How To Get Into Aesthetic Nursing
Many nurses are choosing to branch out and diversify their skills, with 2020 seeing an estimated '4,000 nurses perform[ing] non-invasive cosmetic treatments in the UK alone'.
There are many benefits associated with aesthetic nursing, including career flexibility as well as the potential for higher salaries.
If you’re interested in becoming an aesthetic nurse, you might be wondering how you first get started. To get into aesthetic nursing, you will need to carry out the following steps:
- Obtain NMC registration
- The matter of prescribing
- Research accredited training courses
- Start a training course
- Become insured
- Source products from a pharmacy
- Begin practising aesthetics
1. Obtain NMC Registration
Before you can think about getting into aesthetic nursing, you will first need to have a valid NMC registration.
In short, the Nursing and Midwifery Council simply ‘shows who can practise as a nurse or midwife in the UK’.
The British Association of Cosmetic Nurses recommends that you ‘attain at least 3 years of post graduate general adult nursing’ before becoming an aesthetic nurse, with over 80% of their nurses having over 10 years of experience in the NHS.
As such, this will give you a general idea of when you should begin a career in aesthetics.
2020 saw an estimated '4,000 nurses perform[ing] non-invasive cosmetic treatments in the UK alone'.
2. The Matter Of Prescribing
Following this, you will have the matter of prescribing to consider before becoming an aesthetic nurse.
As a practising nurse, you may already have a prescribing licence, meaning that you can work with prescription-only medicines such as Botulinum Toxin.
To get your prescribing licence, you will need to take an aesthetics training course or complete a V300 Advanced Certificate in Independent Prescribing.
It’s worth noting that you will also need prescribing power in order to carry out your Level 7 qualification.
If you decide to work as an aesthetic nurse without prescribing power, then you will need to work under the guidance and supervision of a practitioner that can prescribe and has the relevant qualifications. As such, this is only recommended when you’re planning to work from an established clinic.
3. Research Accredited Training Courses
Next, you will need to carry out research to find an accredited training course.
It’s worth noting that not all training courses are the same in terms of the content that you’ll learn, with some of them only covering the basics.
That said, you’ll need to carry out thorough research to understand what you’re looking for in a course and exactly what is covered in the course content.
At You Can Clinic, we offer a variety of different training courses, from Botulinum Toxin to Dermal Filler to Dermaplaning courses.
Additionally, You Can Clinic alumni receive special rates on aesthetic products, meaning that you can get the most for your money when you’re first starting out.
The British Association of Cosmetic Nurses recommends that you ‘attain at least 3 years of post graduate general adult nursing’ before becoming an aesthetic nurse.
4. Start A Training Course
Once you’ve found the right training course for you, you can begin training to become an aesthetic nurse.
Here, you’ll be able to carry out the training for your Level 6 qualification at the start of your journey to becoming an aesthetic nurse.
Whether you want to carry out your Level 7 qualification or not, it’s a good idea to look for a training provider that offers developmental opportunities to further your career.
5. Become Insured
Before you get into aesthetic nursing, you will also need to become insured.
This is an essential step to carry out to ensure that professional aestheticians are covered during the course of their work.
Many insurance companies cover aesthetic treatments, but you will want to do your research to make sure that you’re covering all bases.
After all, your safety and the safety of your clients whilst working as an aesthetic nurse should always be your top priority.
6. Source Products From A Pharmacy
Next, you will need to source aesthetic products from a registered aesthetics pharmacy.
From Botulinum Toxin to Dermal Fillers, an aesthetic pharmacy will be able to dispense your aesthetic products to allow you to carry out a range of treatments.
As the aesthetic nurse, it is your responsibility to deliver aesthetic treatments with products that are safe to use, meaning that they are in date, sterile, and haven’t been opened or tampered with.
Whether you want to carry out your Level 7 qualification or not, it’s a good idea to look for a training provider that offers developmental opportunities to further your career.
7. Begin Practising Aesthetics
Once you’ve carried out the steps above, you can begin practising aesthetics and start making a name for yourself within the industry.
To ensure you’re remaining up to date with the latest trends and training techniques, it’s a good idea to seek out further development opportunities whenever possible.
This will mean that you can continue to refine your skills, provide your clients with the best possible service, and remain competitive.
You Can Clinic is one of the UK's leading providers of aesthetic training courses and pharmaceutical supplies. Over 1000 individuals have progressed through our affordable programmes, which provide comprehensive coverage of all relevant aesthetic procedures. Available from beginner to advanced courses.
Are you interested to train in the aesthetics industry? Check out our articles on Botulinum Toxin, Weight Management and Dermaplaning Training Courses.
Written by Jemima, for You Can Clinic.
