How to Become an Aesthetic Nurse
As a registered nurse you make a difference in people’s lives on daily basis. And that is just as true when you become an aesthetic nurse. The aesthetic nurse career path allows you to help people through the use of non-invasive, in-office skin treatments such as injectables, skin contouring, laser techniques, and more.
Aesthetic nurses often work alongside plastic surgeons and cosmetic dermatologists providing pre and post operative care related to plastic surgery in addition to providing patient care under the direction of a physician.
In the remainder of this post, we will answer many of the questions you might have regarding a career as an aesthetic nurse.
What is an Aesthetic Nurse?
Aesthetic nurses are registered nurses who provide a variety of services. These can include injections of dermal fillers and Botox neurotoxin; photofacials; dermabrasion; micro-needling; tattoo removal; and non-surgical body contouring.
Aesthetic nurses typically work in private offices or within medical spas affiliated with plastic surgery or cosmetic dermatology practices. Aesthetic nurses offer services to a wide range of patients. These patients are often looking for a boost in their physical appearance (such as de-aging, anti-wrinkling, clearing of acne, etc.) which in turn boosts their self confidence.
What Does an Aesthetic Nurse Do?
Aesthetic nurses help plastic surgeons and dermatologists provide cosmetic procedures. These procedures, be it invasive or non-invasive, are usually designed to improve patients’ appearance. Many patients seeks treatment for medical purpose, while others look for treatments to achieve a healthier, often younger, look on their skin.
Job responsibilities for an aesthetic nurse can include:
- Consulting with patients, including scheduling, interviewing and medical screening prior to services being provided.
- Examination of skin to assess both aging and other health problems.
- Performing pre-operative and post-operative care.
- Assisting the physician with procedures and surgeries.
- Preparation and sterilization of instruments and surgery suites.
- Administering injections of Botox and fillers, performing chemical peels, laser hair removal, dermabrasion, laser sculpting, removing tattoos, and more.
Most often, aesthetic nurses work in dermatology and plastic surgery offices or med spas. They can also assist in hospital operating rooms. The vast majority of aesthetic nurses work within normal working hours, 5 days week (if employed full time); but can also be called upon for emergencies if necessary.
In addition to being able to work in an environment dedicated to improving patient quality of life, aesthetic nurses can also build long-term relationships with patients who return for maintenance of existing treatments or to investigate additional treatments.
Average Salary for an Aesthetic Nurse
The salary for aesthetic/cosmetic nurses can vary based upon education, certification, experience and where they practice. According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for RNs in 2020 was over $75,000. While BLS doesn’t report on salaries for aesthetic nurses specifically, ZipRecrutier reports that the average annual pay for an aesthetic nurse is over $85,000, while the range throughout the country is anywhere between $69,000 and $99,500.
As with nearly all other patient care professions, aesthetic nurses with higher levels of experience and education receive the highest amounts of compensation.
How to Become an Aesthetic Nurse
Only current Registered Nurses can become an aesthetic nurse. Here are the steps needed to become an aesthetic nurse:
- Earn a RN Degree: Becoming an aesthetic nurse begins with a registered nurse degree, which can be earned either through a two year associates degree (ADN) or a four year bachelor of science in nurse degree (BSN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN: Once a RN degree is obtained from an accredited nursing program, graduated need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed in their state.
- Gain Experience: You’ll need to spend at least two years working in core competencies with a board-certified physician in plastic/aesthetic/cosmetic surgery, dermatology, facial plastic surgery, or ophthalmology.
- Earn a Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist Credential: To earn this certification to become an aesthetic nurse, RNs must register, attend, and pass a medical aesthetic training program for nurses. This program is significantly shorter than other medical aesthetic training programs because of the RN background already attained by the student.
Aesthetic Nurse Training Program in Phoenix at Med-Surg Academy
If you are nurse who is looking for the next step in your career, want to earn more money, or are looking to increase your skills, then register today for our medical aesthetician nurse training program in Phoenix. Med-Surg Academy is certified in the state of Arizona to provide state approved medical aesthetic nurse certifications through our programs, and the program is shorter for healthcare professionals than it is for regular aestheticians. Click here to learn more about our program or register here to sign up today!