How to become an aesthetic/cosmetic nurse? (2023)

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

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

In this guide, we explain how to become a cosmetic or cosmetic nurse, the average cosmetic nurse salary, education requirements, and more.

• What is a Beauty/Cosmetic Nurse?
• What are you doing?
• How to become an Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nurse?
• Types of Aesthetic Nurses
• Beauty / Cosmetology Nurse Salary
• Top Tips to Become an Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nurse
• CEU Requirements
• frequently asked questions
• resources
• Next Steps

Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nurses are registered nurses who provide a variety of services. This can include

• Botox dermal fillers and neurotoxin injections
• facials
• Dermabrasion
• The microneedle
• Tattoo removal
• Body contouring without surgery

Note: Some employers use the alternative spelling "beautician" or "beautician" in job descriptions and job offers. In this guide, we'll use the traditional spelling "cosmetic nurse."

Cosmetic nurses typically work in private practices or medical spas affiliated with cosmetic surgery or cosmetic dermatology practices. Cosmetic nurses offer services to a wide range of patients who want to improve their looks and their self-confidence.

Most of the patients who seek this type of treatment are women, but men are also increasingly seeking these treatments, which further increases the demand for aesthetic medical procedures.

Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nurses assist plastic surgeons and dermatologists in performing cosmetic procedures. These medical procedures, whether invasive or non-invasive, help improve the appearance of your patients.

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

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

• Consultations with patients, including scheduling appointments, interviews and medical examinations prior to the provision of services.
• Examination of the skin to assess aging and other health problems.
• Carrying out pre- and post-operative care.
• Assisting the doctor during interventions and operations.
• Preparation and sterilization of instruments and operating rooms.
• Botox Injections and Fillers, Chemical Peels, Laser Hair Removal, Dermabrasion, CoolSculpting, Tattoo Removal and more.

Beauty/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 result in 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 a patient's quality of life, aesthetic nurses can also develop long-term relationships with patients who return to maintain existing treatments or who are investigating additional treatments.

Caregivers working in medical aesthetics can see the improvements their treatments bring and the increased confidence patients can gain as they meet their individual aesthetic goals.

Show me maintenance programs

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

Step 1. Get your Registered Nurse Diploma

The training to become a beautician/cosmetic nurse begins with a registered nursing degree, which you can acquire in two years.Degree in Nursing(ADN) or a four-year programBachelor of Science in Pflege(BSN).

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

Level 2. Do not pass an NCLEX-RN

After earning your RN degree from an accredited nursing program, you must passNCLEX-RNLicense check from one or more states.

Step 3. Gain experience

You must work on core competencies for at least two years with a specialist in plastic/aesthetic/aesthetic surgery, dermatology, facial plastic surgery or ophthalmology.

Step 4. Earn a Certified Cosmetic/Aesthetic Nursing Practitioner

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 specific training course is required to earn the PSNCB certificate.

To be eligible for certification, registered nurses must have:

• An unrestricted or unencumbered RN license in the United States, its territories, or Canada
• At least 1,000 hours of practice in core specialties in the last two years
• At least two years of nursing experience with a physician certified in one of the following specialties:
  • plastic/aesthetic surgery
  • ophthalmology
  • dermatology or
  • Plastic facial surgery (ENT)
• Current employment with a physician certified in one of the above specialties.
• A supervising doctor with a current full and unrestricted license to practice medicine supports your application

Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nurse Training Schedule:

• Two to five years to earn an ADN, BSN, or MSN degree
• Do not pass the NCLEX-RN exam
• Two years of employment with a specialist in plastic/aesthetic/aesthetic surgery, dermatology, facial plastic surgery or ophthalmology

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

In order to take on a new cosmetic specialty or learn a new treatment, cosmetic nurses must attend training courses and learn under the guidance of a highly experienced doctor or nurse.

Additionally, this type of nursing requires a lot of work to maintain a sharp skill set and stay up to date with the latest products, procedures and techniques in the aesthetic market.

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

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

injection nurse

Injection nurses specialize in cosmetic treatments aimed at enhancing or enhancing the appearance of the face through needle injections. Some types of cosmetic injections that a nurse may specialize in include:

• Botulinumtoxine, 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 reductionto break down "cheek" fat like Kybella.

Laser Face Sister

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

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

• The CO2 laser treatment
• IPL-Behandlungen (Intense Pulsed Light).
• Pulsed dye laser treatments
• fractional laser treatments

Tattoo Removal Nurse

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

Laser Hair Removal Nurse

One of the most popular and growing cosmetic procedures, laser hair removal is an increasingly popular specialty among cosmetic nurses today. 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 the course of several months to a year; Therefore, many laser hair removal nurses know their patients well over time.

Nurse Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment in which a chemical solution is applied 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 the treatment eventually reveals smoother, younger-looking skin underneath. Treatments usually last 1 hour or less.

Non-surgical personal care nurse

Many estheticians 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:

• Radiofrequenz: to reduce cellulite
• contouring process: Treatments that produce strong muscle contractions, such as Emsculpt
• fat loss: a “fat-freezing” procedure like coolsculpting

Beautician Salariesmay vary within country based on education, certification, experience and geographic location.

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

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

• paid vacation

• sick leave

• Health, dental and eye insurance

• recipe cover and

• training allowance

>> Related:Beautician Salary Guide

Hello you wonderful people! My name is Sabrina and I am a Cosmetic Injection Nurse practicing in Bellevue, WA. I have TONS of aspiring Aesthetic Nurses asking how to break 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

Check out so many Youtube videos about the basics of Neuromodulators (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 to use them on the face, etc.
It may seem overwhelming at first, but you'll get through it. It is also important to know facial anatomy and how facial muscles work. Youtube also has great technique and depth videos, so dive right in. 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'll also get a certification that will enhance your resume for future employers.

Most of you are inexperienced, which is a disadvantage for most employers, so it's important to show initiative! Show you're willing to do whatever it takes and pay the price.

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

Several practices told me that nurses are known to gain experience in one practice and then leave to join another. Not good for business. Be sure to google “botox and filler certification course near me” to find a course and make sure it includes hands-on training. I recommend you attend at least one.

3. Follow injectors in your area on social media

Join, join, join! Like, comment; be your biggest fans. Reach out to them, ask about their experience as injectors, if their practice is closing, for opportunities to follow up, 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 down, they will make an impact due to their ongoing support and interactivity on their social media. If they accept a shadow day, 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 lets you put a face to a resume. Follow as many practices as possible in your area and for all your employees.

Send personalized messages, share your passion for the industry and if they get a chance to connect with you.

You can also ask about connection options here. They will remember you for being brave and messaging them (surprisingly few people do. I would also make sure your headshot is done professionally to make you look good).

5. BE PATIENT AND STAY HUNGRY

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

Ultimately, it comes down to how much you want at the end of the day. Really ask yourself why you want to get into the industry and use your "why" to motivate yourself at all costs. Don't give up baby you made it!

Show me maintenance programs

Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nurses who meet the requirements for CANS status are required to recertify every three years.

Recertification Requirementsinclude the accumulation of 45 contact hours, with at least two hours specifically related to patient safety.

At least 30 hours of contact must be in the basic specialties: plastic/aesthetic/aesthetic surgery, dermatology, facial plastic surgery or ophthalmology.

Nurses can 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?

  • Cosmetic nurses, also known as cosmetic nurses, are registered nurses who provide cosmetic and beauty 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 an Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nurse?

  • To become a cosmetic nurse, you must first complete the required Registered Nursing training, bearing in mind that nurses with their four-year BSN degree will likely find it easier to find employment in their chosen profession. After your degree and license as a registered nurse, look for jobs in skin care clinics, plastic surgery offices, or similar areas of the medical field. Then you can get certified by the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (PSNCB).

• What does an Aesthetic/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 with physicians such as dermatologists and plastic surgeons on clinical and surgical procedures. for patients

• What are the educational requirements to become an Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nurse?

  • The path to becoming a cosmetic/cosmetic nurse begins with earning an ADN or BSN diploma 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 aesthetic/cosmetic earn?

  • AccordinglyZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a beauty/cosmetic nurse in the United States is just over $89,970. Keep in mind that this average reflects the salaries of Advanced Practice Nurses (APRNs) as well as those of entry-level nurses.

• How long does it take to become an Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nurse?

  • Once a registered nurse has their license, they can immediately apply for cosmetic nurse jobs. If you are interested in becoming a PSNCB Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nurse, you will need two years of experience, including one year in a related specialty.

Several organizations support aesthetic/cosmetic nurses in their practice and as they advance in their careers. These organizations provide resources to support nurse professional development, education and research. They also promote patient safety and evidence-based best practices.

These organizations include:

• Association of Dermatologists
• International Society of Plastic and Cosmetic Nurses
• 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
• So I became a cosmetic injection nurse in a beauty clinic

Finally, speaking to a medical company that sells botox or fillers to doctors and medical spas can also help. They often provide free educational resources and training, as well as guides for nurses who want to become injectable.

Show me maintenance programs

Aside from reading job descriptions, one of the best ways to determine if medical aesthetics is the profession 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 products in medspas etc where these RNs will continue to work.

Nurses trained in cosmetic and aesthetic procedures can raise the bar for patients seeking to improve their appearance. These nurses can also earn a competitive salary and improve the quality of life for their patients.

Whether it's helping a patient look younger, removing an unfortunate tattoo, or smoothing out old acne scars, cosmetic nurses instill a sense of possibility and confidence in their patients unlike any other type of nursing specialty.

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

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