Laser technicians specialize in medical aesthetics and beauty treatments. They assist dermatologists in conducting procedures such as hair, tattoo and cellulite removal as well as performing rejuvenating skin care treatments to promote rejuvenation.
Selecting a laser practitioner is critical in order to work with licensed healthcare providers. We analyzed admissions rates, retention rates, mean earnings of graduates and cost of attendance to identify the top colleges for laser technicians.
Education Requirements
Laser therapy has quickly become an effective treatment option for various conditions, creating an increasing need for professionals able to operate and maintain these systems. This career opportunity is especially attractive to people interested in optics or laser beams. Duties of this professional include performing preventative maintenance checks on each piece of equipment to ensure its proper function, keeping records for each device being maintained as well as keeping an accurate inventory list for every device used for treatment.
Students interested in becoming laser technicians should attend a school that provides courses specifically tailored to this field. Some programs can be completed quickly while the best schools have proven themselves by producing successful graduates. Furthermore, the school should offer hands-on training to equip its students with cutting-edge technology and equipment in the field.
Not only must prospective laser techs possess a solid education in cosmetic skin care, they must also possess excellent communication skills, endurance for standing for extended periods, dexterity and the ability to follow instructions and collaborate with other technicians and engineers in ensuring each procedure delivers consistent and successful results.
Laser technicians enjoy a lucrative salary. Many make over $50,000 annually in this career field that entails working with technology to help others look their best. Furthermore, most laser technicians receive full medical and dental insurance, 401K plans and vacation time.
Laser technicians specialize in many fields of medicine and skin care; cosmetic skin care being just one area. Others choose to focus on medical treatments like tattoo removal or tightening loose skin tightening. Travel costs and lodging arrangements must also be factored in when selecting this area as a field.
People seeking careers as laser technicians should possess both an interest in science and electronics, with experience using electronics tools such as power meters or oscilloscopes. This will give them an advantage when learning about laser types used in the workplace. They must also know how to operate various tools such as power meters or oscilloscopes effectively.
Certification Requirements
Laser technicians use medical-grade lasers to perform cosmetic procedures such as hair and tattoo removal, skin rejuvenation and cellulite reduction. They commonly work at spas, dermatology clinics and plastic surgeons’ offices. In order to become a laser technician, students must attend an accredited program which offers courses in physics and optics as well as training with cosmetic laser equipment – some schools even provide internship opportunities so students can gain hands-on experience!
Although certain states don’t mandate specific degrees to become a laser technician, most programs offer certification upon graduation. To earn your certificate you will have to pass both written exams and demonstrate your ability to operate a laser safely and responsibly. Various colleges and universities across the nation offer courses specifically geared toward laser technician courses – these may also be completed online at your own pace!
Once certified, you can find work in beauty salons, dermatology offices and endocrinological clinics. You may choose to specialize in hair or body tattoo removal if that’s what interests you most; typically you will work during business hours on daytime shifts.
Certification as a laser specialist will add another level of security for clients, with one such credential being that of Certified Professional Electrologist (CPE), issued by American Electrology Association (AEA). Once certified as CPE by AEA, you will qualify to join its National Certification Committee and participate in ongoing research in laser treatment.
When considering becoming a laser technician, it is important to evaluate whether this career choice suits both your personality and skillset. You must possess a strong desire for success with strong attention to detail in order to successfully perform laser treatments while adhering to safety and sanitation policies, in addition to possessing strong communication skills as you will work closely with clients.
Though not required in every state, most laser technician jobs require that you are supervised by a physician licensed to practice medicine. A physician does not need to be present if you work with non-ablative laser technology; however, when dealing with Class IIIb or IV lasers this requirement must be fulfilled by someone with either medical training or experience as their supervisor.
Licensing Requirements
There is no single governing entity for laser treatments; requirements vary according to state laws and requirements. In general, you will need to complete an aesthetic laser training program consisting of both hands-on training and detailed instruction regarding the specific technology that will be utilized during treatments. Many states also require certification after successfully completing a short but specialized supplemental training course.
The FDA acknowledges the legitimacy of cosmetic laser treatments such as hair removal, scar removal and vein reduction as medical devices and therefore requires physician authorization before initiating treatments.
State laws like Georgia’s limit the types of people who can administer laser treatments. According to this state’s legislation, estheticians or master cosmetologists may perform laser hair removal under supervision by an MD or nurse only. As a result of these regulations, special beauty salons called “medspas” have emerged that offer soothing aesthetics while housing medical professionals and equipment on site for treating conditions like psoriasis or acne as well as cosmetic services like laser hair removal.
Laser technicians must possess both technical knowledge and interpersonal skills for this job, in order to effectively work with clients on personal matters and concerns. Furthermore, it’s essential that they can explain procedures and risks in a way that makes clients comfortable; finally, effective communication between laser technician and client should occur quickly and clearly.
Laser technicians must possess more than just technical knowledge; they should also possess a positive outlook and the willingness to put forth effort in their job. Laser technology is often competitive; having a positive outlook and hard work ethic will make your experience far more fulfilling and fulfilling.
Recent reports revealed the median salary for Medical Laser Technicians in California as being $47,962. Among the top 10 cities offering jobs of this nature in California is Berkeley and Daly City which offer 14% higher pay than national average.
Working Conditions
As laser technology becomes a rapidly expanding field, two-year colleges offering programs in laser/electro optics technology often collaborate closely with local companies using these systems, offering graduates job placement services as well as lists of potential employers. Many technicians find employment soon after graduation – particularly in fields like industrial product development & manufacturing.
Laser/electro optics technology programs typically cover a range of subjects, such as math, physics, electrical circuitry and laboratory work. Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa’s 21-month course produces graduates who find employment as laser/electro optics manufacturing engineers, quality control technicians, laser assembly specialists, field service engineers or maintenance technicians.
Laser technicians also find work in medical applications and research. When employed in this setting, laser technicians serve as technical equipment experts assisting physicians & surgeons with the laser system – from choosing which type and method of delivery laser system should be used to fine tuning attachments & machines and troubleshooting when problems arise.
Laser technicians working in research & development create laser devices for materials processing, communications, military use and medical uses. Along with building solid-state lasers they may help design, test, monitor and maintain optical fiber fabrication facilities as well as study how lasers may be used as sources of high intensity heat energy for controlled nuclear fusion power generation.
No matter their industry of practice, laser technicians typically work regular hours. Some may assemble or operate lasers in one area each day; others, particularly those in sales and service positions, must travel between offices frequently. Because many types of lasers use heavy machinery & emit potentially hazardous light beams, working conditions can become hazardous without following standard safety procedures – this includes avoiding contact with exposed metals or objects which conduct electricity and taking special care to avoid eye damage from direct exposure or reflection of laser light beams.
