In recent years, an aesthetic nurse is one of the part-time (freelance) or full-time positions.
What is an aesthetic nurse?
An anesthetic or cosmetic nurse is an occupation in which registered nurses provide aesthetic and cosmetic services (fillers, laser skin treatments, tattoo removal, and more) and care to patients.
So, aesthetic (or cosmetic) nurses are registered professionals who nurse patients suffering from skin problems and have undergone elective surgery. They also assist the dermatologists during treatment.
How do I get into aesthetic nursing? How do you become a certified aesthetic nurse specialist?
If you want to be a registered aesthetic nurse, you have to obtain specialized training and education. After that, you may procure a state license and certification.
Below is an overview of the essential requirements for becoming an aesthetic nurse:
Basic Education for Aesthetic Nurse
The first step to becoming a registered aesthetic nurse is completing a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in nursing. The duration of these courses is usually 2-4 years. Such degrees include general education, essential nursing theories, and related practice. Finding an institute that provides additional nursing training in dermatology would be even better. While this kind of training is not mandatory at the undergraduate level, it does add an extra advantage to your professional profile.
Generally, a bachelor’s degree is preferred to an associate’s degree since associates avoid pursuing additional courses.
Specialized Training for Aesthetic Nurse
Aspiring aesthetic nurses must enroll in a post-baccalaureate program to acquire specialized education. This program mainly focuses on biological studies involving the biochemical and physiological aspects of layers of skin (epidermis). You will also be taught about common skin diseases and their treatments here. Further, nursing students are expected to know about the effects of skincare essentials, cosmetics, and diet on the skin’s health, surface, and complexion. Since this course is a certificate program, its graduates are considered ready for a dermatology nursing career.
Licensure for Aesthetic Nurse
Besides completing the compulsory courses and training, nursing professionals must secure a state license from the State Board of Nursing. All you need to do is apply for the permit at the relevant board. Thereon, the nursing board evaluates your application and credentials to check your eligibility for NCLEX-RN, a nationwide licensure examination applicable in all 50 states.
How much do aesthetic nurses make?
The aesthetic nurse’s salary in the United States is 110,000 per year. This is the national average salary, but the salary depends on the aesthetic nurse’s experience, location, and employer.
Additional Certification for Aesthetic Nurse
As a dermatology nurse, you can get board certification for further growth and advancement in your career. This certification is voluntary and is extended by the PSNCB (Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board). It generally requires clearing a particular examination. However, before applying for this certification, you must have at least two years of experience in plastic or aesthetic surgical nursing in the early five years of your work.
After leaving Wells Fargo Bank in 2014, Daniel began a career as a finance consultant, advising companies and individuals on economic policy, labor relations, and financial management.
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