Esthetician or Aesthetician?

I am a newly licensed esthetician and am considering looking for work in a dermatologist office. I was trained at an Aveda school which was very holistic and natural. Do I need to take a course in medical esthetics to be certified or is this something the staff at the derms office can teach me?

Thanks!

Kellie,

Please understnad that I am not trying to discourage you from your goal, but I must ask you what you believe would qualify you to work in a dermatologist's office? You are newly licensed in cosmetology. Working as a clinical/medical esthetician is a totally different scope of practice.

I should tell you that most of the clinical/medical estheticians that I know that work in a dermatologist's office are also RN's (or at least MA's).

I don't want to pop your bubble, but I think I would be doing a dis-service to your question if I didn't answer it honestly.

I suggest you first get some experience working as an esthy before crossing over to the medical field (which is what a medical esty is doing). In addition, many other medical practices want additional training certification (like laser, injections, etc) which you can not do.

For right now, I would suggest lowering your sites and start with a spa and then continue with your education.

Jeff

Certified Clinical/Medical Aesthetician

One thing,

If you are planing to get into the field you may want to consider looking at

www.skinprosonline.com

They have DVD set for Clinical/Medical Esthetics. It's the best one that I have found yet. Haven't heard one bad report.

Thanks Jeff, I appreciate your honesty. I'm just trying to consider what my options might be and your comments were very helpful.

Kellie in Youngstown, Ohio said: Thanks Jeff, I appreciate your honesty. I'm just trying to consider what my options might be and your comments were very helpful.

By the way, remember that there are two medical practices MD and DO. DO's tend to be more acceptable to holistic approaches. Many esty's work for plastic, general and even dentists.

Keep in mind that you are working for them in their office you are under their medical license. They are the boss. What they say goes.

Jeff

Are you supposed to tip an esthetician who's working under a DO for laser hair removal? I wouldn't think I'd need to tip an esthetician who works for a dermaotogist but I'm not sure about procedures done at a DO's office.

So if I wanted to be a medical esthetician working for a Dr should I get my esthetics license first and begin in a spa or go for the medical esthetician AS degree and work my way in, what would you suggest??
Keka

Maria in Austin, Texas said: Are you supposed to tip an esthetician who's working under a DO for laser hair removal? I wouldn't think I'd need to tip an esthetician who works for a dermaotogist but I'm not sure about procedures done at a DO's office.

Consider an MD & DO the same. Both are considered physicians.

Jeff

Keka in Longwood, Florida said: So if I wanted to be a medical esthetician working for a Dr should I get my esthetics license first and begin in a spa or go for the medical esthetician AS degree and work my way in, what would you suggest??
Keka

This is really a very difficult question to answer as each state regulates their own.

Here are some questions you should get answered:

Who accredits the AS degree?

Is the AS degree accepted as meeting the requirements of the regulatory agency which oversees the field? Since the title includes the word "Medical", this would tend to be the Medical board of the state. Just because some accrediting agency gives an AS degree does not mean that the state recognizes it. More and more individual state medical practitioners are objecting to the use of the term "Medical Esthetician" be used by cosmetologists UNLESS the individual is working in the medical field and under the control and direction of a physician.

Keep this in mind: You can have a PhD in esthetics. But, unless you have a license, you can not work on the public. This is even true for a physician. When you work for a physician as a medical esty, you are working under the physician's license.

(Cont)

Jeff B in Dallas, Texas said:
(Cont)

I, personally, would recommend that you first get your esty license and work in a SPA so that you will know and understand the scope of practice of the esthy. Then consider taking this knowledge and ability into the medical field.

When considering the "Medical Esthetician" education, research and get a syllibus of the courses and review them with a working "medical esty" or physician to see if they feel that this additional knowledge and training is sufficient.

It should be noted that, when NOT working for a physician an esty with comprable training is a Clinical Esthetician and preforms thae same functions EXCEPT for being able to use certain high percentages of acids.

Here is a link from a clip pertaining the Medical Esthetics in Texas which may give you some more info:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5hD4elmVL0

Jeff

Do you have any links for my area that would help me to further my knowledge on becoming a medical/clinical esthetician. Do i need more schooling or is being licensed under a dermatologist care enough? I have been licensed for 2 years, and have had a full clientelle before. I just need a change of enviroment and honestly i want to delve deeper into the industry.

Jennifer B in Murrieta, California said: Do you have any links for my area that would help me to further my knowledge on becoming a medical/clinical esthetician. Do i need more schooling or is being licensed under a dermatologist care enough? I have been licensed for 2 years, and have had a full clientelle before. I just need a change of enviroment and honestly i want to delve deeper into the industry.

I'm sorry but I don't have a clear understanding as to what was your relationship witht he dermatologist as, for me, to be licensed under a physician would mean nurse or PA. Can you be a little more clear? Also what advanced training in cosmetic esthetics have you had? Exactly what was your practice?

Jeff

Hello!

For years I was a hairdresser/corrective colorist in top salons in Beverly Hills and the Westside. I was very good at it but at a certain point, became allergic to the harsh chemicals.

I've always been very interested in skin care and have recently decided to look into what the requirements would be to become an esthetician.

I called the State Board of Cosmetology and they told me that I really don't need another license in order to be an esthetician.

However, they did mention an esthetician course that is available to take in beauty schools, if I'd like an esthetician's license.

My question is, where should I start with this...? Is it important to the upscale skin care salons that I have the separate license? Should I just find a skin care salon that trains their staff? OR?

Thanks so much,

Lisa

Lisa in Los Angeles, California said: Hello!

For years I was a hairdresser/corrective colorist in top salons in Beverly Hills and the Westside. I was very good at it but at a certain point, became allergic to the harsh chemicals.

I've always been very interested in skin care and have recently decided to look into what the requirements would be to become an esthetician.

I called the State Board of Cosmetology and they told me that I really don't need another license in order to be an esthetician.

However, they did mention an esthetician course that is available to take in beauty schools, if I'd like an esthetician's license.

My question is, where should I start with this...? Is it important to the upscale skin care salons that I have the separate license? Should I just find a skin care salon that trains their staff? OR?

Thanks so much,

Lisa

Keep your Cosmetologists License. As having a full license you can perform all services and that includes esthetics. You just need additional and advanced training. But, you would paobably need that if you were going to just do nails as well.

Jeff

Lisa in Los Angeles, California said: Hello!

For years I was a hairdresser/corrective colorist in top salons in Beverly Hills and the Westside. I was very good at it but at a certain point, became allergic to the harsh chemicals.

I've always been very interested in skin care and have recently decided to look into what the requirements would be to become an esthetician.

I called the State Board of Cosmetology and they told me that I really don't need another license in order to be an esthetician.

However, they did mention an esthetician course that is available to take in beauty schools, if I'd like an esthetician's license.

My question is, where should I start with this...? Is it important to the upscale skin care salons that I have the separate license? Should I just find a skin care salon that trains their staff? OR?

Thanks so much,

Lisa

I have wondered about this for a long time. I was a stylist/colorist at an upscale salon until deciding to stay home with my children. I've been at home now for 6 yrs. I don't want to start all over doing hair at this point in my life. I have a managing cosmetology license but have no idea how to go about starting skin care..... Most of the info I find is about beauty schools. I 've also only seen apprentiship programs for hair, not skin care.

Thanks so much for your response.

I've done more research and have found out that most upscale health spas require that one has a esthetician's license, as well as training in European techniques.

What is truly amazing is that these days cosmetology schools that teach esthetician courses are amazingly expensive compared to what the cost was 20 years ago. Yikes.

At that time I think it was about $1900 for a cosmetology license and one could easily receive a govt' grant that would take care of all of the tuition.

Today (2008), the cost at a basic school like Marinello Beauty College is something like $10,000 for esthetition training which is a shorter course than cosmetology training!

I also looked into a local occupational center where the cost for esthetician training was substantially lower at $770, (plus a kit fee)! They sounded like they had a good program, use Dermologica products and keep the classes small.

Also, many upscale spas want you to also have European training, such as taking Extra Classes at somewhere like a Dermologica School.

I hope this helps anyone that is considering being an esthetician. I figured I'd share the information with you. ;-)

Lisa

I am an RN. I really want to work in a Medical Spa doing injections, peels and any other type of dermatological procedure I can preform by law. I LOVE skin care. What is my best option for becoming trained and proficient to do these things?

Kellie in Youngstown, Ohio said: I am a newly licensed esthetician and am considering looking for work in a dermatologist office. I was trained at an Aveda school which was very holistic and natural. Do I need to take a course in medical esthetics to be certified or is this something the staff at the derms office can teach me?

Thanks!

I believe the office would train you. I t is a great field to get into and you can learn so much. Maybe you can incorporate the 2 areas for your own unique touch

Kristine, here in texas...nurses can do a boot camp for nurses in aesthetics which will give you alot of the info. estys get...I too am a nurse and an esty...I went back for my esty licenses...just because I wanted to...good luck! .check CA...I'm sure they have something similar to that...Kelly

Thank you for the reply. I will actually be moving back to San Antonio in about a year. Can you let me know what the "boot camp is called?"

advancedmedicalaesthetics.com/ THis is the website...check it out...I've do not know anyone who has gone here...but this is the type of "bootcamp" I was talking about for nurses who want to learn some aesthetics as well...techniques in aesthetics as well as ALOT more about the skin than just a chapter that we took in college in A&P..let me know what you think. Kelly

Jeff, do you know anyone who has gone to this course in austin???

Hi Lisa, what occupational school did you find the program? I went to West Valley and they have a program too, comes out to $625 with the kit. I'm interested in what other school it might be, to see what time the classes are.
Thanks

kelly in Grand Prairie, Texas said: advancedmedicalaesthetics.com/ THis is the website...check it out...I've do not know anyone who has gone here...but this is the type of "bootcamp" I was talking about for nurses who want to learn some aesthetics as well...techniques in aesthetics as well as ALOT more about the skin than just a chapter that we took in college in A&P..let me know what you think. Kelly

There is also a DVD series by Tino Lerma you might want to look into.

www.skinprosonline.com/categoryNavigationDocument.hg?categoryId=2

Mr. Lerma is highly regarded. Check out some clips from it:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5hD4elmVL0

Hi Jazz!

Yes, it was West Valley. Did you like it? Please tell me about your experience.

Thanks so much!

Oh ok. I have not attended. I went by recently to take the test (basic skills) that will put you on the waiting list. (Which I am now on). Ideally, I would find a refresher course. Since I do have my cosmetology license, I don't need to do the 600 hours, though I know it can be beneficial. School starts in the Fall '08, so I'm just trying to figure out what to do...

I'm just about to enter school for my esthetician liscense in Michigan its 400 hours to get liscensed. I plan to move to California next summer 2009. Does anyone know if I have to go back to school or do I just have to take Cali's state board test? I have heard that as long as you are working at your profession and are experienced. All you have to do is take the test.. Does anyone know more about this? Thanks!! Paige

I moved to Dallas years ago, I was told I had to complete the difference in hours and go to State Board. I am not too sure if the same applies, if it does, California's esthetician program is 600 hours. You can call the CA State Board at 1-800-952-5210 to ge the accurate information. Good luck!

Thanks alot! I'm gonna give them a ring....

Hello. I am currently a math major at Bakersfield College, and I have been looking into beceause I have always had an interest in skin care and make-up. I was wondering how much the salary and schooling is for this profession.

Jeff B in Dallas, Texas said: Kellie,

Please understnad that I am not trying to discourage you from your goal, but I must ask you what you believe would qualify you to work in a dermatologist's office? You are newly licensed in cosmetology. Working as a clinical/medical esthetician is a totally different scope of practice.

I should tell you that most of the clinical/medical estheticians that I know that work in a dermatologist's office are also RN's (or at least MA's).

I don't want to pop your bubble, but I think I would be doing a dis-service to your question if I didn't answer it honestly.

I suggest you first get some experience working as an esthy before crossing over to the medical field (which is what a medical esty is doing). In addition, many other medical practices want additional training certification (like laser, injections, etc) which you can not do.

For right now, I would suggest lowering your sites and start with a spa and then continue with your education.

Jeff

Certified Clinical/Medical Aesthetician

dont listen to him, thats why he lives in MA!

Jeff,
I am looking for a esty refresher course as I need to renew my license and have to retake all the test. Do you know of any place to refresh in Austin or Round Rock. What is your suggestion? Please reply quickly! 6/20/08

I would get the latest Milady Textbook and exam review and study them. Then find a licensed instructor that would be willing to evaluate and privately work with you (for a fee) to prepare you for the test. Also I believe that, once you are scheduled for the test, you can prepare with the PSI on-line pre-test exams.

Jeff,

I am a paramedical esthetician trying to relocate to the Dallas area, is there any where I can find medical esthetician jobs that you know of or can you point me in that direction.

Thank you ,
Marissa

I am preparing to attend an Aveda Institute next year in Oregon for esthetics or estiology as Aveda calls it. Oregon requires 500 hours but I want to know where I should look to gain extra hours and experience once I have completed Aveda. My goal is ultimately move back to Austin,TX in the next two years and become licensed there so I will need an additional 250 hours. Does the school have to be an Aveda Institute or can I attend say a Pivot Point school? I am in need of help :)

Jeff, you seem to know your stuff so what do you recommend?

Thanks so much :)
Vickie

Jeff,

I'm interested in working as a medical esthetician for the reason that I have always been interested in improving personal image, and working independently. I have an associate degree in Ultrasound but the marked is very down in Michigan. I don't have any experience in this filed. any suggestion how to start? any good Schools in Michigan for this?