RN Nurse or Esthetician?

kat in Pinellas Park, Florida said: I feel the money I spent on esthetician school was wasted.Either become a full specialist to do hair,nails,facials ect and you might make a living,but hard even then.You need 2 jobs in this bizz.One for hourly pay and one for commission.I read today that in florida by state law only a full specialist can take the $300 12 hour body wrap classes and do it legally.Florida has regulated itself to death.I am glad I am moving to MN where you don't need a license or certification to do body wraps or massage.In massage all you need is a dipolma from the school.I vote for a very small government and letting people run their own lives.Canada is a good example.

Most schools in Florida teach both the skin care specialist classes and the body wrappers class together. There are 2 seperate licenses involved.

Spas also make money from selling products, and I refer to several Estheticians (in California) who do facials for private clients in their homes, making additional income from selling my skin care products, and home beauty gadget.
Why not work with a skin care line privately in addition to your spa?

@kat...you claim you want a gov't that doesn't regulate, but in Canada you need anywhere from 2400 to 3600 hours to do massage therapy. They have degrees and "registered" status. Just a thought.

jessRn in Camarillo, California said: Hi there! I am a intensive care nurse that lives in Southern California. I have been in the ICU for almost 5years, and although I have learned so much and touched many lives, I really don't think I can be in such a stressful environment for my entire career. I frequently talk to my fellow coworkers whom have worked there 2-4x longer than me and they advice me not to stay in this environment for too long. They say it just is too stressful for your health, family, etc. Therefore I am very interested in the esthetician field; it is something that has always intrigued me. I would love to someday become a Nurse Esthetician however do not know exactly how to go about it. I dont mind going to esthetician school and know i would really enjoy it! I just am worried that the pay is not close to what I make in the ICU. And as a working mother it is important to have a good paying job. Also i know that there must be multiple opportunities for a Nurse Esthetician in SoCal. But really I need some guidance. So please any Socal Nurse Estheticians that would be willing to answer my question your responses are greatly appreciated! Thanks

Hey there! I am a RN, that has been in the Aesthetic world for 10 years. I recently had my RN license suspended due to a DUI. I am now seeking to go through the Esthetician program. If you have any insight to know if any of my experience transfers to my hours.

I am a RN in ft. Lauderdale Fl wanting to find a program that trains nurses to give Botox, and fillers.. I heard of one several yrs ago and the cost was high.. Does anyone know of such a program?Michelle Smith RN

fitmom7 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida said: I am a RN in ft. Lauderdale Fl wanting to find a program that trains nurses to give Botox, and fillers.. I heard of one several yrs ago and the cost was high.. Does anyone know of such a program?Michelle Smith RN

Check out palette resources on line to register for hands on classes at resonance rates

Sharal in Orlando, Florida said: This message is for Blink (Tallahassee)or anyone else in Florida. Do you have any advice on how to get into this field in Florida? I am a BSN, RN. I would sooo love to get out of the hospital and have more flexibility. Any advice would be appreciated.

HI SHARAL, I AM A RN/BSN WORKING IN CRITICAL CARE FOR THE PAST 12 YEARS. AS SO MANY PEOPLE I WANTED A CHANGE. I USE TO PAY FOR MANY FACIALS, CHEMICAL PEELS ETC. SO, WHAT DID I DO? I CHECKED OUT ESTHETICIAN SCHOOL. THEY TOLD ME THAT AS A RN I COULD DO THE BOTOX INJECTIONS AND FILLERS. I BELIEVED THEM AND WAS VERY EXCITED. 6 MONTHS INTO THE PROGRAM I WAS INFORMED BY MY INSTRUCTOR THAT I STILL CANNOT DO INJECTABLES IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. ONLY A NURSE PRACTITIONER. SO, I NOW I GRADUATE IN AUGUST AND I REALLY CAN'T DO WHAT I WANTED TO DO ANYWAY. IF YOU WANT TO BECOME A NURSE PRACTITIONER THEN THAT WOULD BE WHAT I WOULD SUGGEST BECAUSE I HEARD THAT ONCE YOU HAVE IT ALOT OF THE PLASTIC SURGEONS OR DERMATOLOGIST WILL SEND YOU TO GET TRAINED IN DOING THOSE PROCEDURES. I HOPED I HELPED YOU. GOOD LUCK.

IRMA VARGAS, LAKE MARY FLORIDA in Riverview, Florida said: HI SHARAL, I AM A RN/BSN WORKING IN CRITICAL CARE FOR THE PAST 12 YEARS. AS SO MANY PEOPLE I WANTED A CHANGE. I USE TO PAY FOR MANY FACIALS, CHEMICAL PEELS ETC. SO, WHAT DID I DO? I CHECKED OUT ESTHETICIAN SCHOOL. THEY TOLD ME THAT AS A RN I COULD DO THE BOTOX INJECTIONS AND FILLERS. I BELIEVED THEM AND WAS VERY EXCITED. 6 MONTHS INTO THE PROGRAM I WAS INFORMED BY MY INSTRUCTOR THAT I STILL CANNOT DO INJECTABLES IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. ONLY A NURSE PRACTITIONER. SO, I NOW I GRADUATE IN AUGUST AND I REALLY CAN'T DO WHAT I WANTED TO DO ANYWAY. IF YOU WANT TO BECOME A NURSE PRACTITIONER THEN THAT WOULD BE WHAT I WOULD SUGGEST BECAUSE I HEARD THAT ONCE YOU HAVE IT ALOT OF THE PLASTIC SURGEONS OR DERMATOLOGIST WILL SEND YOU TO GET TRAINED IN DOING THOSE PROCEDURES. I HOPED I HELPED YOU. GOOD LUCK.

Irma,

Let me get it straight in my mind. Are you saying that a representative of the cosmetology school advised you that by taking their esthetican training that you would be able to then, as also being an RN, to do injections? And based on this, you took the course?

Yes and no. No, because they are no a cosmetology school, instead they are a, Natural Health College, they do not do hair or nails, they focus on Basic Skin, Massage, Electrology and Paramedical. The Paramedical was what interested me because it focused on camouflage for cancer patient and proper skin care for these women. So, as a nurse these was attracted me as well as being able to do injectables. But I didn't learn about not being able to do injectables untill I was about three months into the program. When I was informed by the instructor that one must be a nurse practitioner in order to do these in the state of florida. Now, I can go to another state and do the injectables. Well, hell, I don't want to move! So, it was very disappointing to me. I do love doing skin care and the facials, peels, and helping alot of young women with there acne issues. Which for some reason I have fallen into that category after helping one patient who had real bad acne get a very noticeable improvement. If you do esthetics you will like it. It is rewarding. Nursing is rewarding, don't get me wrong, but there is a lot of stress and when you lose a patient you some times feel like.... wow what else could I have done? Did I do all that I could of done? Did I miss a symptom? There are so many things that go through your head. It is totally different.

DO BOTH!!!!! an esthetician can have in her office that she rents facials for sure, but a med spa that does injectable/laser procedures is going to make more than a nurse, a nurse will make more than an esthetician. If your both and can a really good living!!!!

Irma,
The big question in my mind is, if you had known that you can not do injectables (as it was represented to you), would you still have taken the course?
If that had happened to me, the school, I (and my attorney) and the state regulatory agency would be having a long discussion.

Yes, I would have taken the course but only the basic skin part of it, which was only 5 months. I would not have gone into the Paramedical part of it, that is a year long. I understand from other estheticians that one can get the basic skin and then later go to chemical peel trainings and so forth and get certified that way to do them.

I am not a confrontational person, and that is probably why they have gotten away with this. You, know I believe that every thing happens for a reason. My inability to have done my research prior to entering this course has caused me to make this mistake. But we learn from mistakes, don't we? So, it's another lesson taught.

I enjoy skin care very much and even more so when I see my clients returning with clearer complexion and a brighter tone to their faces. That is rewarding! And so I continue to do the little that I am allowed here because even that little bit makes a difference not only to me but to many.

Karla in Bay Shore, New York said: I'm undecided about becoming a RN nurse or esthetician. I love learning about skin care but doing my research and from word of mouth a RN nurse has a much higher pay. I need advice from an expertise. Should I do both and see where the two programs can get me in my career or just go straight to one of the programs because it would be a waste of time and money to do both?

If you want to work in a Med Spa it is wise to get your RN! you will be able to do injectables etc... I am 51 and considering going back to school next yr to get my RN because with that I can go any where and work! Its a long term goal for me but I will get there!

Maria in London, Ontario said: After going through the interview process at spas and seeing how places do not properly sterilize their implements, and how the most well known spas could be so unclean deterred me from working at a spa which was my original plan. I had planned on working for a spa part time for a couple years before I opened my own place, but like I said after seeing how badly some spas operated a couple months before I finished my esthetics course I decided to renovate my basement.

I just opened in June of 2009, I get great business from the local hospitals as I can advertise for free there, plus kijiji. It has slowed down because of school starting up, less people on vacation, etc. so during slow periods I just pick up shifts at the hospital and it has worked out quite well.

I am realistic, I know that it could take 3-5 years before I am busy steadily but I am willing to put in the time and effort!

Patience and committment!

Hi Maria...just wondering what kind of training you have and if you are an RN..I am thinking of changing careers in nursing , or thinking of possibly getting trained on botox/injectables/laser therapy. Just wondering how you can start this business...sicerely Tara

Lisa Noack RN in Santa Monica, California said: Be sure when you look into the programs that they cover Lasers, Injectables, Chemical peels and Microdermabrasions. Lasers are very important to learn all aspects as some procedures are very invasive if your resurfacing the skin. I went to Medical Aesthetic training of CA in San Diego and Dr.s were my collegues. Being State Certified I have my own place with 2 Estheticians working in the office. You need a Doctor to be a Director, however being certified I have many Doctors asking me to open and run a place for them. Good luck
Lisa

Maria in London, Ontario said: After trying to stay positive for 10 years and watching Gen Y enter the field I cannot help but find pure bliss when I am practicing esthetics from my home. I have never been happier! I wish I had started the transition out of nursing years ago. But way to go to those who love it!

Hello;
I live in Fl and currently work as a nursing assistant in the city's big hospital I now know I cannot work in a hospital setting. I start LVN school in January next year so I can aspire to be a non-surgical esthetician. I have always been very good at applying makeup, reshaping eyebrows,etc and have a very precise eye for what a face needs done to look its best. The same way, I feel I could successfully apply botox, fillers, skin laser resurfacing, hair removal, etc. I find inmense reward in making people feel better about the way they look. Do you have you have advise for me on how to get started with my own business?

My advice to all of you out there wanting to get into medical esthetics! Get your degree first! then esthetics school! I have my own business as a personal trainer/ Massage Therapist and I am a lic esthetician.....I am planning on going back to school for my RN next year and I am 51 yrs young! I will go part time also So it will be a good 4-5 yrs before I complete the program.....I know it will be hard but I don't care, one step at a time! better late than never!!!!

Donna in Huntington Beach, California said: My advice to all of you out there wanting to get into medical esthetics! Get your degree first! then esthetics school! I have my own business as a personal trainer/ Massage Therapist and I am a lic esthetician.....I am planning on going back to school for my RN next year and I am 51 yrs young! I will go part time also So it will be a good 4-5 yrs before I complete the program.....I know it will be hard but I don't care, one step at a time! better late than never!!!!

Congratulations and Best Wishes!

Beth in Bowling Green, Kentucky said: I do like it better than the hospital! Its worth the pay drop! We have four different lasers from Skin Restoration, Hair Reduction, Laser peel, spider veins also I do Botox and Juvaderm. Good thing about being a nurse, You can always go back to the hospital.

Reply to Sam: RN is the best choice! You have so many options in different areas you can work in! The best thing I ever did was go back to school and get my RN.

I have been working as a medical esthetic nurse for 5 years with a plastic surgeon. I had 15 years ER experience and took the laser, and microdermabraision certification programs, I also recieved chemical peel training from the brands we carry. The best thing to do is check the rules and regulations with both the State Board of Nursing and the State Board of Cosmatalogy. Being an RN is a safe choice to be able to find a position and good pay. Esthetics is a bit of a gamble, but you could work on your own if you want. In Mississippi you must choose which liceanse you are working under-can't be both. RN's can perform laser hair removal, estheticians cannot, but they can perform IPL. Both can do microdermabrasion, C.P's, RN's must work on the Dr.s medical orders. Only Advanced Nurse Practitioners can perform Botox, Fillers, or scerotherapy and only while working with a doctor that is certified and performing these services as well. Hope some of this is helpful.

I am an RN and have been for 8 years now, I am currently looking to open my own spa inside of a friends yoga studio. I have worked for a short time already doing microderms, laser hair removal and laser genesis. But what I can't seem to find out for sure is if an RN in IOWA can be trained to do botox without an MD present, I know it is different from state to state. I also can not seem to find out for sure if it is within an RN'S scope of practice to open a spa and about insurance?? Does anyone know where I can go to find this out?

Jeff B in Dallas, Texas said: I'm sorry, but that is inncorect. NO ESTHETICIAN (licensed Facial Specialist) is permited to administer botox or any other injectionable. PERIOD!

This is one of the big problems with this field. Very few understand the law and regulations. Injections is an invasive procedure which is are not permitted under the facial specialist license. This procedure is considered the practice of medicine and must be done by an approved individual with an appropriate license.

I'm very surprised to see so much ambiguity and, in this case especially, blatant misinformation given on this forum. Ladies, I hope I can offer you clarity regarding TEXAS regulations.

Botox and other injectable treatments are controlled substances. Only someone with a medical license can ORDER them. However, to answer your question, currently in the great state of Texas, there are absolutely NO rules about who can inject them. Just about anyone can wield the needle, but you're going to need an MD to agree to be your medical director. As long as an MD is the one purchasing the Botox, he/she can delegate whomever they choose to administer it.

This Friday (tomorrow, June 17th), the Texas Medical Board will consider changing who can be delegated to perform “cosmetic procedures” that use “prescription medications.” That includes Botox and a host of other wrinkle fillers, including Restylane and Perlane. Although it is highly speculated that no action will take place at this time, I wanted to at least make you aware of a possible change.

Aside from all of this, both experience and artistic aptitude trump credentials without either, at least for now. Good luck with your aspirations!

Kelly in Keller, Texas said: I'm very surprised to see so much ambiguity and, in this case especially, blatant misinformation given on this forum. Ladies, I hope I can offer you clarity regarding TEXAS regulations.

Botox and other injectable treatments are controlled substances. Only someone with a medical license can ORDER them. However, to answer your question, currently in the great state of Texas, there are absolutely NO rules about who can inject them. Just about anyone can wield the needle, but you're going to need an MD to agree to be your medical director. As long as an MD is the one purchasing the Botox, he/she can delegate whomever they choose to administer it.

This Friday (tomorrow, June 17th), the Texas Medical Board will consider changing who can be delegated to perform “cosmetic procedures” that use “prescription medications.” That includes Botox and a host of other wrinkle fillers, including Restylane and Perlane. Although it is highly speculated that no action will take place at this time, I wanted to at least make you aware of a possible change.

Aside from all of this, both experience and artistic aptitude trump credentials without either, at least for now. Good luck with your aspirations!

Before I can comment, I would like clearification. I gather, from what you are saying that aestheticians (facialists) can do injectables. Is this what you are saying?

Simply put, yes, they can INJECT. The caveat being, they must have a medical director or they cannot.

Let me rephrase - In TEXAS, if someone with a medical license (ie: MD, etc.) purchases Botox (fillers, etc.), he/she are the "managers" or "administrators" of said controlled substance and can delegate whomever they choose to perform the actual injections. This isn't an issue of whether or not you need to be an aesthetician or RN b/c the issue isn't about whether or not you need to be trained or licensed. You don't. It's about finding someone who has a medical license that will agree to delegate you to perform injections, thereby becoming your medical director, and most of all, agreeing to pay the malpractice insurance premiums they will incur for doing so. No, they're not going to agree to cover you if you have no experience or training with injectables, regardless of whether or not you're an RN or aesthetician - unless they are actually training you themselves.

MacRN in Downers Grove, Illinois said: I have a bachelors degree in nursing and I just finished Esthethics school. I am working with a plastic surgeon right now and I administer Botox. An esthetician cannot do that. Having a license as a nurse allows me to do that under doctors orders,Its like working in a hospital and the doctor tells me to give pain medication IM. Esthetics school is something you can do after you finish nursing school and work as a nurse. Pay is a big difference as well, as a nurse esthetician, I am able to command my salary, because I am able to take the burden of my surgeon, instead of him administering Botox, I do it. In turn he is able to do consults, do Surgical procedures while I am making him more money on the side. You dont even have to go to esthethics school. Just look for a plastic surgeon and have him "grandfather" you in and learn that way. The RN gives you flexibility and mucho dinero baby. If you still can't figure out what to do first let me break it down for you. As a nurse I paid for esthethics school in cash.I do not owe anything. I go after work and since theres a nursing shortage my employers give in to my schedule, I have a lot of contacts(i work in surgery). Esthethics school was a breeze, cause lets face it its more technical that clinical. I don't think you can do that as an esthetician. Your hours would be 9-5, you'll have to quit to finish nursing school, it would be just a mess. I hope you have somebody to help you in this decision.

I am a nurse practitioner in Chicago and trying to get into doing Botox & Fillers. I am looking into go back to school for esthetics. Is it necessary to get an esthetician certification to get into doing Botox/Fillers? If not what is the best way to get into that area. It is really hard to find jobs to inject without that esthetics background but I know some who have done it. I lot of times they request previous experience but how I am I do get that experience>

Lee said: I am a nurse practitioner in Chicago and trying to get into doing Botox & Fillers. I am looking into go back to school for esthetics. Is it necessary to get an esthetician certification to get into doing Botox/Fillers? If not what is the best way to get into that area. It is really hard to find jobs to inject without that esthetics background but I know some who have done it. I lot of times they request previous experience but how I am I do get that experience>

Start asking for information, advice, etc. from the doctors you know and work with. NETWORK. You have a better "IN" than most people. Use "information interviewing" to create contacts, get info and start a network that you lead you where you wan to go. THAT is how you are going to get someone to take you on without experience, provided you have the legal credentials to do the job.

Karla in Bay Shore, New York said: I'm undecided about becoming a RN nurse or esthetician. I love learning about skin care but doing my research and from word of mouth a RN nurse has a much higher pay. I need advice from an expertise. Should I do both and see where the two programs can get me in my career or just go straight to one of the programs because it would be a waste of time and money to do both?

RN. I have the other. Better pay and consistent career than working as an esthetician. (It can be good money...but no health benefits through Doctors or Salons) If you do it....get your RN first!!!!!

Melissa in Niagara Falls, New York said: Hi there-- There are differences between the states as far as allowing RNs to practice, here in NY, I can give Botox, Fillers and Laser although that's only because I have been "certified". I went to National Laser Institute. I would not have had a problem finding work, except that the cosmetic riders here will only reimburse for NP, PA and MD. Thats why some of you as well as myself are finding employment a challenge. I was offered a great job in Canada, but would have to sit the RN exam in Canada and am not interested at this point. Good luck to all.

Hi Melissa, Do you know of any RN's doing noninvasive cosmetic treatments in NYC? I haven't called Derm and Plastics offices yet - so far just medispas, and they seem to only be hiring estheticians.

My comments apply to TEXAS ONLY.

I am a Nurse Practitioner. Just signed up for esthetician program that starts next month. Any advice for me?

Sarah, I am an Aesthetics Nurse in Raleigh NC I attended National Laser Institute
in Phonenx. I have all aspects of lasers, injectables including botox fillers and sclerotherapy. I have training in mid depth chemical peels. I was there for two weeks and it gave me a great foundation to start with I am injecting at a plastic surgeons office and I have some other offers that have real potential. It's a great area of medicine, so GO FOR IT!!!

Would anyone suggest getting an esthetician license and a LVN cert? The reason for obtaining the LVN cert versus RN license is because of a lack of time. Maybe in the future I would complete the LVN to RN bridge.

I am wondering about insurance coverage for aesthetic nurses... I live in no. cal. and would like to know if there are any insurance co. that will cover aesthetics for nurses. I work at a clinic and believe that I am under the umbrella of that practice but wonder if I wanted to branch out on my own to do some treatments, not injectables, where should I go for coverage there? Thank you...

Hi I'm a LPN in BC, Canada. I got accepted into the Medical Spa Aesthetics certification for RN's and LPN's at a college here in BC. I am a but hesitant, because I'm not sure if there will be a lot of job opportunities for me. Any suggestions?

The program includes:

–Review of Anatomy and Physiology
- Laser & Light Therapy I

– Laser & Light Therapy II
Chemical & Mechanical Exfoliation
 
Botox and Dermal Fillers
 
Skin Care and Professional Practice

LPN in Surrey, British Columbia said: Hi I'm a LPN in BC, Canada. I got accepted into the Medical Spa Aesthetics certification for RN's and LPN's at a college here in BC. I am a but hesitant, because I'm not sure if there will be a lot of job opportunities for me. Any suggestions?

The program includes:

–Review of Anatomy and Physiology
- Laser & Light Therapy I

– Laser & Light Therapy II
Chemical & Mechanical Exfoliation

Botox and Dermal Fillers

Skin Care and Professional Practice

Hello, I thinks its a great opportunity I have worked in a medi spa and a salon and spa and now I am opening up my own, the medi spa I worked at had an Rn there and she came in once a week>and made 2,000 a day....take that for what its worth>depends on if you get commision>which is half normally for the services and Botox and fillers are expensive and trust me people will pay that for their looks before they eat food..lol

I'm a esthetician want be medical esthetician does any one know school that train in it.

Mary in Sacramento, California said: From what I know, you don't need to be an RN to do eye lash extensions, permanent makeup or body piercings!

You dont need to be an RN to do microderms or chemical peels either...

I am an R.N. and am looking at training for injectables but find that the two day class at 5200.00 is costly. Before making that kind of investment I am curious to know of the current marketability after taking the course. Has anyone noticed a decreased demand with the economy? Also, how do you go about getting a job without experience.

I am a registered nurse in Raleigh North Carolina I am allowed to do any aesthetic service without MD supervision as long as it is done in a med spa with a medical director. Right now I make 25.00 an hour, and will make more when I am full time if I can find a medical director i will be able to run my own med spa with little or no interference. Every State has it's own laws the more restrictive the less you generally tend to make, because more of your pay is tied in to what the MD is willing to pay you. Really good aesthetic nurses with injection, laser and chemical peel skills can make 75,000 to 100,000 a year. I got training at an accreditted aethetic school, and got my first job with a plastic surgeon. I got my first job froma Neova rep who told me an MD was looking for a RN with injection skills. While some offices will train RNs be carefull, you are only as competent as the RN who trains you, I paid a lot to get my skills but glad I did the PS office is working out, I hope to start my onw med spa eventually. Good Luck

Jennifer,
If you have time I'm in nursing school right now and I'm needing to do an interview with a esthetic nurse and I don't know one personally. Would you be willing to answer some questions for me? If so can you email me back at kjsupertime@gmail.com Thanks!

Lee in Chicago, IL said: I am a Nurse Practitioner. Just signed up for esthetician program that starts next month. Any advice for me?

I'm also a nurse practitioner and interested in aesthetics as well. Like you, I've thought about enrolling into an esthetician program because I'm finding it difficult to secure a employment in the field of aesthetics without having prior experience. Has going to esthetician school, as well as being a nurse practitioner, opened more doors for you?

Yes don't waste your money unless they will train you in Medical Aesthetics. As an NP you can do a lot more than me and I do Botox, Dysport, Fillers and Mid depth Chemical Peels (Corrective Peels) and all aesthetic lasers, including CO2 Subablative (I won't be doing this one, a little too aggressive for me). I went to National Laser Institute in Phoenix AZ. Good training, I definitely got a good foundation for the work I'm doing, wouldn't have gotten a chance without it. Good Luck

Tracy-did you go the 7-day course at the National Laser Institute? I am also a nurse practitioner looking into medical aesthetics and wondering if it's worth the investment here in Phoenix.

Tracy in Greensboro, North Carolina said: Yes don't waste your money unless they will train you in Medical Aesthetics. As an NP you can do a lot more than me and I do Botox, Dysport, Fillers and Mid depth Chemical Peels (Corrective Peels) and all aesthetic lasers, including CO2 Subablative (I won't be doing this one, a little too aggressive for me). I went to National Laser Institute in Phoenix AZ. Good training, I definitely got a good foundation for the work I'm doing, wouldn't have gotten a chance without it. Good Luck

I went for the two week course,it was worth it. I never would have gotten the chance to do aesthetics if I hadn't gone there. I recently found a medical director, we will be building a medspa, my foundation helped me to be able to use his laser for hair removal (no 1 request for laser) and do botox fillers ect...10,000.00 best money I've ever spent I have an offer on the table from a National Vein co for sclero, wouldn't have it if not for my training.

Tracy in Raleigh, North Carolina said: I went for the two week course,it was worth it. I never would have gotten the chance to do aesthetics if I hadn't gone there. I recently found a medical director, we will be building a medspa, my foundation helped me to be able to use his laser for hair removal (no 1 request for laser) and do botox fillers ect...10,000.00 best money I've ever spent I have an offer on the table from a National Vein co for sclero, wouldn't have it if not for my training.

I spoke to a representative from the National Laser Institute but was hesistant to commit because it's expensive and was not certain if the training would be beneficial. Your positive experience at the institute is definitely reassuring! Did you obtain botox and dermal fillers training at NLI as well?

MacRN in Downers Grove, Illinois said: I have a bachelors degree in nursing and I just finished Esthethics school. I am working with a plastic surgeon right now and I administer Botox. An esthetician cannot do that. Having a license as a nurse allows me to do that under doctors orders,Its like working in a hospital and the doctor tells me to give pain medication IM. Esthetics school is something you can do after you finish nursing school and work as a nurse. Pay is a big difference as well, as a nurse esthetician, I am able to command my salary, because I am able to take the burden of my surgeon, instead of him administering Botox, I do it. In turn he is able to do consults, do Surgical procedures while I am making him more money on the side. You dont even have to go to esthethics school. Just look for a plastic surgeon and have him "grandfather" you in and learn that way. The RN gives you flexibility and mucho dinero baby. If you still can't figure out what to do first let me break it down for you. As a nurse I paid for esthethics school in cash.I do not owe anything. I go after work and since theres a nursing shortage my employers give in to my schedule, I have a lot of contacts(i work in surgery). Esthethics school was a breeze, cause lets face it its more technical that clinical. I don't think you can do that as an esthetician. Your hours would be 9-5, you'll have to quit to finish nursing school, it would be just a mess. I hope you have somebody to help you in this decision.

Hi. I'm an RN in the surgical ICU and have been working night shift for 2 years. I"m looking for a change and would love to get into the esthethic field. It's better pay, better hours, and well seems like lots of fun, and definitely much brighter then dealing with very ill patients. I just got my certification in Botox and Dermal Fillers but now I just need to find work. Do you know the laws are in Florida are in regards to Rn's as injectors? Can RN's work on their own?

Unfortunately RNs can't inject Toxins or Fillers only PAa and NPs can, I used to be a FL nurse, glad I'm in NC now better laws. Sorry your practice act in fl LIMITS THAT, I would love to see someone challenge it though.

I started under the generic business degree and have since taken a break from school. I have now somewhat narrowed down the decision to either skincare (laser treatments, facials, botox) or PN/RN Which field is better to get into with stability of growing field # of jobs and of course pay. I currently live in the North Atlanta area and if the economy gets better I am seeking to move out of GA. I am also seeking whether I should go to a college such as Chattahoochee Tech or esthetician schools in georgia if so which one is preferred?

Hi, I cant really answer your question, but as I'm reading the comments I'm finding that alot of RNs are turning toward the skincare field which sounds exciting. Also they make from $23-35/hour. I got an opportunity to work at a Medspa and have no idea how it's gonna go or what I'm getting myself into but I'm willing to give it a try. I'm wondering if your able to fill me in on this growing field with what you know about it. Feeling lost! :/

Ok, I am an RN wanting out of bedside care. So a few of my friends and family spend fortune on botox etc, and are urging me to do them.
figure why not?
but I have NO IDEA where to start! How to present myself to the docs I am fortunate enough to work with...I am in Texas btw.

How do I bring up cold call to a MD that I want to do his injectable for him/her?
What pay should I request? what pay scale-per client or per hour? commission?
what skill set is the most important?

I dont have enough information to start with..any help would be appreciated?

Thank you everyone for the comments. I am a 14 year RN, living in the Dallas area. I am strongly considering leaving hospital work and learning injectables. What I hope some of you can tell me is how much income could I expect to earn?

Okay, there are some schools that teach medical aesthetics, I went to National Laser Institute this is not a sales ploy, so here you go... I went there FIRST and got a part time job doing Botox Dysport and Fillers, I was trained in basic techniques there and it was enough to get my foot in the door. I made 25.00 an hour not a lot but it got me started. I fould out that experienced nurse injectors were making 35.00 an hour plus 5% of what they billed. That is very stnadard. I now have a full time job do sclerotherapy on leg veins I'm makeing 30.00 an hor and up to 6% of what I bill as a nurse provider. Plus benefits. I never would have gotten this job had I not started in aesthetic school. Some (yes very few) MD offices are willing to train, they may not train you in everything, which limits your ability to get top dollar, they may not teach advanced injection techniques. You are only as good as what they are willing to teach you and you won't know unless you go out there if the MD office is really training you right. My best advice is to get the foundation in aesthetics school like I did. It will open doors the rest is up to you.