Hi Czarina, I like the course at lasertraining.org, as it leads to an actual certification for aesthetic laser operator. I too spent about $5,000 attending a training program for a week, but at the end of it, I got a "Certificate of Participation", which is very inferior to an actual certification. I'm pasting the URL for lasertraining.org, and I highly recommend their courses. Good luck, follow your dreams, Margaret, ARNP http://www.lasertraining.org/Administrative/Library/PDF%20E-Brochures/LaserCourseCatalogue.pdf