What is a Medical Esthetic Nurse Specialist?

The term Medical Esthetic Nurse Specialist or Aesthetic Nurse is a role that has emerged in the aesthetic industry over the last 15 years.  The qualifications for a Medical Esthetic Nurse Specialist is first that they are a licensed registered nurse in the state in which they work and have advanced certified training in aesthetic procedures such neurotoxins (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin), dermal fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Sculptra Aesthetic, Volume, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Silk and other FDA-approved products on the market.  Some Medical Esthetic Nurse Specialists also have advanced training in lasers and skin care (chemical peeling and micro needling).  Each state has individual requirement of the scope of practice for a registered nurse in this specialty.

To differentiate between an Aesthetician and Medical Esthetic Nurse Specialist, an aesthetician does not have a nursing degree but a license from a cosmetology school and usually provides services such as facials and waxing.  The background and training for a Medical Esthetic Nurse Specialist is far more advanced and required at least an associate degree in nursing.

What should you look for in a Medical Esthetic Nurse Specialist?  First and foremost is education and experience.  A good Medical Esthetic Nurse Specialist has many years experience in the field and is proficient in a broad spectrum of services.  Some states requires the oversight of a medical director either off site or on site depending on the state.

As one of the original founding members of the American Academy of Medical Esthetic Professionals, our assocation worked with nursing boards across the country to define the role of the Medical Esthetic Nurse Specialist.  All states require continuing education hours for nurses to further their knowledge base.  This is due to the dynamic and explosive growth of products and services in the aesthetic industry.  There are currently hundreds of approved dermal fillers in the world today and only a portion of them is approved in the United States.