Why Aesthetics Is the Fastest-Growing Medical Career?

Are you passionate about beauty, skincare, and helping people feel their best? Becoming an aesthetic nurse could be the perfect career for you. As a growing field within the cosmetic […]

Are you passionate about beauty, skincare, and helping people feel their best? Becoming an aesthetic nurse could be the perfect career for you. As a growing field within the cosmetic and wellness industry, aesthetic nursing offers great opportunities, flexibility, and high earning potential.

In this full guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from education to certification, salary expectations, and how to land your first job.

What is an Aesthetic Nurse?

An aesthetic nurse (also called a cosmetic nurse or injector nurse) is a registered nurse (RN) who specializes in providing non-surgical cosmetic treatments to patients. These may include:

  • Botox and dermal fillers
  • Laser hair removal
  • Microneedling
  • Chemical peels
  • PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy
  • Skin tightening and rejuvenation
  • Body contouring procedures

Aesthetic nurses often work in med spas, dermatology clinics, plastic surgery centers, and even luxury day spas and cruise lines.

Step 1: Get Your Nursing Degree

The first step to becoming an aesthetic nurse is to become a registered nurse (RN). You can do this by completing one of the following:

  • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – typically 2 years
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – typically 4 years

After completing your degree, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to get your license and start practicing.

Tip: Some employers prefer BSN over ADN due to the additional clinical training.

Step 2: Gain Nursing Experience

While it’s possible to enter aesthetics early, most clinics and med spas prefer nurses with 1–2 years of clinical experience—especially in dermatology, plastic surgery, or medical-surgical units.

This helps you develop:

  • Strong patient care skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Injection technique
  • Confidence working in clinical environments

Step 3: Complete Aesthetic Nurse Certification & Training

Although there’s no single required certification, specialized aesthetic training is essential. You can complete courses in:

  • Botox and dermal filler injections
  • Laser and light therapies
  • Chemical peels and skincare
  • Facial anatomy and injection safety

Look for hands-on training from accredited institutions. Once experienced, you can pursue formal credentials like:

  • Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS) by the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board
  • Certified Medical Aesthetician (CMA)

Pro tip: Choose courses that are recognized by top employers in your region.

Step 4: Choose Your Career Path

Aesthetic nurses can work in a variety of settings, including:

  • Medical Spas (Med Spas)
  • Dermatology Clinics
  • Plastic Surgery Centers
  • Day Spas
  • Luxury Resorts & Hotels
  • Cruise Ships
  • Private Practice or Mobile Aesthetic Services

You can choose to specialize as a Botox injector, laser specialist, skincare consultant, or even become an aesthetic nurse practitioner if you pursue a graduate degree.

Step 5: Apply for Jobs (with Help from Birecruit)

Once trained, it’s time to land your dream job.

At Birecruit, we help you connect with top employers in the aesthetic and wellness industry. Our job board features positions across:

  • Aesthetic nurse jobs in NYC
  • Botox injector roles in Los Angeles
  • Med spa jobs in Miami
  • Plastic surgery nurse jobs in Toronto
  • Luxury spa cruise nurse jobs

Whether you’re looking for full-time, part-time, or flexible shifts—we’re here to guide your career journey.

Post your resume or browse our curated job board today.

Aesthetic Nurse Salary (2025 Update)

One of the top questions is: How much do aesthetic nurses make?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Location                                  Average Salary
USA$85,000 – $120,000/year
CanadaCAD $70,000 – CAD $100,000/year
NYC$95,000 – $130,000/year
California$100,000 – $140,000/year

These numbers can increase with experience, certification, and additional training.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the difference between an aesthetic nurse and a plastic surgery nurse?

Aesthetic nurses focus on non-surgical cosmetic treatments. Plastic surgery nurses assist with pre- and post-operative care for surgical patients.

  1. Can LPNs become aesthetic nurses?

Most aesthetic roles require RN or NP status, but some LPNs may assist in supportive roles under supervision.

  1. How do I become a Botox injector?

Get your RN license, complete Botox certification training, and apply for injector positions at med spas or cosmetic clinics.

  1. Is aesthetic nursing hard?

Like any medical profession, it requires precision, empathy, and ongoing training, but many nurses find it highly rewarding and flexible.

Summary – Your Career in Aesthetics Starts Here

Becoming an aesthetic nurse is an exciting and fulfilling path for anyone passionate about beauty, wellness, and patient care. With the right education, hands-on training, and the support of a recruitment platform like Birecruit, you can build a thriving career in this fast-growing field.

Ready to take the next step?
Visit Birecruit.com to explore aesthetic nurse jobs and post your resume today!

Share this post