You're about to make a large investment into your professional growth, so it is important to be informed. Our nurse practitioner (NP) instructor believes it is important to be honest and transparent about the medical aesthetics industry - and discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions, based on our professional experience and research in the industry.
Industry Trends and Growth
What is the job outlook for medical aesthetics professionals?
The medical aesthetics industry is growing rapidly, with a steady increase in demand for non-invasive cosmetic procedures. Patients are growing more and more aware of non-invasive cosmetic procedures, and it is become less taboo for the "normal person" to get these procedures - it is not just for Hollywood stars anymore. We are seeing more patients in the age-groups of 30 to 55 seeking out aesthetic procedures, with an emphasis on natural outcomes and discretion.
On the other hand, there are a lot of aesthetic clinics popping up - getting into the industry is becoming quite popular. There is a lot of "buzz" around the question "is the industry too saturated?" - this is a tough question to answer. Already established clinics tend to want injectors with experience when hiring them as an employee.
For the above reasons, the job prospect is both positive and negative.
We recommend being open-minded to the idea of entrepreneurship, as this opens up a few pathways to take.
Some options available to entrepreneurial injectors are:
opening your own brick-and-mortar spa
becoming an independent contractor at another established spa
mobile injecting and/or pop-up clinics
Each option comes with its pros and cons.
Nurses in aesthetics that have the creative mind, drive, and that are willing to invest in good marketing tend to thrive quite well (from our experience) - there is a lot of competition in the industry, but everyone has different ideas and attributes to bring to the table. Our advice is to keep your brand creative and your promotions appealing - there are plenty of patients to go around.
What are some emerging trends in the industry?
There is a growing interest in natural-looking results and preventative anti-aging treatments. Neuromodulators and hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are the foundational skills of non-invasive aesthetic enhancements but open the door to other avenues such as biostimulators, which are on the rise.
PRP treatments are a wonderful addition to any medispa and also a great foundation to build on. There is growing interest now in use of PRF, exosomes, and radiofrequency microneedling.
Career Development
Is one training course enough?
Our Essential Skills course series is designed to get you started in the aesthetics career with the ability to function as either an entrepreneur or employed injector with the skills and treatments that are most frequently requested by patients. We have received positive feedback from our students that they left our course feeling quite confident in starting their injecting journey.
However, nursing in general is a profession that is built on continuing learning. We encourage students to seek out opportunities to continue building your skills and knowledge after taking a basic injectables course, whether it be additional hands-on training days, master classes, workshops, webinars and seminars, or following your favourite injector influencers on social media. We also recommend seeking these above-mentioned opportunities through multiple academies - while we know our NP instructor is very skilled at what she does, other experienced injectors may have their own flare and finesse that you want to add to your toolbox. Depending on their level of involvement, many medical directors also offer ongoing continuing education and training opportunities.
Networking with professionals in the industry can also help you build connections and collaborations that can help grow your own business.
Do I need to specialize in a particular area of medical aesthetics?
Specializing in a particular area can help you develop expertise and build a reputation for excellence in that area. However, it's not necessary to specialize, and many medical aesthetics professionals offer a range of treatments and services.
Safety and Regulations
Are there any safety concerns I should be aware of in medical aesthetics?
Common safety concerns we have noticed in the industry:
use of illegitimate injectable products
use of cheaper unsafe products, modalities or alternatives in place of the "more expensive" safer Health Canada approved options, for the sake of financial gain
wanting to jump on too many "trends" without thinking about the safety implications on the patients receiving them
wanting to learn advanced procedures too quickly before gaining experience
doing things just because "everyone else does it that way"
It is important to recognize that medical aesthetics, at the end of the day, is still considered "medical" and "healthcare". The treatments you provide are medical treatments, and as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects associated with them. Patient safety must always be at the forefront, and it is crucial to maintain the integrity of the industry. In addition, you have worked too hard to earn your healthcare license, and it is important to protect it.
Our course will provide you with the knowledge of how to purchase injectable products in a safe manner. We will discuss Health Canada regulations, "on-label and off-label" practice, approved products for use etc. The goal is to provide you with the foundation to effectively scrutinize the techniques and skills you learn, and the products/vendors that you may consider investing your money in for consumable products.
Are there any regulatory requirements for practicing medical aesthetics?
Regulatory requirements vary by jurisdiction, so it's important to check with your local regulatory body for specific requirements. Generally, medical aesthetics procedures should be performed by licensed healthcare professionals who have received appropriate training and certification.
Finances
How much money will I have to spend on startup costs?
This is a loaded question - and while we cannot give you a numeric value, we can give you an idea of where some of the holes in your wallet will come from.
Investment into your initial training to feel comfortable practicing on your own - $$$ - $$$$$
Clinic hardware i.e. spa chair, refrigerators for medications, clinic tray, additional tech/devices for charting - $$$$
Insurance - $$
Electronic medical record - $$ - $$$$
Your medical director - $$$ - $$$$$
Clinic supplies - i.e. needles, cannulas, gauze, cleaning supplies etc. - $$
Emergency clinic medications - $$
Injectable products - your vials of neuromodulators, boxes of dermal fillers, centrifuge for PRP, microneedling pens etc. - $$$$
Does RNAO provide tuition reimbursement for medical aesthetics courses?
No, medical aesthetics courses do not qualify for the tuition reimbursement program.
Answer found on rnao.ca/education-funding-nei/nei-faq - under heading "What type of education is eligible?"
