How to Become an Aesthetic Nurse
BEAUTYHIRED 2024
If you're a nurse looking to leave the traditional hospital or clinic environment and have always wanted to break into the beauty industry but don’t know how—today I’m going to list my top 3 tips on how to gain invaluable training as an aesthetic nurse and land your first role in the beauty industry.
Why Nurses Struggle to Break into the Aesthetics Industry
Most clinics and companies in the aesthetic industry want to hire nurses who already have aesthetic training. However, many companies are willing to hire and train nurses in aesthetic treatments without any prior experience.
Over the past 17 years, i’ve hired and trained dozens of nurses - and no, you don’t have to have aesthetic experience to break into the beauty industry.
Step 1: Apply to a Multi-Unit Medspa or Injectable Clinic
My top recommendation is to apply for a position at a multi-unit Medspa or injectable clinic that hires nurses and provides free training. These businesses often look for mid-level practitioners such as NPs or PAs, but many also hire RNs, depending on state regulations.
Working at these places gives you the opportunity to receive advanced training in aesthetic treatments, which is invaluable for your career. Here are some top businesses to consider:
LaserAway
Ideal Image
Ever/Body
Plump
Ject
Peachy
These clinics are willing to train new hires on aesthetic treatments such as injectables (Botox and dermal fillers), laser treatments (laser hair removal, IPL, Morpheus8), and other wellness treatments like microneedling, PRP, and body contouring treatments (CoolSculpting, Emsculpt, TruSculpt).
Keep in mind that these offices will typically ask that you sign a training agreement stating you will work for a specified amount of time or you may owe some or all of the training fee back. Usually, this is a 12-18 month commitment, which I consider a good deal based on the amount of training and education you will receive.
Step 2: Consider Working with a Plastic Surgeon or Cosmetic Dermatologist
Many nurses aspire to work in a plastic surgeon's office. While this may be a harder role to obtain due to smaller teams and fewer opportunities, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply. In these roles, you can assist the doctor in the OR and shadow aesthetic treatments with the hope of being trained in these treatments as well. This hands-on experience is invaluable and can open many doors in the aesthetic industry and is considered one of the most prestigious roles in the aesthetic industry.
Step 3: Gain Experience at an IV Drip or Functional Medicine Clinic
Lastly, consider applying to an IV drip or functional medicine clinic. These clinics offer a variety of wellness treatments such as IV drips (NAD, hydration therapy), weight loss treatments, and medications. Working here will help you gain experience with IVs and wellness treatments, which are increasingly popular in the aesthetic industry.
Why These Jobs Matter
Depending on your ultimate goal and ideal position or company, these jobs will help you in several ways:
Get Your Foot in the Door: Gain entry into the beauty and aesthetic industry.
Invaluable Training and Certifications: Receive training in treatments that are transferable to other jobs or positions, or even help you open your own facility.
Develop Key Skills: Learn essential skills such as sales, clienteling, and customer service.
By following these steps, you can transition into the aesthetic industry, where you’ll enjoy freedom and creativity, and be part of an ever-evolving field.
I hope these tips help you in your journey to becoming an aesthetic nurse. Also, you might like my previous newsletter: Don’t Wait for Opportunities, Create Them, which provides practical tips and advice on how to find and identify companies and roles in the beauty industry, and apply and land a job—even if they aren’t currently hiring.
Cheers,
Lindsay Malachowski
Founder, BEAUTYHIRED
