If you’re considering a career in the dermatology nursing specialty, there are so many different career paths to choose from.
You can work in a hospital, a private office, a burn unit, or a surgical center. There’s the option to work either as a licensed practical or vocational nurse (LPN or LVN, respectively), a registered nurse (RN), or a nurse practitioner (NP), each of which gives you varying degrees of independence and responsibilities in your work.
There’s also the option to work as an aesthetic dermatology nurse, which many find to be the best of both worlds, as you get to be a primary practitioner administering procedures during an appointment.
So what is an anesthetic dermatology nurse? What procedures can they complete, and how is it different from other dermatology nursing roles? In this post, we’ll answer all these questions, so keep reading!
What Is an Aesthetic Dermatology Nurse?
An aesthetic dermatology nurse—also known as a “cosmetic nurse”—is a registered nurse who has received specialized training and certification in dermatology procedures. They can administer select procedures, including fillers, laser skin treatments, and liposuction.
When working as an aesthetic dermatology nurse, patients will make an appointment to see you as the practitioner.
Where Do Aesthetic Dermatology Nurses Work?
Some aesthetic dermatology nurses will work in private dermatology offices or cosmetic surgery offices. Some may work in inpatient hospital settings, like burn units, but most work in outpatient roles.
Some states may allow aesthetic nurses (particularly aesthetic nurse practitioners) to practice without doctor supervision, though this will often be in a non-med spa. However, in most states, even aesthetic nurse practitioners will be required to practice in an organization that’s overseen by a board-certified dermatologist if they want to work in a medical setting.
What Procedures Can Aesthetic Dermatology Nurses Do?
Cosmetic nurses are certified to perform the following procedures:
- Consulting with patients and providing medical screenings before providing services
- Examining the skin for concerns like aging, skin damage, and potential for treatment
- Making recommendations for treatment options
- Assisting a physician with procedures and surgeries
- Administering injections of collagen-based fillers or Botox
- Performing chemical peels
- Providing Sclerotherapy
- Conducting laser hair removal
- Providing other facial services like dermabrasion
- Performing CoolSculpting
- Removing tattoos
- Performing some types of light therapy
How Much Can Aesthetic Dermatology Nurses Make?
According to data from the American Med Spa Association, aesthetic nurses have a median annual salary of $77,600 and an average salary of $85,621.
Aesthetic dermatology nurse practitioners have higher earning potential, though the data on average salaries varies widely. Pacific College shared data from different sources showing that some put the average salary at around $95,000 annually, while others put it closer to $129,000 annually.
Your earning potential will be impacted by the city where you work, the type of facility where you work, years of experience, education, and any additional certifications you obtain.
How to Become an Aesthetic Dermatology Nurse
If you’re interested in becoming an aesthetic dermatology nurse, the good news is that you’re already on the right track if you’re pursuing an education or career as a registered nurse!
First, you need to complete either a two-year Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). Either program can allow you to sit for the exam to obtain your RN licensure, though it’s worth noting that a BSN often opens up more career opportunities and higher earning potential. In fact, some employers may only hire RNs with BSN degrees.
After graduating with your degree, you’ll sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Passing the exam is required to become licensed in your state, making you eligible to work as a nurse.
In some areas, you may start working as an aesthetic nurse without further certification. However, it’s heavily recommended (and often required by employers) to receive an aesthetic nursing certification through the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (PSNCB). The certification will allow you to administer some procedures that you wouldn’t be able to provide otherwise.
In order to be eligible for taking the certification exam, you must:
- Have a current RN license
- Have accrued at least 1,000 hours in core competency specialties within the last two years
- Have a minimum of two years of nursing experience within the designated four competencies with a board-certified physician in either ophthalmology, dermatology, facial plastic surgery, or plastic/aesthetic surgery
- Have a supervising core physician endorse you
Final Thoughts
If you want to help patients feel and look their best, aesthetic dermatology nursing may be a great career choice. You can work in a variety of office settings, giving you plenty of career flexibility if you ever feel like a change.
Considering working in the dermatology specialty but aren’t sure exactly where you’d like to work? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Dermatology Nursing!
