Laser hair removal is a safe, noninvasive way to quickly eliminate unwanted body hair from any part of the body. Treatment takes only minutes per area.
States vary when it comes to who can perform laser hair treatments, with some only permitting doctors, physician assistants or nurse practitioners while others allowing estheticians and cosmetologists.
License Requirements
Back when laser hair removal was still relatively new technology, there were few rules and high risks of consumer injury (burns and scarring), along with no standardised training programs available to anyone looking to perform treatments themselves. Anyone could pick up a machine and start treating right away.
State governments are taking steps to regulate cosmetic laser procedures, which is great news for both consumers and practitioners. Regulation will mean safer treatments with higher quality results and increased consumer trust.
California law states that only licensed physicians, physician assistants and registered nurses may perform laser procedures; yet this hasn’t prevented the growth of an extensive medical spa (medspa) industry. Medspa provides spa-like amenities with medical equipment available on site for services provided by nonphysician nurse practitioners or registered nurses under doctor supervision – offering laser treatments services.
Illinois and Massachusetts require on-site physician supervision of laser procedures; when this applies, one must either be available immediately to answer questions or address concerns; in Idaho and South Carolina however, the physician can delegate their supervision to a licensed registered nurse who adheres to standard procedure guidelines.
Laws differ across all 50 states. California and New Jersey specifically authorize estheticians or beauty professionals to perform cosmetic laser procedures; Virginia has laws which restrict only physicians to this practice; yet other states have no formal laws regarding laser procedures at all.
No matter the laws in your state, all medical devices or lasers that fall under FDA regulation must always adhere to FDA regulations when operating them. Your laser hair removal training course should cover these policies as part of its curriculum; alternatively you can visit websites of organizations like American Spa Association, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery or Aesthetic Medicine to gain more insight.
Training Requirements
States vary on their policies regarding who can operate laser hair removal equipment, but all require training on its safe operation. Courses available to these operators usually focus on customer service skills and technological knowledge while providing hands-on training using FDA-approved devices. Furthermore, any cosmetology school offering this instruction must be state-accredited; licensed specialists must serve as instructors while offering both in-person and online laser hair removal training courses.
Students participating in this training will become acquainted with various lasers used in dermatology. They will also learn to select an ideal laser depending on skin tone and type of treatment desired, since different lasers operate differently and could cause irritation or other adverse side effects. Students will learn how to set their laser to ensure maximum effectiveness while mitigating risks.
Once graduated, technicians may seek employment at salons or spas, medical offices, plastic surgery centers or other beauty establishments. Their schedules tend to be flexible allowing them to work both during normal business hours as well as outside these times if needed for specific clients. Depending on where they operate in terms of state law they may also need to participate in continuing education courses so as to maintain their license and certifications.
While some states require that laser procedures are supervised by physicians, other states allow nonphysician employees to operate the lasers themselves. Regulations vary between states – for instance in Virginia it could be possible for a spa worker to operate one provided they had proper physician assistant or nurse practitioner training – while another state might only permit nonphysicians such as an employee of an established organization like an office to do it themselves.
In other states, such as Georgia, only estheticians or master cosmetologists are authorized to use lasers for cosmetic treatments. Therefore, any laser center offering such treatments must employ at least one licensed esthetician or master cosmetologist as staff to perform these treatments.
As well as state regulations, laser technicians can pursue national credentials to reassure their consumers they have been certified and are qualified to perform treatment. Such credentials can be obtained through professional organizations like the American Electrology Association (AEA); its premier credential – Certified Professional Electrologist – requires passing scores on its national electrology exams.
Certification Requirements
If your state mandates laser hair removal licensing, attending an intensive training course could be required of you. These classes could range anywhere from 40 hours or two weeks of classroom instruction followed by hands-on practice. Curriculum typically covers topics like skin types, wavelength settings on the Fitzpatrick scale and pre/post treatment care as well as an exam that must be passed before you can work professionally.
Training programs can also be found online or at beauty schools. While intensive, they will equip you with the skills and confidence required for success in this career field. You could also opt for on-the-job apprenticeship training – often more cost effective than attending laser schools.
Many states require you to obtain a license in order to perform laser treatments, whether that be cosmetology or physician assistant or nurse licenses. You’ll often also have to pass a national licensing exam called the NIC exam in order to receive your permit.
Some states have laws that restrict laser equipment operation to physicians, physician assistants and registered nurses only – leading to an industry of “medspas”. These salons and spas combine the soothing atmosphere of spas with doctors for medical treatments like laser hair removal – creating the medspa phenomenon.
Laser hair removal requires skill, as it involves targeting large areas without damaging surrounding tissues with laser light. Furthermore, you must pay close attention to client needs and the proper operation of the laser; without proper training you could cause permanent skin damage; to minimize this risk it’s wiser to enroll in a course that meets state or national guidelines.
Legality
If you are planning on opening a laser hair removal clinic, it is crucial that you are aware of all applicable regulations. A good place to begin would be your state medical board as this will contain information on licensing requirements for laser technicians as well as accredited laser schools that you can attend training programs at. Once complete, then apply for your state license.
To become licensed as a laser technician in many states, both written and practical exams must be passed successfully in order to gain a license. Some states also require attainment of national credentials to give clients additional assurance that you possess all of the skills and training necessary to perform laser treatments safely.
An industry credential can also help set you apart from other laser hair removal providers. Earning the Certified Professional Electrologist designation from the American Electrology Association demonstrates to potential clients that you are committed to your profession and up-to-date with current practices for laser hair removal.
Up until recently, the cosmetic laser industry was like anarchy: there were few rules, a high risk of consumer burns and scarring from treatments, no standardized laser training programs to speak of and many consumers unaware of its risks were under the assumption that anyone with minimal equipment knowledge could administer treatments themselves.
Today, more and more state governing bodies and regulatory agencies are passing laws to regulate cosmetic laser use. Virginia recently banned estheticians and non-medical personnel from performing laser hair removal unless under direct supervision by a physician or physician assistant.
Many states, like California, require physicians to be present during all laser procedures performed in an office or Med Spa setting; other states allow RNs and PAs to conduct the laser procedures themselves at physician discretion.
Medical licensed laser technicians can offer you superior services. This is because your technician will discuss your medical history during a consultation and ensure that there are no conditions which could compromise either safety or effectiveness of treatment. They’ll be able to advise if sun exposure before treatment should be limited as well as what medications or supplements could potentially interfere with its effects.
