5 Steps to Becoming an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner (2024)

GUIDE

May 27, 2022

5 Steps to Becoming an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner (1)

Considering a career as an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner? You’re not alone! The generous salary, regular hours and comparably less stress than many other nursing specialties make it a really popular choice. And, it has the added benefit of potentially allowing you to own your own medical aesthetics practice, depending on the state you work in.

While all nurses are dedicated to improving the quality of life and health of their patients, Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners specifically focus on improving their patient’s appearance. In doing so, they provide a medical service that can make a significant difference in how patients feel about themselves and in the image that they project to the world.

A career as an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner has a lot to offer. This guide will help you figure out if it’s the right path for you!

Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who specialize in cosmetic medical procedures that improve their patients’ appearance.

Whether they are working collaboratively with physicians or independently in their own practice, they work directly with their patients:

  1. Consulting with them about their concerns and questions
  2. Providing information about the options available for elective procedures
  3. Performing those procedures

There are many quality-of-life advantages to a career as an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner, including being able to work autonomously in your own practice, having the chance to establish one-on-one relationships with patients, and not having to face on-call or emergency schedules.

5 Steps to Becoming an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner (5)

Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners examine and evaluate patients, counsel them on a variety of procedures, perform those procedures, and care for them as they recover.

Depending on where they work, they may also be responsible for many other day-to-day aspects, particularly if they are running their own practice.

If an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner works as a staff member for a dermatologist or plastic surgery practice, they will:

  1. Work collaboratively with physicians
  2. Assist in performing surgeries
  3. Oversee patient education and recovery
  4. Administer procedures

The clinical procedures that Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners can perform or oversee include:

  1. Injections of dermal fillers or Botox to improve the appearance of crows’ feet and wrinkles, to make lips look fuller and to counter the effects of aging
  2. Sclerotherapy procedures to eliminate varicose veins through the injection of a solution into the veins
  3. Laser skin treatments such as microdermabrasion, photo facials, and tattoo removal

Where Do Aesthetic NP’s Work?

Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners generally work in private settings rather than in hospitals. These may include medical spas or private practice clinics.

Some Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners even own and operate their own Cosmetic Clinics.Nurse.org has an awesome interview about Tatyana Melnik, MSN, APRN on what it's like to own a cosmetic clinic as a nurse practitioner.

What are the Hours Like?

Aesthetic procedures, including surgical procedures, are almost entirely scheduled during regular working hours on an outpatient basis.

Show Me Nurse Practitioner Programs

In addition to being a great career, you also have the ability to earn a high salary as an Aesthetic NP. The BLS reports that Nurse Practitioners earn a median salary of $123,780 as of May 2021. While they don't have specific salaries for Aesthetic NPs, according to Payscale.com, the average national salary for an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner is $85,360 or $47.92 per hour.

Highest Paying States for Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners

According to the BLS, these are the highest paying states for all nurse practitioners, which includes aesthetic NPs.

  1. California - $151,830
  2. New Jersey - $137,010
  3. New York - $133,940
  4. Washington - $130,840
  5. Massachusetts - $129,540

Highest Paying Cities for Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners

According to the BLS, these are the U.S. cities where NPs can earn the highest salaries.

  • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA - $197,870
  • Napa, CA - $184,700
  • Vallejo-Fairfield, CA - $180,380
  • San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA - $177,160
  • Yuba City, CA - $159,260

Show Me Nurse Practitioner Programs

If you want to become an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner, you’ll need to complete the following steps.

  1. Earn Your Registered Nurse Degree

    Becoming an aesthetic/cosmetic nurse begins with a registered nurse degree, and that can be gained through either a two-year Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

  2. Pass the NCLEX-RN

    Once a nurse has earned their RN degree from an accredited nursing program they will need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed in their state.

  3. Advance Your Education

    In order to become an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner, you’ll need to earn either an MSN or DNP from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program.

  4. Gain Experience

    Upon graduation, most Nurse Practitioners who are interested in becoming Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners spend time training with dermatologists or plastic surgeons in order to perfect their skills.

  5. Get Certified

    Certifications are not required butthey do demonstrate a dedication to the field. These certifications are available through the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board.

    There are also courses available from the American Aesthetic Association, the American Association of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery, and the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine.

Careers in Medical Aesthetics are growing rapidly as the popularity of medical spas and procedures to enhance appearance enjoy continued popularity.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growing desire among both women and men to counter the effect of aging on their appearance is driving the aesthetics professions to new heights and expected employment growth of 29% from 2020 to 2030.

At this time there is no certification program available to confirm an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner’s credentials, so continuing education requirements will be restricted to those required by the individual state in which a Nurse Practitioner practices.

For a listing of each state’s Nurse Practitioner continuing education requirements, click here.

Show Me Nurse Practitioner Programs

The field of aesthetics allows Nurse Practitioners to provide direct patient care while exercising their creativity, and in some states, Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners can open their own medical spas and be entirely autonomous.

For more information about how to enter this exciting career, support and resources are available through:

  1. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners
  2. The Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board
  3. The American Aesthetic Association
  4. The American Association of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery
  5. The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine

You can also learn more about aesthetic/cosmetic nursing through Nurse.org! Check out our other related articles:

  1. How to Become an Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nurse
  2. This is How I Became an Aesthetic Nurse Injector at a Cosmetic Clinic
  3. I'm an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner and This is What It's Like To Own a Cosmetic Clinic
  • How long does it take to become an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner?

    • Currently, there are no programs dedicated specifically to becoming an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner, so those interested in the position start by following the path to becoming a Nurse Practitioner and then take additional classes or pursue on-the-job training to learn the specific skills needed for the career.
  • How much do Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners make per hour?

    • The average hourly wage for an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner in the United States is $47.92 per hour. The average annual salary is $85,360 according to Payscale.com.
  • Can Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners own their own practice?

    • Many states permit Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners to own their own practices. These are considered Full Practice States, where Nurse Practitioners are able to evaluate patients and initiate and manage treatments without the supervision or oversight of a physician. Reduced Practice and Restricted Practice states restrict this ability.
  1. General Nurse Practitioner
  2. Family Nurse Practitioner
  3. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
  4. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
  5. Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  6. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
  7. Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
  8. Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
  9. Emergency Nurse Practitioner
  10. Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
  11. Oncology Nurse Practitioner

*Indicates an affiliate link. At no additional cost to you, Nurse.org may earn a commission if you click through and use this service.

5 Steps to Becoming an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner (2024)

FAQs

What qualifications do you need to be an aesthetic practitioner? ›

To be a qualified aesthetic practitioner, you likely want to get a bachelor's degree in aesthetics. Going to university for aesthetic practitioner training provides you with all the experience and credentials required to immediately start as an aesthetician.

What qualifications do I need to be an aesthetic nurse? ›

These are the steps you'll need to take to get there.
  • Step One: complete a nursing degree and get NMC registration. ...
  • Step Two: get post-qualification nursing experience. ...
  • Step Three: find an entry-level position in aesthetics, or undertake training.

How do I become an aesthetic nurse prescriber? ›

They include being: – Three years post-qualification. – Having at least one year of experience of practising within the field you want to prescribe in (so, in this case, aesthetic medicine). – Registered with the NMC, with the required professional indemnity insurance.

What is the highest paid nurse practitioner? ›

WHAT ARE THE HIGHEST-PAYING NURSE PRACTITIONER JOBS IN 2022?
  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner ($114,468) ...
  • Telemedicine Nurse Practitioner ($113,883) ...
  • Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner ($113,387) ...
  • Pediatric Oncology Nurse Practitioner ($112,511) ...
  • Neurosurgery Nurse Practitioner ($112,384)

What is a level 7 aesthetics practitioner? ›

The Level 7 Diploma in Clinical Aesthetic Injectable Therapies is a qualification for new and existing aesthetic injectors practising in botulinum toxin and dermal fillers.

What is Level 7 qualification aesthetics? ›

The Aesthetic Practitioner Level 7 qualification provides a specialist work-related programme of study that provides breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding, along with practical skills required in the aesthetics sector.

How do I start a career in aesthetic nursing? ›

In order to work as an Aesthetic Nurse, you must earn a Registered Nurse degree. There are two main educational avenues for that. The first option is a two-year ADN program. The second option is to earn your Bachelor's Degree in Nursing by pursuing a BSN program.

Can nurses do Botox independently? ›

Answer: Can an RN inject Botox and Fillers? Hello Vivid. The answer to your question for California is yes, nurses can perform these procedures under the supervision of a physician.

How long does it take to be an aesthetics nurse? ›

The general timeline for becoming a cosmetic/aesthetic nurse is approximately 4-7 years (depending upon type of degree obtained and length of time spent passing the NCLEX-RN).

Do you tip a NP for Botox? ›

You should NEVER leave a tip for your PA/NP or nurse injector. Injectables are medications, just like a blood pressure pill or a thyroid medication. You would not tip your primary care provider for doing an EKG on you so no need to tip on our medical services either.

What is a qualified aesthetic practitioner? ›

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN AESTHETIC PRACTITIONER? This is a role that is primarily within the Medi-spa Sector. It is focused on skin and skin health, understanding how the skin functions and the options and treatments that are available to help clients improve and optimise their skin.

How difficult is the V300 course? ›

The course was tough, stressful and the pressure regarding the pass rates was intense. However I have no regrets. “If you want to do this course you will have to be focused and commit your life to it for 6 months; but it will be worth it.”

What is the lowest paid nurse practitioner? ›

Even those compensated at the lowest end of the salary range for nurse practitioners are paid $79,870, at least $40,000 more than the average national income, while those being paid at the highest level of $200,540 are earning more than $80,000 more than the average national income.

What type of NP is most in demand? ›

WHAT NURSE PRACTITIONER SPECIALTIES ARE IN HIGH DEMAND?
  • Pulmonology Nurse Practitioner. ...
  • Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. ...
  • House Call Nurse Practitioner. ...
  • Cardiology Nurse Practitioner. ...
  • Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner. ...
  • Pain-Management Nurse Practitioner. ...
  • Emergency Department/Urgent Care Nurse Practitioners.

What is the easiest nurse practitioner specialty? ›

WHAT ARE THE EASIEST NURSE PRACTITIONER SPECIALTIES TO GET ACCEPTED INTO?
  1. Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. ...
  2. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. ...
  3. Family Nurse Practitioner. ...
  4. Occupational Health Nurse Practitioners (OHNP) ...
  5. Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner.

What is a Level 6 aesthetic practitioner? ›

By holding a nationally recognised qualification, Level 6 practitioners can essentially prove that they have completed comprehensive, in-depth training in aesthetics, thus ensuring that their patients have complete confidence in them.

What is the highest level in beauty therapy? ›

A CIDESCO diploma is the highest qualification in the beauty and spa industry and is the only fully international qualification that is recognised by employers.

Can Level 3 beauty therapist do Botox? ›

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE NVQ LEVEL 3 IN BEAUTY. MEDICAL PROFFESSIONAL DO NOT REQUIRE ANY PREVIOUS QUALIFICATIONS TO STUDY BOTOX OR FILLERS.

How long is aesthetic course? ›

The training program in General Aesthetic Surgery is a two-year training program designed to provide gradual progressive clinical experiences in the practice of general aesthetic surgery.

Is it worth doing Level 7 in aesthetics? ›

If you do ten one-day courses over a few years, you may as well invest in a Level 7. With this qualification you get a supportive private aesthetics community that's professional and helpful, continued learning opportunities, one-to-one training, and the chance to inject real patients.

What is a Level 5 Diploma? ›

Level 5 qualifications are: diploma of higher education ( DipHE ) foundation degree. higher national diploma ( HND )

Where do aesthetic nurses get paid the most? ›

Alaska. Alaska is the state with the highest average salary for Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners.

Can you do aesthetics if your not a nurse? ›

There are several types of medical aesthetic training courses available while all require you to be either a Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, Physician, or Doctor of Dentistry.

Can I do fillers and Botox without being a nurse? ›

According to the letter of the law, yes, beauty therapists can train to become aesthetic practitioners however most reputable medi-spas and clinics which offer Botulinum Toxin and dermal fillers will only employ healthcare professionals such as dentists, doctors, dental nurses, pharmacists etc.

Do you tip Aesthetician for Botox? ›

The only person you never need to tip is a doctor, even for aesthetic treatments like Botox (another reason to only get injections from a dermatologist or plastic surgeon). At the end of the day, all of these stylists, aestheticians, and technicians live off their tips, so be sure to help them after they've helped you.

Can nurses do Microneedling? ›

Injectables, microneedling and dermaplaning

In the Golden State, nurses and other licensed medical professionals can inject Botox and fillers and conduct microneedling and dermaplaning treatments, but under no circ*mstances should anyone else be doing it.

How much do you tip your injector? ›

Tipping standards in the cosmetic and beauty industry are subjective. A general tipping etiquette is anywhere from 10% to 20%, but this standard is by no means universal.

Can aesthetic nurses have their own practice? ›

Well, for one, aesthetic nurse practitioners can do certain things that RNs can't, such as opening their own practices and prescribing medication. You don't need to be an NP to become a cosmetic nurse. However, cosmetic NPs do have some advantages that come with their higher education and work experience.

How many study years from an Aesthetician to a cosmetic nurse? ›

Finally, in order to become a cosmetic nurse, you must undertake a postgraduate qualification such as a graduate diploma in Cosmetic Nursing. This takes around 10 months of full-time study.

Can an aesthetic nurse work alone? ›

There are many quality-of-life advantages to a career as an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner, including being able to work autonomously in your own practice, having the chance to establish one-on-one relationships with patients, and not having to face on-call or emergency schedules.

How much do you tip for $500 Botox? ›

Tipping on high end treatments

When treatments start costing hundreds of dollars, most clients who want to express the appreciation with gratuity hand the specialist performing the treatment with a $20-$40 dollar tip.

How much should I tip for a $50 facial? ›

Remember that your esthetician is providing you with a service, so you should always tip. What to tip for a facial is much like tipping a server at a restaurant. A 20% tip is good, but base it off the esthetician's performance.

What is the Botox lip flip? ›

During a lip flip procedure, your healthcare provider injects Botox into parts of your upper lip. After about a week, the injections make your lip look fuller or “poutier” without adding any volume to your lip. Lip flips generally look more natural than lip fillers.

Can you be an Aesthetician without a degree? ›

Aestheticians need to complete recognised aesthetic treatment training courses in order to perform advanced treatments safely, but these will usually be organised by an employer and provided by the device or product supplier.

Is aesthetic practitioner a good career? ›

Financial remuneration. Aesthetics can be a very lucrative career option for doctors, as it is pretty much all private work.

What qualifications do I need to administer Botox? ›

What Qualifications Do You Need to Give Botox Injections and Fillers? Many colleges and training providers offer specialist courses for administering Botox injections and dermal fillers. Ideally, you should aim for a Level 7 Diploma in Clinical Aesthetic Injectable Therapies.

Can anyone do a V300 course? ›

V300 Non-Medical Prescribing is the qualification that non-medically qualified individuals will need if they wish to Prescribe BOTOX (botulinum toxin) for their own patients and/or those of other practitioners.

Can I prescribe Botox with V100? ›

I have the supplementary prescribing status (V100) can I prescribe botox? You will not be able to independently prescribe botox and we do not believe you will be able to use a CMP for cosmetic botox injections as they are intended for long term conditions.

Can I prescribe Botox with V300? ›

Your Prescriber

If you do not hold a prescribing qualification yourself, but you wish to perform Botox treatments, you will need to work with a prescriber. This can be a doctor, dentist or a nurse who holds the V300 prescribing qualification.

What is the hardest nurse practitioner? ›

WHAT ARE THE HARDEST NURSE PRACTITIONER SPECIALTIES?
  • Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. ...
  • Emergency Nurse Practitioner. ...
  • Armed Forces NP. ...
  • Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. ...
  • Correctional Nurse Practitioner. ...
  • Substance Abuse Nurse Practitioner. ...
  • Critical Care Nurse Practitioner. ...
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

What is the least stressful NP specialty? ›

WHAT ARE THE LEAST STRESSFUL NURSE PRACTITIONER JOBS?
  1. School Nurse Practitioner. ...
  2. Medical Writer. ...
  3. Nurse Educator. ...
  4. Clinic Nurse Practitioner. ...
  5. Public Health NP. ...
  6. Clinical Research NP.
  7. Weight Loss Clinic NP.
  8. Nurse Informatics.

What state pays NP the most? ›

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, California is the highest paying state for nurse practitioners. Entry-level nurse practitioners in the state earn over $50 hourly and average about $107,310 yearly. NPs with ten to nineteen years can earn up to $165,140 yearly.

What is the hardest part of NP school? ›

Following are the 10 biggest challenges you will face as a nurse practitioner student and ways to overcome them.
  • Clinical hour requirement. ...
  • Clinical Placements. ...
  • Certification Exam. ...
  • Demanding and complex schedule. ...
  • Continuing to work full time. ...
  • Coursework. ...
  • Specialization. ...
  • Graduate Requirements.

Which NP test is easier? ›

The AANP is rumored to be the easier of the two exams, specifically for those seeking their FNP certification since it has a 5% higher pass rate than that of the ANCC FNP exam. Using the pass rate as a basis for difficulty then you can reasonably say that the AANP exam is easier than the ANCC.

Which NP gets paid the most? ›

The 10 highest paying types of nurse practitioner specializations
  • Pediatric nurse practitioner. ...
  • Emergency nurse practitioner. ...
  • Acute care nurse practitioner. ...
  • Women's health nurse practitioner. ...
  • Adult-gerontology nurse practitioner. ...
  • Family nurse practitioner. ...
  • Aesthetic nurse practitioner. ...
  • Orthopedic nurse practitioner.
26 May 2022

Which NP makes the most? ›

Pediatric primary care is among the highest-paid NP specialties. You can expect an average annual salary of $113,387, which translates to $54.51 per hour.

What is the closest nurse to a doctor? ›

A nurse practitioner is a nurse who is focused on providing evidence-based, empathic care to patients. Not only does this type of advanced practice nurse treat acute and chronic conditions—they also focus on preventive and holistic care.

What qualifications do you need to be an Aesthetician UK? ›

Requirements to become an aesthetic practitioner

In order to carry out procedures such as Botox and fillers in the UK, delegates must first complete a Level 6 or Level 7 qualification from an accredited training provider. Delegates must complete a Level 7 qualification for 'comprehensive use.

Can you do aesthetics without being a nurse? ›

You don't have to demonstrate any level of medical training or hold a particular level of qualification to administer dermal fillers, as these are not prescription drugs. Non-medic injectors who are able to work with a prescriber are also able to administer botox treatments.

Can non medics do Level 7 aesthetics? ›

The Level 7 in Aesthetic Practice is the first externally accredited vocational Level 7 qualification for medics and non-medics.

What is the highest beauty qualification? ›

A CIDESCO diploma is the highest qualification in the beauty and spa industry and is the only fully international qualification that is recognised by employers.

What is Level 4 beauty Therapy? ›

Introduction. This is a course for Beauty Therapists who wish to progress into Advanced Aesthetic treatments such as Laser & Light Treatments, Salon Management and Product Sciences. Level 4 Advanced Beauty Therapy is a part- time course running 2 days per week.

What qualifications do I need to inject Botox UK? ›

You must be medically qualified as a surgeon, doctor, dentist or nurse with a current registration with the GMC, GDC or NMC, or equivalent if you are an overseas delegate. I'm a non-prescribing nurse, can I train in Botox? Yes. You are still able to train in the Botox and dermal filler treatments.

Who can do Level 7 aesthetics? ›

The level 7 aesthetics qualification is suitable for all medically registered professionals including: Doctors, Dentists, Independent Nurse or Midwife Prescribers, Nurse Practitioners (without independent prescribing rights) or Midwives (without independent prescribing rights).

Can you inject Botox if you're not a nurse? ›

In order to administer Botox injections, you must be a physician, physician assistant, dentist, registered nurse or another licensed healthcare practitioner. The minimum degree requirement for most of these professionals is a four-year bachelor's degree in pre-medicine, biology or related science.

Can beauticians do Botox? ›

Beauty therapists may have read that blog and, particularly for those who are in the early stages of their careers, they may be wondering if they themselves are able to legally perform Botox treatments. The simple answer is yes, providing that they receive proper, thorough training.

Can anyone inject fillers? ›

Having dermal fillers is usually safe if it's done by an experienced and suitably qualified practitioner. Check the person doing your dermal fillers is on a register to show they meet set standards in training, skill and insurance. Avoid practitioners who have only completed a short training course.

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