Guide to Becoming a Medical Esthetician

If you want to help others feel more confident and better in their own skin, you should consider becoming a medical esthetician. This is a very rewarding career field that one can feel proud to be in.

It is not to be mistaken, however, as a medical field. An esthetician is one that has special training in administering makeup, aromatherapy, facials, hair and skin care, makeup, etc. Being a medical esthetician is more so a title to describe where one works and who they work on.

As you read along you will discover the key differences between the two.

What is a Medical Esthetician?

A medical esthetician is a person who works in a clinical setting, alongside medical professionals, to help provide treatment for anyone suffering from illnesses, injuries, or surgeries that have affected their appearance.

By working in a dermatology clinic, cosmetic surgery clinic, medical spa, or specialist clinic, you will be able to use your skills and help others rebuild their appearance.

For example, you will help with facial treatments that address skin care problems. You may also be responsible for treatments such as facial peels and micro-dermabrasion, as well as helping to advise, educate and answer questions about the process. You may even help with makeup application.

The name medical esthetician may sound like a medical profession, which can make some newcomers to the business nervous. However, it’s important to understand that you will only be trained specifically in what you need to know for your position. That includes traditional and complementary treatments, as well as working with the medical professionals in your clinic.

How Can I Become A Medical Esthetician?

If you are thinking about pursuing this field, finding out the education you need is crucial. First, we should be clear that to become a working medical esthetician, you do not need to have any prior medical knowledge. Instead, you will be taught exactly what you will need to know to perform your job.

To enter the profession, you will need to get a state license. That, in turn, requires formal training and education along with passing a licensing exam. Of course, even after you have received your license and accreditation, it’s never a bad idea to continue taking classes in the field, which helps you stay up to date on new techniques and treatments.

Entering cosmetology school requires a high school diploma or GED. Once you’ve been admitted, you will need to get into a cosmetology training program or another relevant program.

Many states consider the required education according to credit hours; in Texas, for example, you need to have 750 hours completed hours, whereas in New York you only need 600 hours. So be sure to find out the requirements of your state when doing your research.

Your education will be a combination of classroom time and clinical work. During your time in school, you will learn how to analyze the skin, identify diseases, and apply treatments for a variety of skin conditions. Once you’ve completed your formal program, it will be time to take your licensing tests.

In doing your research, you should also look up whether your state only offers a standard esthetician license, or if you could get two: a basic license and a master. Instead of your school’s exam, you can also take a licensing exam that can help you cross state boundaries in finding employment.

What Are The Best Medical Esthetician Schools?

Many community colleges and technical schools will be able to help you achieve your goal of becoming a medical esthetician. That, in turn, means you will likely be able to find a quality program within a short distance of where you live.

One high sought after school you might want to consider is the National Laser Institute. This institution has established a variety of locations all across the United States. So if their quick program seems the most appealing, you can choose a location that is convenient for you.

Jobs And Wages

In many ways, entering this field constitutes a smart career decision. Jobs in the medical field continue to grow, no less than 123% over the past ten years. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that by 2024, skin care specialists can expect a further 12% job growth.

The hourly rate for an average position currently ranges from $12.02 to $22.93 an hour.

After graduating with your license, the chances are that you will be starting your work at an established institution. Indeed.com, for example, currently lists more than 1,600 available jobs in the field throughout the United States.

Of course, especially once you have established your expertise and gained experience in this career, you can also open your own salon. In that case, both your salary expectations and your duties will change significantly, and you can make a larger impact on your patients and the local community.

When you love helping people, and you want to make a difference in their life through skin care, this is the career for you. Whether you are helping with laser treatments, exfoliation, or makeup, you will be able to make your patients feel better while feeling great in the process.

Also, the ability to get training in a wide variety of locations around the country allows you to find the best program to meet your needs and help you to achieve your dreams.

Once you’ve found the right program and get the proper training, you’ll be on your way to helping people improve and heal their skin in a clinical setting. Get started today on your training to become a medical esthetician.