Do I have to be an Aesthetician or have any
Medical Background to work in the Laser Industry?

The answer is most cases, is No!

With very few exceptions (California, Georgia, New Jersey, Ohio and Florida), most states do not require any professional medical training or even an aesthetician’s license to perform cosmetic laser procedures.

Although laser certification is a natural and profitable complement to an aesthetician’s training repertoire, anyone can become a certified laser technician--soccer moms, secretaries, sales professionals, teachers and more. National Laser Institute’s students come from all walks of life, with many different levels of experience. The one thing they all have in common is a passion for the business of making people look younger and more beautiful!

I’m considering laser training, but I’m also interested in becoming an aesthetician. Which training should I do first?

The most economical choice is to do your laser training first. Many people like the idea of being able to provide facials, peels, microdermabrasion AND laser services for their clients. However, aesthetician training generally requires 600 hours of class time (about four months full-time, or eight months part-time) while laser training takes only 2 weeks.

Once you receive your laser certification, you will be fully prepared to enter the medical aesthetics workplace. This will allow you to earn income (even if only part-time) while you attend aesthetician school. We are happy to assist you in any way possible with locating an aesthetician school that is right for you.

If you chose to pursue your aesthetician’s license before Laser certification, you would not be able to work part-time doing aesthetics or Laser while in aesthetics school. For these reasons, most individuals choose to take Laser courses first. In some instances, students have found they enjoy doing Laser so much, they have opted not to purse an aesthetics license. The choice is all yours.

Is it easier to get a job in cosmetic lasers if you already have an aesthetics or medical background?

This is truly a function of the employers desire but generally speaking, medical spas and doctors’ offices are looking first and foremost for upbeat employees with great people skills and of course impeccable laser training. As we all know, a winning personality often times sells us much faster than our skill sets. Employers want laser technicians who make their clients feel pampered and special—clients who will be excited about returning for future treatments.

While a few physicians may hire only nurses to perform laser treatments because they want the same person providing cosmetic injections, many practices are so busy they hire a nurse to do injectibles, a laser technician to perform laser treatments, and an aesthetician to do just facials. Most clients are also looking for a qualified technician with an engaging personality. If that sounds like you, then you are ready to start your career in this booming industry!

Call us today to find out how to get started!