Aesthetics Nursing Programs
Those with a passion for nursing and a desire to help patients feel their best may want to consider a career in aesthetics. Known as cosmetic nursing, the role is a growing area of expertise that can be a rewarding experience for those who pursue it.
aesthetics nursing, also referred to as nurse injectors, are nurses that specialize in administering cosmetic injections and dermal fillers, such as Botox, dermal fillers (Restylane, Juvederm, Belotero), and neuromodulators (Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau). They work under the supervision of board-certified physicians in core specialties, such as plastic/aesthetic surgery, ophthalmology, dermatology, or facial plastic surgery, and have their supervising core physician endorse them for CANS certification through PSNCB.
An RN degree is required to become an aesthetic nurse, which can be earned through an ADN program or by completing a four-year BSN degree at an accredited nursing school like Herzing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that most states require registered nurses to have a current license to practice, and the National Council Licensure Examination is usually one component of this process.
Aesthetics Nursing Programs Prepare Nurses for Clinical Practice
Before an RN can start working in aesthetics, she must complete a training program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience in the field. Many cosmetic nursing programs, such as the ones offered at Herzing, offer both on-campus and online options to fit busy schedules.
Nurses that choose to become certified in aesthetics through the PSNCB must have their applications for certification approved by the board. According to Suess, the PSNCB is looking for RNs with at least two years of practical experience under the supervision of a core physician in one of the following core specialties: plastic/aesthetic surgery, ophthamology, or dermatology. She also stresses that RNs should not seek out unaccredited training courses that claim to issue certifications. Those that are not endorsed by the PSNCB have no value and can lead to a loss of credibility for the profession.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for an aesthetic nurse is around $88,000 per year, but salaries can vary depending on location, education and certification levels, and other factors. Compared to the average RN salary of $76,278 per year, this is a lucrative position that can be a great way to build a career and make a difference in people’s self-confidence and outlook.
Nursing provides a gratifying career path, and while the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not offer specific data on the employment opportunities for aesthetic nurses, it notes that both registered nurses and skin care specialists are expected to have higher than average job growth rates between now and 2031.
Those who decide to become an aesthetic nurse can expect a different nursing experience from those in other specialty fields, as they will not encounter life-or-death situations on a daily basis, and most procedures are elected by the patient. However, the rewards are still many and varied. In addition to the financial upside, many aesthetic nurses enjoy perks that can include medical and dental benefits.