Medical Esthetician vs. Aesthetic Nurse: What Are the Differences?
Learn about the two careers and review some of the similarities and differences between them.
A medical esthetician and an aesthetic nurse are both professionals who work in the field of aesthetics. They both provide treatments to improve the appearance of their patients, but there are some key differences between the two. If you’re interested in a career in aesthetics, learning about the differences between these two roles can help you decide which one is right for you. In this article, we discuss the differences between a medical esthetician and an aesthetic nurse, and we provide information on what you can expect from each role.
What is a Medical Esthetician?
Medical Estheticians are a specific type of skincare specialist that works under the supervision of a licensed medical professional, such as a dermatologist, plastic surgeon or cosmetic physician. They provide skincare treatments to improve the appearance of the skin. This can include facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser hair removal and other treatments. Medical Estheticians also provide advice on skincare products and home care regimens. They may work in a medical office, spa or salon.
What is an Aesthetic Nurse?
Aesthetic Nurses work in a variety of settings, including medical spas, plastic surgery offices, dermatology offices and med-aesthetics clinics. They provide cosmetic treatments to help patients improve their appearance. Aesthetic Nurses may administer Botox injections, dermal fillers, chemical peels and laser treatments. They also provide pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing cosmetic surgery. Aesthetic Nurses work closely with patients to develop individualized treatment plans and to ensure that they are comfortable with the procedures being performed.
Medical Esthetician vs. Aesthetic Nurse
Here are the main differences between a medical esthetician and an aesthetic nurse.
Job Duties
Although both an aesthetician and an aesthetic nurse have similar duties, the medical esthetician has more limited responsibilities. An esthetician may perform skin care treatments like microdermabrasion or apply makeup for clients, but they do not provide any type of medical treatment.
An aesthetic nurse is a licensed practical nurse (LPN) with additional training in esthetics. They are able to perform all of the same duties as an esthetician, plus some additional nursing duties. This could include administering medications or providing basic medical care.
Job Requirements
Medical estheticians typically need to complete a postsecondary cosmetology program and obtain a license. Some states require estheticians to complete a certain number of training hours before they can take the licensing exam. Aesthetic nurses must first become registered nurses (RNs) by completing an accredited nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). After becoming RNs, they can pursue additional training in aesthetic nursing through a certificate or degree program.
Work Environment
Medical estheticians work in a variety of settings, including medical offices, hospitals and surgical centers. They may travel to different locations for their jobs, depending on the needs of their employers. Aesthetic nurses typically work in nursing homes or hospitals. They also have more opportunities for advancement than medical estheticians because they can become registered nurses after completing additional training.
Skills
Both medical estheticians and aesthetic nurses use customer service skills when they are working with patients. This includes skills like communication, empathy and patience. They also need to have a strong attention to detail in order to understand each patient’s individual needs and provide them with the best possible care.
Medical estheticians benefit from having strong skin care knowledge. This includes understanding different skin types and conditions, as well as knowing which treatments and products are best suited for each. Aesthetic nurses also need to have strong skin care knowledge, but they also need to be familiar with injectable treatments, such as Botox and fillers. In addition, aesthetic nurses need to have a basic understanding of medical concepts, such as anatomy and physiology, in order to safely and effectively administer treatments.
Salary
Medical estheticians can earn an average salary of $55,676 per year, while aesthetic nurses can earn an average salary of $75,369 per year. Both of these average salaries may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.