4 Steps To Becoming An Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nurse

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CAREERS How to Become an Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nurse | Salary 2026 Written By: Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC green checkmark Medically reviewed by: Chaunie Brusie BSN, RN 8 Min Read Published January 16, 2026 Jump to section...
  • What is an Aesthetic Nurse?
  • How to Become an Aesthetic Nurse
  • Aesthetic Nurse Specialties
  • Resources
  • Next Steps
  • FAQs
aesthetic nurse aesthetic nurse

Considering a career in aesthetic cosmetic nursing? Learn how to become an aesthetic nurse, their salary and education requirements, certifications, and more.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers BSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Save up to 30%* on tuition with the RN-to-BSN Tuition Advantage Grant (*see Chamberlain website for details).

Accreditation CCNE Location Online Prerequisite RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI

  • RN-to-BSN
Learn More Chamberlain University Learn More Arizona State University - Online

When you earn an ASU nursing degree, you are gaining skills from a respected and accredited institution. Our online nursing degrees are accredited by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Accreditation CCNE Location Online Prerequisite RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

  • RN-to-BSN
Learn More Arizona State University - Online Learn More Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation CCNE Location Online Prerequisite RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

  • RN-to-BSN
Learn More Grand Canyon University Learn More The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation CCNE Location Online Prerequisite RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

  • RN-to-BSN
Learn More The University of Texas at Arlington Learn More Walden University

Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. With multiple degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.

Accreditation CCNE Location Online Prerequisite RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

  • RN-to-BSN
  • RN-to-BSN - Tempo Learning
Learn More Walden University Learn More

Fast Facts​Salary by State​

Aesthetic Nurse Fast Facts

  • 💰 Salary: Aesthetic nurses make an average of $80,321 per year, or $39 per hour (ZipRecruiter)
  • ⏰ Length to Become: 4-6 years
  • 🎓 Requirements: ADN or BSN, RN licensure, aesthetic nursing certifications 
  • 👩‍⚕️ Career Outlook: 5% (faster than average) growth rate for RNs over the next decade (BLS). 

Aesthetic Nurse Salary by State

Alabama: $72,802Alaska: $86,502Arizona: $74,850Arkansas: $66,418California: $79,269Colorado: $84,459Connecticut: $76,409Delaware: $80,391District of Columbia: $90,765Florida: $60,023Georgia: $67,822Hawaii: $83,451Idaho: $75,574Illinois: $77,833Indiana: $76,431Iowa: $75,443Kansas: $71,634

Kentucky: $69,761Louisiana: $68,685Maine: $77,767Maryland: $77,955Massachusetts: $87,721Michigan: $70,008Minnesota: $78,668Mississippi: $76,070Missouri: $75,342Montana: $73,723Nebraska: $76,582Nevada: $81,792New Hampshire: $78,113New Jersey: $81,545New Mexico: $77,837New York: $87,874North Carolina: $72,996

North Dakota: $84,986Ohio: $76,361Oklahoma: $74,163Oregon: $84,923Pennsylvania: $80,514Rhode Island: $78,660South Carolina: $74,535South Dakota: $80,321Tennessee: $72,901Texas: $74,832Utah: $73,122Vermont: $85,402Virginia: $79,632Washington: $90,972West Virginia: $62,182Wisconsin: $81,073Wyoming: $77,207

What Is an Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nurse?

An aesthetic nurse, also known as a cosmetic nurse or nurse esthetician, specializes in providing cosmetic treatments and procedures to enhance a person's appearance. These nurses typically work in settings such as medical spas, dermatology clinics, plastic surgery offices, or cosmetic surgery centers. 

 

Aesthetic Nurse Duties

  • Injectables: Administering injectable treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, and collagen stimulators to reduce wrinkles, add volume, and rejuvenate the skin.
  • Laser treatments: Using lasers for hair removal, skin resurfacing, tattoo removal, and treatment of vascular or pigmented lesions.
  • Chemical peels: Applying chemical solutions to exfoliate and improve the texture and appearance of the skin.
  • Microneedling: Using a device with fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture.
  • Skincare consultations: Providing personalized skincare recommendations and advice tailored to individual needs.

How To Become an Aesthetic Nurse

If you want to become an aesthetic nurse, you’ll need to complete the following steps. 

  • Earn Your Degree (2-4 years)

    Becoming an aesthetic/cosmetic nurse begins with a registered nurse degree, which you can earn through either a 2-year associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a 4-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. 

  • Pass the NCLEX-RN & Become Licensed

    Once you've earned your RN degree from an accredited nursing program, you'll then need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed by one or more states. 

  • Gain Experience (2+ years)

    As part of your aesthetic nurse training, you must gain experience, spending at least two years working in core competencies with a board-certified physician in plastic/aesthetic/cosmetic surgery, dermatology, facial plastic surgery, or ophthalmology.Sabrina Caires, an aesthetic nurse injector practicing out of Bellevue, WA, also recommends watching as many YouTube videos as you can on the basics of neuromodulators and different types of commonly used dermal fillers. 

  • Build Your Network

    Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and make use of LinkedIn! Sabrina recommends following as many practices in your area as possible and all of their employees. Send personalized messages, sharing your passion for the industry, and when they have an opportunity for you, reach out to them.She also suggests following any injectors in your area. Engaging with their content and reaching out to them! She says to ask them about their experience as an injector, if their practice is hiring, for shadowing opportunities, and if they have any advice for you. You can also ask them for shadowing opportunities. 

  • Earn a Certified Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nurse Specialist Credential 

    To position yourself for the best aesthetic/cosmetic nurse jobs, consider earning an aesthetic nurse certification. There are several options to choose from: Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS), Certified Plastic Surgery Nurse (CPSN), Dermatology Nurse Certified (DNC), and Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner (DCNP). With these courses, you’ll learn more about the basics of Botox and fillers and get some hands-on experience. 

  • Maintain Your Certification 

    Aesthetic nurses who meet the requirements for CANS status must recertify every three years. Requirements for recertification include: 45 contact hours with at least 2 hours related specifically to patient safety. At least 30 contact hours must be in the core specialties: plastic/aesthetic/cosmetic surgery, dermatology, facial plastic surgery, or ophthalmology. Nurses could also retake the CANS exam every three years to maintain this certification. There’s no training course required for recertification.

  • Be Patient

    Sabrina shared that it took her almost a year to get into the industry. "I applied to numerous practices, had several interviews, and was rejected over and over. But I pressed on every opportunity, knowing I would eventually get in, and I did.  Don’t give up, babes - you got this!" -- Sabrina Caires, BSN, RN, CANS

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers BSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Save up to 30%* on tuition with the RN-to-BSN Tuition Advantage Grant (*see Chamberlain website for details).

Accreditation CCNE Location Online Prerequisite RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI

  • RN-to-BSN
Learn More Chamberlain University Learn More Arizona State University - Online

When you earn an ASU nursing degree, you are gaining skills from a respected and accredited institution. Our online nursing degrees are accredited by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Accreditation CCNE Location Online Prerequisite RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

  • RN-to-BSN
Learn More Arizona State University - Online Learn More Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available. 

Accreditation CCNE Location Online Prerequisite RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

  • RN-to-BSN
Learn More Western Governors University Learn More The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation CCNE Location Online Prerequisite RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

  • RN-to-BSN
Learn More The University of Texas at Arlington Learn More Walden University

Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. With multiple degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.

Accreditation CCNE Location Online Prerequisite RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

  • RN-to-BSN
  • RN-to-BSN - Tempo Learning
Learn More Walden University Learn More

Aesthetic Nurse Specialties

One of the best parts of becoming an aesthetic nurse is the many unique opportunities to help patients feel and look their best! Aesthetic nursing is a rapidly expanding field due to the introduction of new treatments and technologies, and there are many exciting specialties to choose from.

💉Nurse Injector

 

Nurse injectors specialize in cosmetic treatments designed to improve or enhance the appearance of the face via needle injections. Some types of cosmetic injectables that a nurse may specialize in include:

  • Botulinum toxins, such as Botox or Dysport, to temporarily smooth facial muscles to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
  • Dermal Fillers such as hyaluronic acid (HA) or calcium hydroxylapatite  to fill or “sculpt” the face
  • Fat reduction injections to break down “double chin” fat, such as Kybella.

💆🏻‍♀️ Laser Facial Nurse

 

Nurses who perform laser facials can help patients minimize wrinkles, reduce acne scarring, and help improve skin discoloration due to too much sun exposure. Most laser facials remove the skin's outer layers to expose new skin underneath and help promote and stimulate collagen production. 

Nurses who use any type of laser equipment must accurately assess each patient's skin type and determine the most appropriate treatment and level settings. Types of laser facials include:

  • CO2 laser treatments
  • Intense pulse light (IPL) treatments
  • Pulsed-dye laser treatments
  • Fractional laser treatments

🖋️ Tattoo Removal Nurse

 

This type of aesthetic nurse specializes in removing tattoos using laser technology. There are many different technologies available for tattoo removal, and nurses must understand the different types of laser systems, proper laser settings and removal techniques, and the potential risks of the treatment.

💥 Laser Hair Removal Nurse

 

As one of the most popular and growing aesthetic procedures today,  laser hair removal is an increasingly popular specialty for aesthetic nurses. A laser hair removal nurse specializes in using laser technology to remove unwanted hair. 

Nurses who perform laser hair removal must provide safe and effective treatment and review aftercare instructions with patients. Most treatments require multiple visits over several months to a year, so many laser hair removal nurses get to know their patients well over time.

🧴 Chemical Peel Nurse

 

A chemical peel is an aesthetic treatment that involves applying a chemical solution to the skin, causing the outer layers of the skin to peel off. Chemical peels typically take several days or even weeks to heal, but the treatment ultimately reveals smoother and more youthful-looking skin underneath. Treatments typically take 1 hour or less.

👙 Non-Surgical Body Treatment Nurse

 

Many cosmetic nurses enjoy giving non-surgical body treatments because they can help their patients feel better about themselves and maybe even inspire them to improve their health.

Types of non-surgical cosmetic body treatments include:

  • Radiofrequency: for cellulite reduction
  • Contouring procedures: treatments that induce powerful muscle contractions, such as Emsculpt
  • Fat reduction: a procedure that “freezes fat,” such as Coolsculpting

 

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers BSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Save up to 30%* on tuition with the RN-to-BSN Tuition Advantage Grant (*see Chamberlain website for details).

Accreditation CCNE Location Online Prerequisite RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI

  • RN-to-BSN
Learn More Chamberlain University Learn More Arizona State University - Online

When you earn an ASU nursing degree, you are gaining skills from a respected and accredited institution. Our online nursing degrees are accredited by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Accreditation CCNE Location Online Prerequisite RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

  • RN-to-BSN
Learn More Arizona State University - Online Learn More Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available. 

Accreditation CCNE Location Online Prerequisite RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

  • RN-to-BSN
Learn More Western Governors University Learn More The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation CCNE Location Online Prerequisite RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

  • RN-to-BSN
Learn More The University of Texas at Arlington Learn More Walden University

Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. With multiple degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.

Accreditation CCNE Location Online Prerequisite RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

  • RN-to-BSN
  • RN-to-BSN - Tempo Learning
Learn More Walden University Learn More

Aesthetic Nurse Resources

Organizations

  • Dermatology Nurses Association
  • International Society of Plastic and Cosmetic Nurses
  • The American Association of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery

Related Articles

  • How to Become an Aesthetic Nurse Injector
  • How to Become an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner
  • Aesthetic Nurse Salary by State
  • How to Open a Medical Spa as a Nurse
  • How to Become a Nurse Esthetician
  • List of Aesthetic Nurse Certifications
  • Aesthetic Nurse Training

 Next Steps

Beyond reading job descriptions, one of the best ways to determine whether medical aesthetics is the career path for you is to speak directly to a cosmetic/aesthetic nurse currently practicing within a private practice or medical spa. You can also reach out to pharmaceutical companies that sell fillers or Botox, as some offer free training and resources for nurses as an incentive to sell their product in medspas, etc., where those RNs will go on to work. 

FAQs 

December 5, 2025 September 2, 2025 October 1, 2025 May 12, 2025

 

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Get Breaking Nurse News and Exclusive Discounts Straight to Your Inbox! leave this field blank to prove your humanity Sign Up Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC Kathleen Gaines News and Education Editor

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

Education: MSN Nursing Education - Loyola University New OrleansBSN - Villanova UniversityBA- University of Mary Washington

Expertise:Pediatric Nursing, Neonatal Nursing, Nursing Education, Women’s Health, Intensive Care, Nurse Journalism, Cardiac Nursing

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