What Certifications Are Needed To Administer Botox Injections?

Botox is a prescription treatment that medical professionals use for cosmetic and medical purposes. Botox injections and procedures have become highly sought-after by patients. Earning certification to administer Botox injections allows you to incorporate these procedures into your medical practice and meet the demands of many patients.

In this article, we discuss how Botox works, what degrees and qualifications you need to provide Botox injections and how you can become certified to administer injections.

What degree do you need to provide Botox injections?

In order to administer Botox injections, you must be a physician, physician assistant, dentist, registered nurse or another licensed healthcare practitioner. The minimum degree requirement for most of these professionals is a four-year bachelor's degree in pre-medicine, biology or related science.

Following a bachelor's degree, any additional educational requirements depend on your career path. For example, physicians require four years of medical school in addition to several years in residency. If you're specifically interested in doing cosmetic-related work, you can become a cosmetic nurse.

Related: 12 of the Highest Paid Medical Specialties

What is a cosmetic nurse?

Cosmetics nurses, also known as aesthetic nurses or plastic surgical nurses, primarily focus on cosmetic and dermatological procedures. Cosmetic nurses commonly work at outpatient surgical centers and medical spas. They're responsible for the pre- and post-operative care of patients, including clinical procedures.

Many cosmetic nurses become certified aesthetic nurse specialists to demonstrate their competency in carrying out cosmetic procedures. Though cosmetic nurses may see patients independently, they usually perform treatments under the supervision of a medical doctor.

Common procedures cosmetic nurses administer include:

• Dermal filler

• Botox

• Laser hair removal

• Non-invasive body contouring

Educational and licensure requirements for cosmetic nurses

To become a cosmetic nurse, you first need to become a registered nurse, which requires either a two-year associate degree in nursing or a four-year bachelor's degree in nursing. Next, you obtain state licensure and gain at least two years working with a board-certified physician in plastic or cosmetic surgery or dermatology. Though it's optional, earning your certification as an aesthetic nurse specialist through the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board can expand your career opportunities. You take and pass an exam to earn this certification.

Read more: Your Guide to Registered Nursing Programs

Other professionals who may administer Botox

To administer Botox, a person must be a licensed medical professional. Here is a list of five additional professionals who can provide this cosmetic service to their patients and clients:

1. Skincare specialist

National average salary: $32,248 per year

Primary duties: A licensed skincare specialist receives training to safely perform cosmetic treatments designed to improve a person's physical appearance. They usually work in medical spas or health clinics, and they regularly meet with patients and clients to discuss their feelings and desires regarding their skin.

2. Registered nurse

National average salary: $73,680 per year

Primary duties: A registered nurse, or RN, is a licensed healthcare professional who has completed training and passed the National Council Licensure Exam for nurses. They work alongside other healthcare personnel to provide care for patients. RNs often specialize in a specific aspect of medicine, but they can treat and diagnose illnesses, administer treatment plans and counsel patients and patient families in multiple areas.

Related: Learn About Being a Registered Nurse

3. Physician assistant

National average salary: $105,025 per year

Primary duties: A physician assistant is a licensed medical professional who can diagnose medical conditions. Similar to physicians, they can prescribe medication and provide generalized care for the people they treat. A physician assistant who specializes in dermatology may perform cosmetic procedures such as Botox.

Related: Learn About Being a Physician Assistant

4. Physician

National average salary: $246,709 per year

Primary duties: A physician is a licensed medical practitioner. They attend medical school and complete a medical residency program in order to provide healthcare for patients. They regularly work in private practices, hospitals and clinics to diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries or diseases.

Related: Learn About Being a Physician

5. Plastic surgeon

National average salary: $267,588 per year

Primary duties: A plastic surgeon is a licensed medical physician who performs appearance-altering procedures and operations. They diagnose and treat patients with a variety of conditions, and they perform reconstructive or cosmetic surgeries.

Related: Learn About Being a Plastic Surgeon

How does Botox work?

Botox is a neurotoxin that targets the nervous system and disrupts certain nerve signaling processes that cause muscle contraction. Healthcare professionals use the botulinum toxin by diluting it in saline and injecting it directly into the skin or muscles. Botox can take up to two days to take effect. The effects of Botox generally last anywhere from three to 12 months depending on the treatment.

What is Botox used for?

Providers use Botox for two purposes:

Cosmetic purposes

Patients often request Botox to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the forehead and around the eyes. Though providers can administer Botox injections in other areas such as the neck, mouth and chin, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved the injections for around the eyes and on the forehead.

Medical purposes

Though Botox is most commonly associated with its cosmetic uses, providers also use Botox for various medical conditions.

How to earn a Botox certification

Once you have met the educational and licensing credentials for your career path, you can pursue certification to administer Botox injections. Certification courses take an average of one to two weeks to complete, though you can choose an accelerated program and become certified in two days. Here are steps you can take to receive a Botox certification:

1. Meet the certification course or program requirements

To enroll in Botox certification courses, you must be a physician, physician assistant, registered nurse, dentist or medical professional with an active medical license. Remember to check with your state medical board for additional requirements.

2. Enroll in Botox training courses

Medical professionals can choose from several Botox training courses and programs. Before selecting your courses, it's important to research the program and institution. It's best to choose an institution that's reputable, accredited and taught by experts. Courses that provide clinical experience are beneficial because they allow you to gain valuable hands-on training with the Botox injection process.

3. Complete Botox training courses

You earn your certification once you've successfully completed your Botox training courses. Once you've met your state's required training hours, you're qualified to administer Botox injections to patients in a clinical setting. Each state has its own requirements for the administration of Botox. For example, some states require physician assistants and registered nurses to inject Botox under the supervision of a physician.

What's taught in Botox certification courses?

Course materials may slightly vary from program to program, but these core topics are consistent:

Safety and patient preparation

You can expect to learn the following safety precautions for providing Botox:

• Patient assessments and consultations for treatment

• In-depth instruction in the anatomy, neurophysiology, musculature and circulatory system of face, mouth and jaw

• Sterilization techniques

• Knowledge of risks, possible adverse reactions and complications

• Post-procedure treatment and pain management

Injection training

Injection training usually focuses on the following aspects of administering injections:

• Diagnosing issues

• Planning treatment

• Dosing

• Training on a model patient