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Medical Aesthetician Degree Programs
Medical Aesthetician Degree Programs
Medical aesthetics degrees prepare you to help clients improve their appearance in physicians' and surgeons' offices, hospitals or spas. Read on to learn about education, credentialing and salary info.
Where Can I Find Medical Aesthetician Degree Programs?
You can find medical aesthetician degree programs at community colleges and technical schools around the U.S., though 'medical esthetics' is a more frequently used term. Some for-profit schools and specialty education institutions offer these programs, too. You can also look for cosmetology programs that offer concentrations in aesthetics/esthetics.
An associate's degree in medical esthetics typically takes about two years of full-time study to complete. Some schools structure their esthetics programs with concentrations in medical esthetics or spa esthetics. You can also find certificate programs that take less time to complete and might qualify you for entry-level jobs. Advanced esthetician programs are available for those who've already completed their initial training.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Types</b></td><td>Associate's degree, certificate programs</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Key Course Topics</b></td><td>Skin care and analysis, nail care, anatomy, pathology, nutrition</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Licensure and Credentialing</b></td><td>Students can opt to take the CIDESCO exam to obtain international recognized credentials</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)*</b></td><td> 17% for skincare specialists</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (May 2020)*</b></td><td> $36,510 for skincare specialists</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *US Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---HowDoesItWork">How Does It Work?</h3><p>An associate's degree in medical aesthetics or a related area typically requires you to take basic courses in skin care and analysis, makeup, nail care and anatomy. Your medical aesthetics courses might include discussions in nutrition, pathology and psychology. You might also be required to take yoga or other physical courses that teach you about well-being and overall health. Chemistry and communication courses are also required for aspiring medical aestheticians. To complete the associate's degree program, you'll also have to take some general education courses.
</p><p>You'll likely take courses that cover your state's licensing requirements and industry regulations. Though these policies vary by state, you'll probably have to get licensed prior to practicing medical esthetics. Often, this takes a designated number of hours of training, sometimes 600 hours or more. Certificate programs are usually sufficient to meet this requirement.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatOtherOptionsAreThere">What Other Options Are There?</h3><p>Often, medical aesthetics degree and certificate programs include preparation for the Comite International d'Esthetique et de Cosmetologie (CIDESCO) exam, which grants internationally recognized credentials to qualified candidates. You'll be required to complete 1200 hours of training, take a facial exam, a body exam, a written exam and a test in another subject. You'll also have to write a 4000-plus word paper on a topic in beauty therapy. You can also find Master Esthetician programs designed for those who've received their basic esthetician license.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatSTheJobOutlookAndPay">What's the Job Outlook and Pay?</h3><p>The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected a 17% increase in employment for skincare specialists from 2019 to 2029. The bureau reported that as of May 2020, the median annual salary for the job is $36,510.</p>
