that this average reflects both Advanced Practice Nurse (APRN) salaries and entry-level nurse salaries.

• How long does it take to become an aesthetic/cosmetic nurse?

  • Once a registered nurse is licensed, they can immediately apply for a position as an aesthetic nurse. If you are interested in becoming a PSNCB Certified Cosmetic/Beauty Nurse, she will need two years of experience, including one year in a related specialty.

A number of organizations support aesthetic/cosmetic nurses as part of their practice and to advance their careers. These organizations provide resources to support the professional development, education, and research of nurses. They also promote patient safety and evidence-based good practice.

These organizations include:

• Association of Dermatologists
• International Society of Plastic and Cosmetic Nurses
• Die American Association for Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery

You can also learn more about aesthetic/cosmetic nursing at Nurse.org! Take a look at our other related articles:

• 5 steps to become an Aesthetic Nurse
• This is how I became an aesthetic injector nurse in an aesthetic clinic.

Finally, you may find it helpful to talk to a medical company that sells botox or fillers to doctors and spas. They often offer free educational and training resources, as well as guides for nurses who want to become an injector.

Show me maintenance schedules

In addition to reading job descriptions, one of the best ways to determine if medical esthetics is the career for you is to speak directly with a cosmetic/aesthetic nurse who is currently practicing in a private practice or medical spa. You can also contact pharmaceutical companies that sell fillers or botox as some offer free training and resources for nurses as an incentive to sell their product at medspas etc where these RNs will later work.

Nurses trained in cosmetic and aesthetic procedures can improve the level of care for patients who want to improve their appearance. These nurses can also earn a competitive salary while improving the quality of life for their patients.

Whether helping a patient look younger, removing a regretted tattoo, or smoothing old acne scars, cosmetic nurses instill a sense of possibility and confidence in their patients that is unmatched by any other type of nursing specialty. .

Serving Patients and Earning Competitive Salary - As a registered nurse, whether you're an RN or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), you can't ask for more from your profession.

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