How to Become a Medical Esthetician: Duties, Salary, and Essential Steps

Learn about the requirements for a profession as a medical esthetician, such as education, certification, salary and abilities. Learn about the obligations and expected pay.

Medical Esthetician Introduction

Medical estheticians, also known as clinical estheticians, are skincare professionals who work in the medical field. They provide a variety of non-surgical cosmetic procedures and treatments, such as chemical peels, laser treatments, and microdermabrasion, to help patients improve their skin’s appearance and health 01. If you’re interested in a career that combines skincare and healthcare, becoming a medical esthetician might be the perfect choice.

Overview

StepDescription
1. Obtain the Necessary Education and TrainingComplete a state-approved esthetician or cosmetology program and, if required, an accredited medical esthetics program.
2. Pass the Licensing ExamPass a state licensing exam consisting of a written test and a practical exam.
3. Gain Experience and Further EducationGain hands-on experience in a spa or salon, pursue additional training in medical esthetics, and consider certifications in specific areas.
4. Find Employment OpportunitiesSeek employment in medical settings such as dermatology offices, plastic surgery clinics, medical spas, and hospitals.

 

In this article, we’ll discuss the steps you need to take to become a medical esthetician, the duties and responsibilities of the job, and the salary expectations.

  1. Obtain the Necessary Education and Training

To become a medical esthetician, you must complete a state-approved esthetician or cosmetology program, which typically takes between 4 to 6 months. These programs will teach you the fundamentals of skincare, anatomy, physiology, and sanitation, as well as hands-on training in various esthetic procedures.

Additionally, some states require you to complete a certain number of hours in an accredited medical esthetics program. These programs often cover advanced skincare techniques, such as laser hair removal, chemical peels, and other non-surgical treatments.

  1. Pass the Licensing Exam

After completing your education, you must pass a state licensing exam to become a licensed esthetician. This exam typically consists of a written test and a practical exam. The written test covers topics such as skin analysis, facial treatments, and infection control, while the practical exam tests your ability to perform esthetic procedures.

  1. Gain Experience and Further Education

To work as a medical esthetician, you may need to gain additional experience or education in a medical setting. Many medical estheticians start by working in a spa or salon to gain hands-on experience and then pursue additional training in medical esthetics.

Some medical estheticians choose to pursue a certification in a specific area of esthetics, such as laser therapy, to increase their knowledge and expertise. Additionally, continuing education is often necessary to stay up-to-date with industry developments and maintain your license.

  1. Find Employment Opportunities

Medical estheticians can find employment opportunities in various medical settings, including dermatology offices, plastic surgery clinics, medical spas, and hospitals. Networking and building a strong portfolio showcasing your skills and experience can help you stand out to potential employers.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a medical esthetician, your duties and responsibilities will vary depending on your work setting. However, some common duties include:

  • Conducting patient consultations and assessments
  • Developing individualized skincare treatment plans
  • Performing non-surgical cosmetic treatments, such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy
  • Assisting physicians with various esthetic procedures
  • Educating patients on proper skincare and home care routines
  • Maintaining detailed patient records
  • Ensuring a clean and sterile work environment

Salary Expectations

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for skincare specialists, including medical estheticians, is $42,279 per year as of March 28, 2024. However, medical estheticians often earn higher salaries due to their specialized skills and training. Salaries can also vary based on factors such as experience, location, and work setting.

Medical Esthetician Salary Chart

Experience LevelAnnual Salary
Entry-Level (0-1 years)$28,000 – $35,000
Early Career (1-4 years)$35,000 – $45,000
Mid-Career (5-9 years)$45,000 – $55,000
Experienced (10-19 years)$55,000 – $65,000
Late Career (20+ years)$65,000+

FAQ

  1. What is the difference between a medical esthetician and a regular esthetician?

    A medical esthetician, also known as a clinical esthetician, is a skincare professional who specializes in providing non-surgical cosmetic procedures and treatments in medical settings. In contrast, a regular esthetician works in spas and salons, providing general skincare treatments and services.

  2. What type of education and training is required to become a medical esthetician?

    To become a medical esthetician, you must complete a state-approved esthetician or cosmetology program, which typically takes 4 to 6 months. Some states also require additional training in an accredited medical esthetics program, which covers advanced skincare techniques.

  3. What does the licensing exam for medical estheticians involve?

    The licensing exam for medical estheticians typically consists of a written test and a practical exam. The written test covers topics such as skin analysis, facial treatments, and infection control, while the practical exam tests your ability to perform esthetic procedures.

  4. What kind of experience is required to work as a medical esthetician?

    Many medical estheticians start by working in a spa or salon to gain hands-on experience, and then pursue additional training in medical esthetics. Some also choose to pursue certifications in specific areas of esthetics, such as laser therapy, to increase their knowledge and expertise.

  5. Where can medical estheticians find employment?

    Medical estheticians can find employment opportunities in various medical settings, including dermatology offices, plastic surgery clinics, medical spas, and hospitals.

  6. What are the duties and responsibilities of a medical esthetician?

    Some common duties of a medical esthetician include conducting patient consultations, developing individualized skincare treatment plans, performing non-surgical cosmetic treatments, assisting physicians with esthetic procedures, educating patients on proper skincare, maintaining patient records, and ensuring a clean work environment.

  7. What is the salary expectation for a medical esthetician?

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for skincare specialists, including medical estheticians, was $34,090 as of May 2020. However, medical estheticians often earn higher salaries due to their specialized skills and training. Salaries can also vary based on factors such as experience, location, and work setting.

 

Conclusion

Becoming a medical esthetician offers a rewarding and fulfilling career path for those interested in skincare and healthcare. With the proper education, training, and experience, you can help patients improve their skin’s appearance and health.