To receive training as a medical aesthetician, an individual must already be a licensed aesthetician. Most states require aestheticians to have a minimum number of training hours to be licensed; vocational and technical schools offer aesthetics certificate programs that fulfill training hour requirements.
Schools with Medical Aesthetics Programs
These institutions offer medical aesthetics programs.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | 2018-19 Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lanier Technical College | Oakwood, GA | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $100 per credit* |
| Beauty and Health Institute | Tampa, FL | Less than 2-years, Private | Certificate | N/A |
| Empire Beauty School | Indianapolis, IN | Less than 2-years, Private | Certificate | $7,497** |
| Academy of Cosmetology | Janesville, WI | Less than 2-years, Private | Certificate | N/A |
| Clover Park Technical College | Lakewood, WA | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | $5,740** |
| Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics | Richmond, VA | Less than 2-years, Private | Certificate | $9,950** |
| Paroba College | Everett, WA | Less than 2-years, Private | Certificate | $11,678** |
Sources: *School website; **National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Selection Criteria
Few medical and paramedical aesthetics programs exist in this emerging career field, and many of the schools that offer these programs are for-profit institutions. There are several things to consider when choosing an aesthetics program.
- Aspiring medical aestheticians may want to seek schools that offer advanced courses in chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser technologies, light therapy and mechanical exfoliation equipment and procedures.
- Individualized attention is important in this program, so students should pay attention to the faculty qualifications in the medical field as well as a school's teacher-to-student ratio.
- Working students may want to look for programs with flexible scheduling and with night and weekend classes. This will allow them to continue working while pursuing a new career in skin care.
- Students should also look for schools that offer internships and career assistance to have the best job opportunities, as these programs will allow students to gain hand-on experience with clients.
Aesthetics Certificate Program
To earn initial licensure, students can complete a technical certificate in aesthetics from a vocational or technical college. These programs provide both classroom and hands-on training and prepare students for state licensing exams.
Medical Aesthetics and Master Aesthetics Certificate Programs
These programs for licensed aestheticians typically take one semester to complete and include clinical lab work and testing. An independent research project may be required.
Aestheticians may want to pursue advanced training to earn their master aesthetics certificate or aesthetics certificate. Flexible scheduling and faculty to student ratio are factors they should consider when choosing a school.