Considering a career in aesthetic nursing? Learn how to become an aesthetic nurse, their salary and education requirements, certifications, and more.
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN or BSN online, both designed to fit into your busy schedule.
Accreditation Prerequisite RN RequiredEnrollment: Nationwide
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
Accreditation Prerequisite RN RequiredEnrollment: Nationwide
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GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
Accreditation Prerequisite RN RequiredEnrollment: Nationwide
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At Purdue Global, discover a faster, more affordable way to earn your Nursing degree. Purdue Global is committed to keeping your tuition costs as low as possible and helping you find the most efficient path to your degree.
Accreditation Prerequisite RN RequiredEnrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
RN-to-BSN - ExcelTrack
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As a working RN, you need a flexible, transfer-friendly program to help you save time and money as you take the next step in your nursing career. In our CCNE-accredited4
RN to BSN program, you can transfer in up to 134 credits—which is nearly 75% of program requirements. Your transfer credits can be reviewed in one business day (on average).
Enrollment: FL
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An aesthetic nurse, also known as a cosmetic nurse or aesthetic nurse practitioner, specializes in providing cosmetic treatments and procedures to enhance a person's appearance. These nurses typically work in settings such as medical spas, dermatology clinics, plastic surgery offices, or cosmetic surgery centers.
To note: Some employers use the alternative spelling “esthetic nurse” or “esthetician’s nurse” in job descriptions and job listings. In this guide, we’re using the traditional spelling, “aesthetic nurse.”
Aesthetic nurses may perform various non-surgical cosmetic procedures under the supervision of a licensed physician, such as:
Aesthetic nurses help plastic surgeons and dermatologists provide cosmetic procedures. These healthcare procedures -- whether invasive or non-invasive -- help improve their patient’s appearance.
In some cases, patients seek treatment for medical purposes; for others, the procedures can provide a boost of confidence and a more youthful look.
Whether working full-time or part-time, the job responsibilities that aesthetic/cosmetic nurses perform can include:
Aesthetic/cosmetic nurses work in dermatology and plastic surgery offices and medspas, and they may also assist in hospital operating rooms. Occasional emergencies and adverse reactions to treatments can create some schedule unpredictability for surgery nurses, but in most cases, aesthetic nurses work regular hours with no night shifts.
In addition to working in an environment dedicated to improving patient quality of life, aesthetic nurses can also build long-term relationships with patients who return to maintain existing treatments or investigate additional treatments.
If you want to become an aesthetic nurse, you’ll need to complete the following steps.
Becoming an aesthetic/cosmetic nurse begins with a registered nurse degree, which you can earn through either a two-year associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree.
Some nurses decide to go beyond the BSN and earn their MSN or DNP in order to become aesthetic nurse practitioners.
Once you've earned your RN degree from an accredited nursing program, you'll then need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed by one or more states.
As part of your aesthetic nurse training, you must gain experience, spending at least two years working in core competencies with a board-certified physician in plastic/aesthetic/cosmetic surgery, dermatology, facial plastic surgery, or ophthalmology.
To position yourself for the best aesthetic/cosmetic nurse jobs, consider earning an aesthetic nurse certification. There are several options to choose from:
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN or BSN online, both designed to fit into your busy schedule.
Accreditation Prerequisite RN RequiredEnrollment: Nationwide
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
Accreditation Prerequisite RN RequiredEnrollment: Nationwide
Learn More
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
Accreditation Prerequisite RN RequiredEnrollment: Nationwide
Learn More
At Purdue Global, discover a faster, more affordable way to earn your Nursing degree. Purdue Global is committed to keeping your tuition costs as low as possible and helping you find the most efficient path to your degree.
Accreditation Prerequisite RN RequiredEnrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
RN-to-BSN - ExcelTrack
Learn More
As a working RN, you need a flexible, transfer-friendly program to help you save time and money as you take the next step in your nursing career. In our CCNE-accredited4
RN to BSN program, you can transfer in up to 134 credits—which is nearly 75% of program requirements. Your transfer credits can be reviewed in one business day (on average).
Enrollment: FL
Learn More
One of the best parts of becoming an aesthetic nurse is the many unique opportunities to help patients feel and look their best! Aesthetic nursing is a rapidly expanding field due to the introduction of new treatments and technologies, and there are many exciting specialties to choose from.
Nurse injectors specialize in cosmetic treatments designed to improve or enhance the appearance of the face via needle injections. Some types of cosmetic injectables that a nurse may specialize in include:
Nurses who perform laser facials can help patients minimize wrinkles, reduce acne scarring, and help improve skin discoloration due to too much sun exposure. Most laser facials remove the skin's outer layers to expose new skin underneath and help promote and stimulate collagen production.
Nurses who use any type of laser equipment must accurately assess each patient's skin type and determine the most appropriate treatment and level settings. Types of laser facials include:
This type of aesthetic nurse specializes in removing tattoos using laser technology. There are many different technologies available for tattoo removal, and nurses must understand the different types of laser systems, proper laser settings and removal techniques, and the potential risks of the treatment.
As one of the most popular and growing aesthetic procedures today, laser hair removal is an increasingly popular specialty for aesthetic nurses. A laser hair removal nurse specializes in using laser technology to remove unwanted hair.
Nurses who perform laser hair removal must provide safe and effective treatment and review aftercare instructions with patients. Most treatments require multiple visits over several months to a year, so many laser hair removal nurses get to know their patients well over time.
A chemical peel is an aesthetic 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 the treatment ultimately reveals smoother and more youthful-looking skin underneath. Treatments typically take 1 hour or less.
Many cosmetic nurses enjoy giving non-surgical body treatments because they can help their patients feel better about themselves and maybe even inspire them to improve their health.
Types of non-surgical cosmetic body treatments include:
Aesthetic nurse salaries can vary based on education, certification, experience, and geographic location within the country. ZipRecruiter reports that the average annual pay for a cosmetic nurse is $80,321; however, some cosmetic nurses earn as much as $136,000.
As is true in most other patient care professions, cosmetic nurses with higher levels of experience usually receive the highest levels of compensation. Nurses can also increase their overall compensation through other benefits, such as:
We talked to Sabrina, an aesthetic nurse injector practicing out of Bellevue, WA. Here are her five tips on how to become an aesthetic nurse:
Watch as 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). Look into what they are, how they work, what differentiates them, where on the face they are used, etc.
It seems overwhelming at first, but you’ll get it. It’s also important to know your facial anatomy and how facial muscles work. YouTube also has great videos on technique and depth, so immerse yourself in all of it. This is a great starting point.
There, you’ll learn more about the basics of Botox and filler and get some hands-on experience. You’ll also get a certification, which will enhance your resume for future employers.
Most of you don’t have experience, which is a turn-off to most employers, so it’s important to show initiative! Show that you’re willing to do what it takes and pay the price.
Might I add that most practices want an experienced injector because the training is super expensive—we’re talking thousands upon thousands!
I’ve been told by several practices that nurses are notorious for getting their experience at one practice and then leaving to join another. No bueno for business. Google “Botox and filler certifications course near me” to find a course and make sure that it includes hands-on training. I strongly urge you to attend at least one.
Engage, engage, engage! Like, comment, be their biggest fans. Reach out to them, ask them about their experience as an injector, if their practice is hiring, for shadowing opportunities, if they have any advice for you--establish a connection.
Half of them won’t respond but the other half will! In the case that a practice is hiring, you will have leverage based on your continued support and interactiveness on their social. If they agree to a shadow day, make sure you add that to your resume. Anything and everything helps!
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for this industry because you can put a face to a resume. Follow as many practices in your area and all of their employees.
Send personalized messages, sharing your passion for the industry and when they have an opportunity for you to reach out.
Again, also ask for shadowing opportunities. They will remember you for being bold and messaging them (not many people do this, surprisingly. I would also make sure your headshot is professionally done so you look the part.
It took me almost a year to get into the industry. I applied to numerous practices, had several interviews, and was rejected over and over. But I pressed on every opportunity knowing I would eventually get in, and I did.
It ultimately comes down to how badly you want it at the end of the day. Really ask yourself why you want to get into the industry and use your “why” to motivate you in every circumstance. Don’t give up, babes - you got this!
Aesthetic/cosmetic nurses who meet the requirements for CANS status must recertify every three years.
Requirements for recertification include accumulating 45 contact hours with at least two hours related specifically to patient safety.
At least 30 contact hours must be in the core specialties: plastic/aesthetic/cosmetic surgery, dermatology, facial plastic surgery, or ophthalmology.
Nurses could also retake the CANS exam every three years to maintain this certification. Once again, there’s no training course required for recertification.
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN or BSN online, both designed to fit into your busy schedule.
