What you need to know when looking for a medical esthetics school
When it comes to researching the best medical esthetics program for you, it is important to first understand what encompasses medical esthetics.
A medical esthetician needs to have an excellent working knowledge of the various modalities and the scope of practice that he or she is legally permitted to perform in Canada.
There are two types of medical esthetic treatments: invasive and non-invasive.
Invasive treatments include injectable, ablative lasers and surgeries.
Medical estheticians are not qualified to perform the invasive services. However, it is important to understand the methodology, as well as pre- and post-invasive service treatments, because medical estheticians are often hired to assist nurses, nurse practitioners and doctors in these areas.
The non-invasive treatments include chemical peels, IPL (intermittent pulse light), radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening and contouring, cellulite reduction, pigment treatment, laser hair removal, and more. These technologies are quickly advancing; therefore it is imperative to learn these services on state-ofthe-art equipment while receiving leading edge training in both medical esthetics and advanced esthetics.
Not all students’ interests lie in the medical aspects of the esthetics profession. However, in order to receive a comprehensive educational experience, learning both medical and advanced esthetics in a fully integrated environment, regardless of your particular focus, is critical for a well-informed esthetics professional.
It is important that the program include a comprehensive skin and body analysis component as well, to teach the student about effective treatment options and what can and cannot be treated by a medical esthetician.
Make sure your school of choice offers plenty of hands-on experience, because as the adage goes, “there is no substitute for experience”. Entry-level positions in esthetics are far easier to come by if you have significant hands-on experience.
Finally, for those seeking a medical esthetics education, make sure that the words “medical esthetics” are included in the program name. For example, National Institute of Esthetics offers a Medical and Advanced Esthetics Diploma – to ensure that you graduate with a medical esthetics diploma.Your medical esthetics program should not require additional certifications or expenses – though continued learning to keep up with technology in your chosen vocation always makes good sense for a prosperous career.
Do your research... find a school that feels right for you.
Sherry Docherty’s industry experience spans more than 30 years and includes national product trainer for an international skin care line, spa owner/operator, spa technician, educational designer, teacher and director for an esthetics institute. Sherry has authored numerous articles for industry magazines, including Beauty Beat Spa, Spa Canada, Hairdresser Magazine, Salon Magazine and Esthemag Pro.
She has also been a guest speaker for several industry tradeshows, including Esthetique SPA International. Sherry is also an award-winning esthetician, medical esthetician and makeup artist.