How to Become a Medical Esthetician – All You Need to Know!

To become a medical esthetician, complete esthetics training, get licensed, and pursue advanced certifications in medical skincare treatments.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to becoming a medical esthetician, from education and certification to job opportunities in this growing field.

Learn About the Role of a Medical Esthetician:

Before you begin your journey, it’s essential to understand what a medical esthetician does. Unlike regular estheticians, medical estheticians focus on advanced skincare treatments in clinical settings. They often work with dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and other medical professionals, helping clients address more complex skin conditions such as:

• Acne scars

• Hyperpigmentation

• Wrinkles and fine lines

• Post-surgical skin healing

Medical estheticians are trained to use medical-grade equipment and products, making them an integral part of the healthcare team in skin-focused medical settings.

Meet the Educational Requirements:

To become a medical esthetician, you’ll need to start with a foundation in general esthetics. Here are the steps:

• Complete High School or GED: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to enrol in an esthetician training program.

• Attend an Accredited Esthetician Program: You’ll need to complete a basic esthetics training program at a cosmetology school or community college. These programs generally take about 6 to 12 months to complete, depending on the state requirements and whether you’re attending full-time or part-time.

In this program, you’ll learn essential skills such as:

• Skin analysis

• Facials

• Waxing

• Makeup application

• Basic knowledge of skincare products and techniques

Earn Your Esthetician Licence:

After completing your esthetician program, the next step is to get licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state, but most states require aspiring estheticians to:

• Pass a written and practical exam that demonstrates your knowledge of esthetic procedures and hygiene.

• Submit an application to the state’s licensing board with proof of completed training hours.

Once licensed as a general esthetician, you can begin working in the field or continue with advanced training to specialise in medical esthetics.

Pursue Advanced Medical Esthetics Training:

To become a medical esthetician, you’ll need additional training beyond a standard esthetics program. Many schools offer medical esthetician certification programs that focus on:

• Laser treatments (laser hair removal, laser resurfacing)

• Chemical peels

• Microdermabrasion

• Microneedling

• Pre- and post-surgical skincare

• Advanced acne treatments

These programs typically last a few months and often include hands-on training with real clients. Some schools may require you to have prior work experience as an esthetician before enrolling in a medical esthetics program.

Gain Clinical Experience:

Hands-on experience is critical in the field of medical esthetics. Many medical estheticians gain experience by working in medical spas, dermatology offices, or plastic surgery clinics under the supervision of healthcare professionals. Gaining practical experience will not only improve your technical skills but also help you build a strong client base.

Consider the following options to gain experience:

• Internships or apprenticeships with experienced medical estheticians

• Entry-level positions in medical spas or dermatology offices

• Volunteering in clinical skincare settings

Get Certified in Specialised Treatments:

In the medical esthetics field, certification in specific treatments can set you apart from other professionals. Many medical estheticians pursue certifications in advanced skincare technologies such as:

• Laser hair removal: Many states require a separate certification to perform laser treatments.

• Dermaplaning: A technique used to exfoliate the skin and remove fine facial hair.

• CoolSculpting: A non-invasive fat-reduction treatment.

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and may open up more job opportunities, especially in high-end medical spas or specialised clinics.

Stay Up-to-Date with Continuing Education:

The skincare and medical esthetics industries are constantly evolving, with new treatments and technologies being developed all the time. To stay competitive, it’s important to continue your education throughout your career. Many states also require medical estheticians to complete continuing education courses to maintain their licence.

You can stay current by:

• Attending skincare and beauty conferences

• Participating in workshops and advanced training sessions

• Joining professional organisations like the National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors & Associations (NCEA) or The Aesthetic Society

 Explore Career Opportunities:

As a medical esthetician, you have various career paths to explore. Common work environments for medical estheticians include:

• Medical spas: Providing a blend of cosmetic and medical skincare treatments.

• Dermatology offices: Assisting dermatologists with treating patients with skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea.
• Plastic surgery centres: Helping patients prepare for and recover from cosmetic surgery by providing pre- and post-operative skin treatments.

• Laser centres: Specialising in laser treatments for hair removal, skin resurfacing, and other non-invasive procedures.

You may also consider working in a hospital setting where medical estheticians assist patients recovering from severe skin injuries, burns, or surgeries.

Build Your Professional Network:

Networking is essential for career growth in the medical esthetics industry. Attend local events, join online forums, and connect with other estheticians, dermatologists, and skincare professionals to learn about job openings, trends, and new technologies in the field.

Building relationships with mentors and colleagues can open doors to advanced job opportunities or business partnerships in the future.

Consider Starting Your Own Business:

After gaining sufficient experience, some medical estheticians choose to start their own practice or open a medical spa. If you’re entrepreneurial, this can be a great opportunity to take control of your career and build a brand around your unique skills.

To start your own medical esthetics business, you’ll need to:

• Develop a business plan

• Obtain the necessary business licence and insurance

• Market your services to attract clients

• Stay compliant with state and local regulations

Final Thoughts:

Becoming a medical esthetician is a rewarding career for those passionate about skincare and helping others. With the right training, licensing, and certification, you can build a successful career in this rapidly growing field. Whether you choose to work in a medical spa, dermatology office, or start your own practice, the opportunities for medical estheticians are vast.

FAQ’s

1. What does a medical esthetician do?
    

  They provide advanced skincare treatments in clinical settings.

2. What education is required?

A high school diploma and esthetician training program.

3. Is a licence needed?

Yes, you must pass a state licensing exam.

4. What additional training is required?

Certifications in treatments like laser therapy and chemical peels.

5. Where can they work?

Medical spas, dermatology offices, and plastic surgery clinics.

Conclusion

Becoming a medical esthetician opens doors to a fulfilling career in advanced skincare. With the right education, hands-on experience, and certifications, you can work in diverse medical settings. Pursue ongoing learning to stay competitive and grow in this exciting field.