Become an Aesthetic Nurse by Following 4 Simple Steps
Updated On March 7, 2023 | by Zayn Tindall
Do you wish to become an aesthetic nurse? Are you aware of what such a nurse does? Aesthetic nurses or cosmetic nurses primarily focus on dermatological and cosmetic procedures. They are usually NPs (nurse practitioners) or RNs (registered nurses). They are also known as APRNs (advanced practice registered nurses).
As a cosmetic nurse, you will have to attend a number of classes, such as laser hair removal, dermal filler, chemical peel, collagen replacement therapy, body contouring, and Botox classes for nurses, among other non-invasive treatments. In addition, you will have to treat patients under the supervision of a medical director or a doctor.
You may practice in medical spas or outpatient surgical centers in full-time or part-time roles with your certification.
What are the Career Requirements of a Cosmetic Nurse?
If you are equipped with a bachelor’s degree, 2 to 3 years of practice, a voluntary certificate, and an RN license issued by the state, you can become an aesthetic nurse. However, as an aspiring candidate eager to make a mark in this field, you must pay attention to every detail, be compassionate, possess good interpersonal skills, and exhibit a lot of energy, patience, and positivity.
How to Become an Aesthetic Nurse?
Obtain a Nursing Degree
Do you have an RN or NP license? If your reply is a yes, you can opt for an aesthetic nursing course. These licenses are provided when a candidate passes the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). To work as an NP, you need to have a master’s degree. If you’d like to learn more, visit academicpartnerships.uta.edu/programs/rn-to-msn-fnp.aspx.
In case you have always liked this field and have wanted to make it big, try to seek experience in this specialization while graduating. Enroll as an apprentice to a specialist or take admission in an educational institution to learn about dermal filler, Botox injection, liposuction, fat grafting, and more.
Get a Nursing License
To get an RN license, attend cosmetic and botox classes for nurses, and graduate from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses from different states have to cater to different licensing needs. If you already possess an RN license and wish to become an aesthetic RN, try to obtain an optional licensing as an APRN.
Acquire Experience in Cosmetic Nursing
When you get your license, you can find employment at medical spa and plastic surgery centers as a cosmetic nurse’s assistant. Whenever you get a chance, shadow your seniors to learn the details and intricacies of the work. Remember, you have at least two years to learn from them.
If you have already not assisted medical practitioners and nurses during school, this is the time to learn about the functions of a cosmetic nurse. You may try to learn about performing post-operative care, evaluating if a client’s skin has aged, and administering Botox injections.
You may use one year in plastic/aesthetic surgery, facial plastic surgery ENT, ophthalmology, or dermatology within these two years.
A Specialist Certification Might Help
Have you considered obtaining an aesthetic nurse specialist certification? Though there is no rule for acquiring this certification, your potential employers can consider it a sign of your competency in performing cosmetic procedures when you are job hunting for healthcare careers. It can also give you information regarding other aesthetic nurse specialties like becoming a cosmetic injector.
The PSNCB (Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board) offers the CANS (Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist). For studying this course, you should have an RN license accompanied by a minimum of two years of practice as an RN. To be eligible for this course, you should also gain experience for a year in other fields mentioned in the previous subpoint. When you pass, do not think that it is the end of your studies and certifications. You have to apply for recertification every three years.
Hopefully, this article has helped you gain more information about how to become an aesthetic nurse. Now, get in touch with a reliable institute to understand each step and requirement elaborately.
