Every student has the right to choose his/her favorite career. Like, a licensed medical aesthetician might be exactly what you’re looking for. Considering the rapid increase in the number of people who require high-quality and professional skin-related therapy, the position is constantly in demand. However, one question on the minds of potential aesthetician students is how long it takes to become a licensed medical aesthetician.
The following blog will present the journey and period, so you’ll have a clear picture.
Comprehending the Role of a Medical Aesthetician
Before moving into the duration, it’s better to know what a medical aesthetician is. Aestheticians who work normally would typically provide beauty treatments, like facials and makeup, whereas a medical aesthetician is under the supervision of dermatologists and experts in this field. They provide deeper skin treatments, such as chemical peels, laser treatments, and medical-grade treatments. For this reason, the training and certification are more intensive.
Step 1: Completing Basic Aesthetician Training
The path to becoming a licensed medical aesthetician starts with becoming a licensed aesthetician. You are generally required by most states to log a certain number of hours of training at a state-accredited beauty or aesthetic school. This core training normally requires some 600 to 1,200 hours, depending on the state. If you go full-time, this will generally take 4-6 months on average.
As part of this phase, students are taught the anatomy and physiology of the skin, basic skin care techniques, sterilization, and client handling. This foundational license must be obtained before entering into the field of medical aesthetics.
Step 2: Enrolling in an Aesthetic Medicine College
Once you have your aesthetician license, the next step is receiving specific training from an aesthetic medicine college or program. This college provides specialized training for medical aestheticians. This is where you learn how to do things like microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, and chemical peels.
The duration of time required to complete a program at an aesthetic medicine college can range significantly from one institution to the next. Some courses are courses of short certification courses that extend from a few weeks to a couple of months, but others last 6 months to 1 year of practical training, depending on the intensity of the program and if you’re studying on a full-time or part-time basis.
Step 3: Acquiring More Certifications and Clinical Experience
Most states or companies demand practical experience under the supervision of a medical practitioner in addition to a formal degree.. This clinical training might be provided as part of your aesthetic medicine college program or separately via internships or apprenticeships. It is based on your state’s rules and regulations; you may have to earn extra certifications.
Step 4: State Requirements and Licensing
Each state will have its licensing laws for medical aestheticians. A training completion will usually be followed by a licensing exam, and some states will even have you register with the state board of medicine. You should reach out to your state’s licensing board to determine precisely how it needs to be done.
In total, the licensing process itself may take anywhere from several weeks to several months. Depending on how long you to complete exams and get paperwork sent in.
Choosing the Right Aesthetic Medicine College
Choosing the best school of aesthetic medicine is key to success. Not all schools of aesthetic medicine are created equal. Look for programs made with clinical experiences and experienced guides. Based on aspects such as duration and cost, you will be aware of what is best for you and your budget.
Staying Current in the Field
Apart from professional licensing, continuing education is essential in medical aesthetics. New technologies and treatments are being introduced regularly, so many medical aestheticians also take extra courses to remain current and widen their skill set. In some states, you are also required to take continuing education credits to keep your license.
The Final Thoughts
Becoming a certified medical aesthetician can be a rewarding career, but not one that you can just stumble into. It’s a much shorter path than becoming a doctor or a nurse, but it’s still a substantial commitment to education and to practicing in the real world.
In general, you can expect to spend around 6 months to over a year getting through everything that needs to happen. If you choose to go to a reputable aesthetic medicine school and meet your state licensing requirements, you’ll be on your way to a rewarding career in this increasingly popular market.
If you love skin care and are intrigued by medical treatments, this career may be a great fit. So there you have it. Now that you know how long it takes to be a licensed medical aesthetician, you can map out your school!
