If you are considering offering laser hair removal services, it is crucial to understand that it is not typically within the scope of practice for a traditional esthetician. In most states, only master estheticians are permitted to perform this service, as they have received specialized training in laser therapy as part of their advanced coursework. States such as Washington, Virginia, and Utah allow master estheticians to offer laser hair removal due to the additional training they have received. It is important to check the regulations in your state before offering this service to ensure that you are operating within the legal guidelines.
Such services are the practice of medicine and should only be provided by a licensed medical professional. Licensed cosmetologists and estheticians may provide laser hair removal. However, there are some things you should be aware of before getting laser hair remo
Can Esthetician Do Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is an effective way to get rid of unwanted hair. With the right technique and equipment, it’s safe and relatively painless. But if you’re looking to get laser hair removal done by an esthetician, there are some things you should know first:
-They don’t have the right equipment. Laser hair removal is expensive, and most estheticians aren’t going to have access to the right tools and technology required for it. It’s not just about having the right machine—it’s also about making sure that person has been trained in its use properly so as not to cause damage or burns on your skin. In this guide, we find out: Can esthetician do laser hair removal, laser hair removal license requirements, what states can estheticians do laser, and who can perform laser hair removal.
-It may hurt more than expected because of their inexperience. If your can esthetician doesn’t have experience with laser treatments, then they might not be able to provide adequate numbing cream or take other steps that would ensure your comfort during treatment sessions (like using cooling gels). This could mean more pain than you bargained for!
Can Esthetician Do Laser Hair Removal Near Me
Laser hair removal took the beauty industry by storm in the 1990s. During these initial years, regulation was non-existent and training was limited to a few hours with a laser removal machine distributor or manufacturer. As a result, anyone with the money to purchase a laser hair removal device was performing this service. As a result, things like burns, scarring, and unhappy clients were all too commonplace.
In the years since, technology has changed and many state regulations have emerged. Although state laws, statutes, and regulations have helped improve the quality and safety of hair removal treatments while increasing consumer confidence, there remains a great deal of misinformation because federal regulations are still not in place for laser hair removal devices and the people that operate them.
In 2005, Arizona became the first state to enact laws regarding laser hair removal treatments. The Arizona Radiation Regulatory Association ruled that cosmetic laser technicians must complete a program that includes 40 classroom hours, 24 hours of clinical practice in laser hair removal, and an additional 24 hours of clinical practice in other light-based treatment modalities.
Other states soon followed. For example, Texas enacted the Laser Hair Removal Statute in 2010, which required certification as a laser hair removal technician. Certification is dependent upon the completion of at least 40 hours of training and at least 100 cosmetic laser procedures.
Some states, like Georgia, have stricter laws in place. According to the Georgia Cosmetic Laser Services Act, which was enacted in 2007, only estheticians or master cosmetologists are eligible to earn certification as either an assistant or senior laser practitioner, both of which require mandatory hours of training in laser hair removal.
To date, a smaller number of states, including California and New Jersey, prohibit estheticians or other beauty professionals from performing laser hair removal. Instead, the practice is limited to medical professionals, including doctors, physician’s assistants, and nurses.
Still other states like New York and Virginia have no formal law in place regarding the operation of lasers for hair removal services.
Even given the muddy waters of laser hair removal state laws, ignorance is never an excuse for practicing outside the scope of the law. Therefore, you are always well served by contacting your appropriate state regulatory agency (usually the state medical board).
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Laser hair removal (LHR) uses a beam of light to damage the hair follicle during the growth phase to prevent it from growing any further. Although the removal is not permanent on the first application, over time the continued application of the laser may stop the hair’s growth completely.
One of the most important benefits of laser hair removal is that it allows your clients to avoid the time-consuming process of daily shaving, plucking, or even the weekly or bi-weekly process of waxing.
It’s important to educate clients that the hair removal process may vary among individuals. For some individuals, laser hair removal may be permanent after only a few treatments, while for others it may take a longer period of time.
You’ll usually need to conduct anywhere from five to seven treatments on the desired area in order to remove the hair. Clients may expect to walk out of the salon with smooth, hairless legs—however, because the laser stunts the growth of the follicle by heating it to an extremely high temperature, it can take up to three weeks to lose the hair after a treatment. By educating your client prior to the treatment and talking through the process, you can ensure that they know what to expect and are confident that you understand the process of laser hair removal.
Performing Laser Hair Removal
Before performing laser hair removal, it’s best to have a consultation with your client. What are they expecting out of laser hair removal? What hair removal methods do they currently use? Do they have a history of sensitive skin?
You should suggest that your clients prepare their skin by avoiding harsh hair removal procedures for the week leading up to the laser hair removal—this includes sugaring and waxing. Hair removal procedures can leave the skin sensitive, which will make the laser hair removal procedure more painful than it needs to be. Suggesting that your clients avoid prolonged sun exposure is also beneficial for the treatment, because you’ll need to select an appropriate laser based on your client’s natural skin color. However, unlike the process of sugaring or waxing, you won’t need your clients to have hair of a certain length in the area—they can shave before coming in.
To remove the hair, you’ll select the appropriate laser and prep your client’s skin with ultrasound gel. The amount of melanin in your client’s skin will help you determine which laser to use. You might use an alexandrite laser on lighter skinned patients and an aluminum garnet laser on darker skinned patients.
Then you’ll direct the laser at the desired area and move it quickly over the area. Ideally, the laser will be absorbed by the hair follicle and reflected by the skin as you move the laser over the area. This will stunt the hair follicle’s growth, provided that it is in the growth phase. By providing several treatments over the span of weeks or months, you’ll catch each follicle in the growth phase and provide the best results.
Depending on the area that you’re treating, laser hair removal procedures can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours.
Ensuring the Safety of Your Clients
Because laser hair removal is a relatively new method, your clients may need assurance that the procedure will be completed safely and that their skin won’t suffer damage or high levels of pain.
The process requires finesse, because rather than applying the laser to individual hairs, the laser is applied over the entire area of skin where the hair needs to be removed, and if it’s not applied correctly, the laser could damage the skin. The proper wavelength of the laser will be absorbed by the hair and reflected by the skin to prevent damage to the skin.
You also may perform a “patch test” on clients if they’ve never had the procedure done before. A patch test will involve performing laser hair removal on just a small section of skin to see how the skin reacts and to ensure that it’s not too painful for your client.
Some people describe the laser hair removal process as feeling like a pinch, while others say it feels like being snapped by a rubber band. Every person’s pain tolerance is different, and some may need breaks within the process in order to relax and minimize discomfort. However, if your client is experiencing extreme discomfort, you might recommend alternate hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing, or sugaring.
Be sure that your clients know how to care for their skin after the removal process. It’s normal for the skin to appear pink and have a tingling feel for several hours after the procedure, and clients should avoid shaving or waxing for up to 48 hours after the procedure. Even avoiding hot showers can help the skin to heal.
laser hair removal license requirements
How to Get Certified for Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal has become hugely in demand over the last 20 years. Over 1 million laser hair removal treatments were performed in the United States last year. Because of the increasing popularity, more people are wondering how to get certified for laser hair removal in Arizona and Texas. It’s easier than you may think.
1. Meet Your State Requirements
Many states eligibility allows those who have earned a high school diploma or GED to enroll in a laser training school. However, there are a few states that only allow medical professionals to handle cosmetic lasers and equipment. You can learn about your specific state’s requirements by calling 800-982-6817 for more information.
2. Enroll in a Laser Training Course
There are many laser schools across the country. Narrowing them now can be difficult. Despite what you may have thought, location shouldn’t be top priority. You should take a school’s accreditation and reputation into account. It’s also wise to invest in a laser hair removal school that will provide hands-on training. Clinical training is important in order to have first hand experience with laser equipment and to practice techniques on real clientele.
3. Deposits and Financial Assistance
Many laser hair removal training schools will require you to put down a relatively small deposit in order to hold your seat. This is normal. However, cost of tuition may vary from school to school. There are laser schools like National Laser Institute that offer scholarships and finical assistance on a need-to-need basis. There are also military and military spouse grants for those eligible.
4. Attend
Laser hair removal school typically consists of 1 – 2 weeks of comprehensive training. That’s it! National Laser Institute’s laser hair removal training course teaches you important information such as the Fitzpatrick scale, laser safety training, skin and tissue interactions, pre and post care, the latest laser techniques, and more. Led by expert industry professionals, you will also learn within our medical spa environment. You will also experience hands-on training with a number of advanced laser hair removal equipment and teach a variety of different clients.
Once you complete your laser hair removal training in Arizona and Texas, you’ve earned your laser certification. For those seeking employment within this industry after training, National Laser Institute’s Graduate Services Department sends out between 200 – 500 job opportunities each month! Plus they offer graduates access to the largest online medical aesthetic library with thousands of pages of resources including clinical studies, videos, marketing information, and much more.
Get certified in laser hair removal with National Laser Institute in Arizona and Texas. As the first to pioneer the laser training curriculum, they are truly the leaders in this industry. They have been around for over a decade and have trained countless estheticians, career changers, cosmologists, and medical professionals.
Learn more about National Laser Institute’s upcoming laser hair removal courses by filling out the form on your right or call 800-982-6817.
what states can estheticians do laser
With millions of cosmetic procedures being done each year, there’s no wonder that the medical spa industry is a fast-growing sector in the United States. If you want to offer med spa services or own a clinic, you need to follow the guidelines that regulate aesthetic procedures in your state.
So what do you need to know about the state-by-state regulations for med spas? Each state has a medical board that oversees and provides guidelines on how every aesthetic practice should conduct its business. It’s important to review these regulations before starting your own med spa to avoid any penalties or medical malpractice. In this article, we’ve summarized some of the essential rules and regulations for each state.
Basics of a Medical Spa
Nowadays, there are plenty of establishments that offer beauty treatments but not all of them can be considered a med spa. Unlike traditional spas which have dominated the industry for decades, a med spa offers a combination of aesthetic and medical services that are administered and supervised by a professional doctor or board-certified plastic surgeon.
Similar to a day spa, all procedures in an aesthetic medical practice are performed in a relaxing and comfortable environment. The only difference is that these services are more advanced and use medical-grade tools, specialized equipment, and injections which are typically prescribed and thus require physician supervision.
In most states, med spas are owned by a licensed physician who is trained and has an extensive background in aesthetic medicine. However, some states aren’t strict and can allow a physician assistant or nurse practitioner to own their medical spa. In these cases, they’d need to register their business with the medical board or hire their own physicians.
Common Services Provided in a Med Spa
Medical spas can offer a wide range of cosmetic treatments and non-surgical procedures that aim to improve the appearance of the skin. Some of the typical medical spa treatments that you can provide are:
Laser Hair Removal Requirements by State
Opening a med spa facility involves a lot of processes and you’ll need legal advice to ensure that you are meeting the requirements needed for the business. One of the first steps you need to take is to review your state’s rules and regulations on running medical spa practices. Here’s a guide to help you understand the standard and protocols for medspas in each state:
Alabama
Alabama follows the corporate practice of medicine doctrine, which means that only state-licensed physicians have the right to own a medical spa. There’s no exemption to that rule and even hiring a medical director will not be considered a workaround to that regulation.
The state’s medical board also considers all Botox treatments, dermal fillers, and laser procedures as medical treatment. This means that only certified physicians can do the treatment or they should at least be present to supervise the procedure. It’s possible to delegate non-ablative lasers to a nurse practitioner, while ablative treatments should only be done by the doctor. They also require all staff members who use lasers to register with the board.
Alaska
Under Alaska’s law, non-physicians can have their own medical spa provided that they employ a medical director and other licensed doctors to perform the services. They can also have a share in the profits as long as they are considered an owner of the practice.
The state does not require specialized training or background to perform most treatments like Botox and soft tissue fillers, and it can be done by a physician assistant or nurse practitioner. However, for laser treatments, a licensed physician must delegate and supervise the procedure before they can administer it. There’s also no limit as to how many PAs a licensed physician can supervise.
Arizona
In Arizona, state-licensed professionals, physician group practice, and even non-physicians can open a medical spa. They don’t strictly follow the corporate practice of medicine doctrine which means physicians can be employed with other non-physician-owned businesses to provide cosmetic and medical treatments.
When it comes to compensation, the state allows all PAs, NPs, and RNs to be paid a reasonable salary for their duties. However, in accordance with the anti-kickback law, they may not accept any commission in exchange for a referral to provide their services.
California
According to California’s regulations, a medical spa must be owned by a state-licensed physician or practice group and they should hold at least 51% of the clinic’s shares. The remaining 49% may be held by other professional entities such as licensed registered nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists, and medical corporations.
The state also requires that all staff members, including PAs, NPs, and RNs, should be licensed and actively practicing. They should also have obtained higher education or specialized training related to the cosmetic procedures that they offer.
Colorado
In Colorado, there’s no specific license that distinguishes a med spa practice from health care or medical facilities. The practice of medical aesthetics is recognized to be the same as medicine so they can operate without needing a special license. However, the law clearly states that only a licensed medical doctor or physician can form a med spa practice.
Connecticut
The state doesn’t restrict anyone from owning a med spa so even non-physicians can open their practice. However, they should employ a licensed physician, registered nurse, or physician assistant to perform the services. The PAs, RNs, and NPs can also have a share in the profits generated through their medical services or take commissions. Any cosmetic medical procedure in the state of Connecticut is also subject to 6.35% sales and use tax.
Delaware
In Delaware, both physicians and non-physicians can own a medical spa practice and offer aesthetic services. In terms of cosmetic procedures, you may need advanced training in order to administer the treatment. For example, you’ll need to first complete 300 hours of training and acquire the electrologist license in Delaware before performing hair removal.
Florida
While anyone can own a med spa in Florida, the law states that non-physicians can’t receive compensation or profits gained from the use of equipment or services performed by the professional doctor. You may create contracts that will permit the non-physicians to have a share in the practice’s revenues.
Georgia
The regulations state that only physicians can own a medical spa but any facility can still provide cosmetic services such as laser and IPL hair removal provided that they have the equipment. If you’re offering light-based procedures, you need to acquire a laser license and have at least 3 certifications from specialized training courses. For PAs performing cosmetic procedures, they should be supervised by at least one licensed physician. The law also states that an LP should supervise no more than 4 physician assistants at a time.
Hawaii
Any individual with a state license in Hawaii and even non-physicians can own a med spa practice. Under the state’s law, all laser and light procedures, dermal fillers, Botox, collagen injections, spray and airbrush tanning, and microneedling are considered medical treatments.
Typically, PAs, NPs, and RNs do not require special training to perform the procedures as long as they have physician supervision. However, for electrologists, they need to register 600 hours from an accredited electrology school, complete 800 hours of apprenticeship over 6 months, or have 700 hours combined of schooling and practice.
Idaho
Almost all med spas in Idaho are owned by licensed physicians since they are the only ones allowed by the state to open a practice. They also do not allow the employment of physicians in businesses or corporations owned by non-physicians. The services that are considered a medical treatment in Idaho are injectables, microneedling, CoolSculpting, microdermabrasion, and non-superficial ultrasound or radiofrequency therapy.
Illinois
While the state provides the right to own a medical spa to licensed physicians, it also allows NPs to open their practice provided that they have finished training and obtained proper certification. All unlicensed individuals and non-medical doctors may not have share in the ownership and profits generated by the med spa. In terms of sales tax, the state requires a tax of at least 1% on prescription and nonprescription medicines, including Botox injections.
Indiana
According to state regulations, any licensed medical practitioner, healthcare professional, and physician can own and operate a medical spa in Indiana. Individuals who aren’t trained, qualified, or experienced in the practice of medicine can’t run a med spa or contract a medical director. Medical spas should also be registered and authorized by the Indiana Medical Board and Department of State.
Iowa
Medical spas in Iowa can be owned by both licensed and non-physicians. They may employ a medical director to oversee cosmetic procedures and his/her name must be clearly included on all signage and posts related to the practice.
Any doctor or medical professional can perform cosmetic treatments but specifically for lasers and electrolysis, it requires that the individual has finished a 425-hour training course in electrology. They should also do 8 hours of continuing education each year to keep their license active.
Kansas
The state of Kansas only allows licensed physicians or a physician group practice to form and operate a medical spa. However, under the special provision of KSA 65-28a13, PAs may also own up to 49% of the practice while there are no restrictions on how much percentage of a business can be owned by NPs. If a practice is found to be violating this regulation, there may be civil penalties of up to $1000 per day.
Kentucky
Under Kentucky law, only licensed physicians, physician group practice, and advanced practice nurses may own a medspa. If you’re a non-physician, you can enter certain contracts or follow the MSO (medical services organization) model prepared by your legal adviser in order to share the profits of the practice.
Some procedures such as Botox injectables are taxed at 6% in the state. Kentucky law also provides that treatments like laser hair removal should be done by a physician who has undergone formal training and completed at least 30 treatments with supervision.
Louisiana
Medical spas in Louisiana may be owned by licensed and non-physicians who will then contract a medical director to perform the aesthetic services. Most procedures can be performed by PAs, RNs, NPs, and professional doctors. However, to be able to provide electrolysis services, an individual must complete 600 hours of training in an accredited program by the Louisiana State Board of Electrolysis Examiners.
Maine
Maine law doesn’t strictly prohibit non-physicians from owning a med spa and they can hire a licensed medical professional to perform the services and act as the director. There are also no specific restrictions as to what kind of information a medical spa should post as long as they aren’t false, fraudulent, or misleading.
Maryland
Following the Maryland Board of Physicians, only licensed physicians, physician group practices, and certified nurse practitioners may be able to own a medical spa. The state also establishes that only the physicians can evaluate, prescribe treatment, provide informed consent, and perform the procedure.
Other members of the staff such as PAs, RNs, and NPs may also conduct the treatment provided that they finish the required training from higher education and they are supervised by physicians.
Massachusetts
Under Massachusetts law, non-physicians can also operate a med spa practice as long as they apply for a clinic license from the state’s Department of Public Health. The state clearly defines that all light- and heat-based treatments, injectables, chemical peels, scrubs, and microdermabrasion are medical procedures.
Specialized training is required for electrologists and they should complete an 1100-hour course in an accredited program and earn continuing education credit every 2 years. Aestheticians should also have 30 hours of IPL device training to be allowed to perform laser hair removal.
Michigan
Michigan isn’t particularly strict as to who can own medspas but in cases of non-physicians, it is recommended that they should be set up as a professional services organization or PLLC. They should also not interfere with any medical decisions or physician-patient relationships.
The state also allows PAs, RNs, and NPs to take commissions for certain treatments but they shouldn’t take any in cases of referrals. Most cosmetic procedures can be done by any practitioner without requiring specialized background. However, the law requires electrologists to obtain a license by finishing a 400-hour training course and passing an exam.
Minnesota
State-licensed physicians and nurse practitioners have the right to own a medspa and set up a PLLC in Minnesota. In terms of the medical equipment, there’s no need to get a license to own them except for lasers which require that they should be bought only by a physician. The state also allows any practitioner to perform the treatments and doesn’t require any specialized background as long as they are properly trained and supervised by a physician.
Mississippi
Under Mississippi law, non-physicians can also operate a medspa but for practices that are set up as a PLLC, only state-licensed individuals can be shareholders. The state is also not restrictive in terms of the requirements needed to perform procedures. As long as they have been delegated or supervised by a licensed physician, any PA, RN, NP, or electrologist can provide the specific treatment.
Missouri
In Missouri, only individuals who have active licenses in the state or a physician group practice can start a medspa. Those performing specific procedures such as electrolysis should have an electrologist license. Additionally, any cosmetologist hired by the practice is required to finish 1500 hours of study and an esthetician should complete at least 750 hours.
Montana
Under Montana law, anyone except for non-physicians can start and operate a med spa practice. The state also doesn’t have any strict rules regarding the requirements to perform the treatments as long as the physician has the skill, extensive training, and experience to practice medical aesthetics. However, the law provides that any establishment that violates the corporate practice of medicine may be subject to penalties and possible imprisonment.
Nebraska
Nebraska regulates that all med spas should only be owned by a licensed physician in the state. According to their law, any doctor can perform Botox and soft tissue fillers without any specialized training. For laser procedures, a PA, NP, or RN can also get the job done as long as they are delegated by the physician in a practice agreement. For other services like CoolSculpting or microneedling, a state-licensed physician, PA, or ARNP may perform the treatment.
Nevada
While only licensed professionals can run and own a part of a medspa in Nevada, non-physicians can still have a share in the profits provided there’s a clear contract that permits them to be included in the revenues. Under NRS 454 and 629.086, the state only allows Botox and filler injections to be done by licensed physicians, PAs, properly trained dentists, RNs, ARNPs, and podiatric physicians. There are no specific regulations regarding laser hair removal procedures.
New Hampshire
Anyone can open an aesthetic practice in New Hampshire but there are regulations regarding who can perform certain procedures. For example, only PAs and physicians who are licensed by the state medical board can administer laser treatments. PAs, RNs, and NPs can also provide Botox and facial fillers as long it is in practice agreement with the physician.
New Jersey
Under New Jersey laws, any procedure that affects the body’s living tissue is considered a medical treatment. This can include services like lasers, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and injectables. The state clearly provides that aestheticians aren’t allowed to perform these procedures and should only be administered by licensed physicians with special training from higher education.
New Mexico
In New Mexico, non-physicians may also organize corporations and provide medical services as long as they employ licensed professionals and a medical director. The medical director’s name should be clearly shown on all advertising posts by the medical spa on social media and discounts on Groupons. While there’s no required training for most practitioners, electrologists are required to finish a 600-hour instruction course before they can perform treatments.
New York
New York provides the right to own a medspa to any licensed physician, physician group practice, and nurse practitioner who has the required certification and training. However, it’s a must that all individuals performing the procedures should have an active state license and have completed training from a higher education institution. ARPNs may practice independently provided that they meet the requirements of the state’s laws.
North Carolina
According to state regulations, businesses that provide medical services should only be owned by licensed individuals. This can include medical doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified clinical specialists, and nurse anesthetists. For laser procedures, the attending practitioner should carry a special license and have finished a 600-hour training in electrology from the State of North Carolina.
North Dakota
Under North Dakota law, non-physicians can’t own or have a share in the profits of a medical spa. Most cosmetic procedures like Botox, dermal fillers, and lasers should also only be done by a licensed physician. There are exemptions for injectables where a PA, NP, and RN can perform the treatment under physician supervision.
Ohio
According to the State Medical Board of Ohio, they no longer prohibit the corporate practice of medicine doctrine and thus Ohio-licensed physicians can be employed by any business or corporation to provide medical treatments. Still, non-medical doctors can’t acquire profits from the spa. The law also states that injectables can be given by PAs, RNs, and NPs, while laser hair removal should be performed by a practitioner with at least 50 hours of training.
Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, anyone can own a medical spa but a licensed physician is the only one allowed to perform the medical services. The state defines what constitutes medical treatments in a medspa and it includes cosmetic injections, laser procedures, chemical peels, abrasion, and cold and heat therapy. Med spas can also hire cosmetologists to provide facials and non-medical services provided that they have an active license in the state.
Oregon
In Oregon law, only licensed physicians, physician group practice, or nurse practitioners can start a medspa. However, under the provision of Or. Rev. Stat. §58.375, non-physicians may also be part of the corporation as a minor shareholder. There’s no specialized background required for performing injectables but an individual must have 600 hours training in electrology and pass the exam from Oregon Health licensing agency to become an electrologist.
Pennsylvania
Under Pennsylvania regulations, a medspa is recognized as a medical practice which means that only licensed physicians can form a business. The state also requires that all individuals performing procedures should have training from a higher education institution and have an active license. The Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology also provides that an aesthetician can’t administer lasers even with a supervising physician.
Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, both licensed and non-physicians can become a medical spa owner however, the latter should contract a professional to perform the services. There are some treatments that require special training and certification such as lasers and electrolysis. To become a state-licensed electrologist, individuals should complete a 650-hour instruction course and practice for at least 9 months.
South Carolina
Pursuant to the South Carolina Medical Board, there are no strict restrictions regarding licenses or regulations of corporations and employment of medical directors for a practice. However, licensees should ensure that all non-licensed personnel are properly trained and informed on how to perform delegated tasks and should provide documentation to the Board.
A licensed physician can perform procedures that are within the scope of their education and training. They can attend specialized training courses and have continuing education to demonstrate competency in the treatment. They can also supervise no more than 3 non-physicians in the practice.
who can perform laser hair removal
Find a Laser Training School Near You
Check out the Laser Training schools these cities in California have to offer.
When you think of the beauty industry, do you think of California? If so, this is great news for you if you want to explore new career opportunities in cosmetology, since California often starts and accepts new trends very quickly, creating a demand for skilled professionals. Laser hair removal is an example of these growing trends. CA laser training programs give you the customer service skills, technological knowledge, and hands-on skills that you need to help clients enjoy permanent hair loss or reduction. Since laser hair removal is closely related to other beauty careers, you may be interested in learning more about hair removal careers if you are already established in this field.
State License Requirements
Since this is a relatively new type of technology in the beauty industry, you may find that licensing requirements vary quite a bit from state to state. California currently has some of the strictest laser technician requirements in the country. In order to operate a laser, which includes providing laser treatment for the purpose of hair removal, you must be a registered nurse or physician’s assistant (Medical Board of California, 2016). Furthermore, you must be supervised by a medical director.
On top of learning about laser hair removal, your education may also explore the use of lasers for other medical procedures, since this technology is restricted to licensed medical professionals. You should plan on getting plenty of hands-on experience—the more laser treatments you complete, the more confident you can be about working on patients independently after graduation.
Education Details
If you want to use your medical career to get started in laser therapy, you must attend an accredited school that covers the following topics: Safe use of lasers Patient monitoring and consultation Conditions that benefit from laser therapy Contraindicating symptoms and diagnoses Proper use of laser machines Documentation and laws Follow-up care On top of learning about laser hair removal, your education may also explore the use of lasers for other medical procedures, since this technology is restricted to licensed medical professionals. You should plan on getting plenty of hands-on experience—the more laser treatments you complete, the more confident you can be about working on patients independently after graduation.
License Renewal
Continuing education required
In California, you need to be a registered nurse or physician to meet the requirements set outlined by the California Medical Board. If you already meet these standards, and you want to work in laser technology, we think your best bet is to take a course that meets the standards set by the National Council on Laser Certification (NCLC). Once you register with this organization, you will need to renew your certification every three years, and pay a $95 fee.
Can Esthetician Do Laser Hair Removal in California
In California, estheticians are not legally allowed to perform laser hair removal procedures. Only licensed medical professionals, such as doctors, physician assistants, and registered nurses, are permitted to operate laser hair removal devices in the state. This is because laser hair removal is considered a medical procedure that carries potential risks and complications if not performed correctly. Estheticians are trained in skincare and beauty treatments, but they do not have the necessary medical training to safely and effectively administer laser hair removal. It is important for individuals seeking laser hair removal to ensure they are receiving treatment from a qualified and licensed medical professional to minimize the risk of adverse effects.
Average yearly salary for laser training in California
Working as a laser tech in CA typically means working in medical facilities, since beauty professionals and unlicensed laser technicians are not permitted to use laser technology. You may find laser technician work at hospitals, medical spas, and dermatology clinics. You may also provide hair removal services at an endocrinological clinic or hair removal clinic. If you work strictly with hair removal, your career falls into the field of skin care. Between 2012 and 2022, O*Net expects job openings for California skin care specialists to increase 41% (2016). The average salary for a California skin care specialist is $31,800 per year (O*Net, 2016).
If there is one state known for its passion for beauty, it’s California. The job options for a California hair removal and skincare technician are plentiful in beauty salons. A technician may also work in medical offices. Beauty and skincare matter in California. This makes the job outlook for California hair removal and skincare technicians something worth getting exciting about.