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by
Carly Elliott, BSN, RN (Editorial Team / Admin)
Between 2010 to 2018, the occurrence of Botox injections in North America grew by 845%, and the demand for aesthetic nurse practitioners continues to expand in healthcare as the aesthetic medicine market is projected to grow 14.7% from 2023 to 2030.
Aesthetic NPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who can assess, diagnose, and treat patients, including performing cosmetic procedures and prescribing medications.
Difference Between Aesthetic RN and Aesthetic NP
It's important to distinguish between Aesthetic registered nurses (RNs) and Aesthetic NPs.
Aesthetic RNs can perform or assist with multiple cosmetic treatments. With additional certifications and supervision by a physician, they can also perform cosmetic procedures, including Botox, simple laser treatment, and facials.
An Aesthetic NP has a much broader scope of practice due to more extensive education and passing a board certification exam, allowing for more responsibilities than the aesthetic RN.
Aesthetic NP Job Description
Depending on the practice of the Aesthetic NP, services may include facials, laser treatments, Botox, chemical peels, and dermal fillers. Aesthetic NPs may also assist plastic surgeons in more invasive surgical procedures.
Aesthetic NPs work in private outpatient settings rather than in hospitals. These settings may include medical spas or private practice clinics, and some Aesthetic NPs even own and operate cosmetic clinics.
Being an Aesthetic NP is about helping patients be confident in their appearance. This includes guiding and counseling patients through cosmetic issues, which may include advising against specific treatments or any treatment at all. It is the responsibility of the Aesthetic NP to inform patients about what's best for them in their current situation for them to feel comfortable in their skin.
There are many advantages to a career as an Aesthetic NP, including the ability to work autonomously, having the chance to establish one-on-one relationships with patients, and not having to face on-call or emergency schedules.
Related: 10 Best DNP Programs in 2023
Aesthetic NP Responsibilities
The responsibilities of Aesthetic NPs will differ depending on whether they're working with a physician or independently.
If an Aesthetic NP works as a staff member for a dermatologist or plastic surgery practice, they will:
- Work collaboratively with physicians
- Assist in performing surgeries
- Oversee patient education and recovery
- Administer cosmetic procedures
The clinical procedures that Aesthetic NPs can perform or oversee independently include:
- Injections of dermal fillers or Botox to improve the appearance of crows' feet and wrinkles, making lips look fuller and counter the effects of aging.
- Sclerotherapy procedures to eliminate varicose veins through the injection of a solution into the veins.
- Laser skin treatments such as microdermabrasion, photo facials, hair removal, and tattoo removal.
Aesthetic NP Salary
In addition to being a rewarding career, aesthetic NPs can earn a high salary. It's important to note that various factors affect NP salary, including location and additional certifications. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that Nurse Practitioners earn a median salary of $124,680 as of May 2022. While they don't have specific salaries for Aesthetic NPs, according to ZipRecruiter the average Aesthetic NP salary is $114,937 per year.
The highest-paying states for all nurse practitioners are:
- California: $158,130
- New Jersey: $143,250
- Massachusetts: $138,700
- Oregon: $136,250
- Nevada: $136,230
How to Become an Aesthetic NP
Future aesthetic NPs must become RNs by completing a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and passing the NCLEX-RN examination.
After applying and obtaining RN licensure, you must then earn either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from an accredited NP Program.
Each degree and program type may have specific requirements for application. Students should ensure they've researched and completed any required prerequisites before sending their applications.
Related: 10 Fastest Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs in 2023
After graduation from an NP Program, you can sit for the board certification examination in your specialty. Once board-certified, you can apply in your state for NP licensure. It's important to note that you must hold an active RN license to obtain the APRN license, and both licenses must remain active while practicing as an NP.
While it is possible to start an aesthetic NP job without prior experience, it is recommended to gain additional certifications. These certifications are available through the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board.
There are also courses available from the American Association of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery, and the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine.
Continuing education requirements for aesthetic NPs are similar to that of other specialties and vary on the state you're licensed in. For most states, you must complete a minimum amount of continuing education hours every couple of years before being able to re-license.
A career as an aesthetic NP offers a unique opportunity to support patients who seek out your services to enhance their confidence and self-esteem. With a higher salary and more outstanding work-life balance, becoming an aesthetic NP has the potential to offer consistent and rewarding work for RNs looking to advance their education and careers.
