Florida law states that only physicians can legally perform laser hair removal treatments; however, advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) and physician assistants trained under direct supervision from physicians can also offer this type of service.
Our 650-Hour Electrology and Laser Technician Program will equip you with all of the training required to meet all these criteria.
Physicians
Florida requires licensed physicians, physician assistants and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses as the only healthcare professionals qualified to conduct laser hair removal treatments. Prior to becoming certified users of FDA-approved devices they must receive specific training.
Physicians offer laser technology as a solution for unwanted hair on any area of the face or body, including injectables and chemical peels, for improved results. At your consultation appointment, a doctor will review your medical history, discuss desired outcomes, determine if laser therapy is suited to you, and create an individualized treatment plan.
When seeking laser hair removal in Florida, be sure to select a reputable clinic. Search for one with experienced technicians and an accessible location; spas or salons allowing nonmedical staff to perform laser treatments should also be avoided, and make sure there is always a doctor present during treatment sessions.
Laser hair removal is an efficient and noninvasive solution to unwanted body hair. In most cases, only a few sessions are necessary for lasting results; some areas of the body might take longer; but typically clients can have all their unwanted hair removed in less than 30 minutes. After each session, some clients may experience redness or swelling which typically subsides over time.
After laser hair removal, the best way to protect your skin is to limit sun exposure. Apply broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen before heading outdoors and contact your physician if there are any questions or concerns post treatment.
Electrologists are another group of health care professionals that can perform laser hair removal in Florida. Before being approved to offer such services in medispas, cosmetic surgery clinics, or dermatology offices they must complete an IBEC Electrology, Laser, and IPL exam and pass its 320-hour combined epilator, laser, and light-based training program with passing grade; after passing which they are granted approval.
At your consultation, a licensed electrologist will assess your skin tone and type to select an ideal procedure, then administer your treatment using FDA-approved laser devices. If you’re interested in becoming a laser hair removal technician yourself, FAMA’s electrolysis school in Miami provides hands-on education from experienced instructors.
Physician Assistants
Laser hair removal is an efficient, safe, and permanent way to rid yourself of unwanted hair. Additionally, it may reduce fine lines and wrinkles as well as freckles, scars, and age spots. Maintenance treatments must be scheduled every month or two in order to sustain optimal results; so if permanent hair reduction is something you are considering contact us so we can discuss which procedures and treatments would be the most beneficial to you.
Physicians and physician assistants may use lasers or intense pulse light (IPL) devices for hair removal as well as to reduce wrinkles, scars and blemishes on the skin. A licensed healthcare provider must supervise these treatments; cosmetologists, electrologists or estheticians cannot perform them without supervision from their physician.
According to the Florida Board of Medicine, lasers are considered medical equipment and should only be operated by licensed physicians. However, licensed doctors may delegate laser use to PAs or NPs with appropriate training who may assist.
Florida state regulations state that only individuals licensed with the Florida State Board of Electrology may perform laser hair removal services. To become licensed electrologist in Florida, one must first complete 120 hours of classroom instruction and 200 hours of practical experience at a school recognized by Florida as well as pass two-hour course on medical error prevention before successfully passing state electrology exam.
Becoming a licensed electrologist also gives you access to revenue-enhancing cosmetic medical aesthetic treatments like BOTOX injections. According to Florida state regulations, Botulinum Toxin injections and dermal filler materials injections are considered medical treatments and must only be performed by qualified physicians licensed to practice medicine.
Beth Perry is a nationally certified Physician Assistant licensed in Florida. She earned her PA degree at University of Texas Medical Branch in 1999 before moving with her family to Space Coast Florida in 2013. Beth specializes in full spectrum dermatology including mole and skin cancer screening/treatment services.
Nurses
Residents in states with year-round beach weather often strive to achieve smooth skin. Unwanted hair can be an eyesore and cause irritation or itchiness; laser hair removal provides a non-invasive solution to rid themselves of unsightly follicles for beautiful skin.
Laser light emits a beam of light that breaks down and weakens hair follicles to stop their future growth. It is an efficient and quick method of eliminating unwanted hair on faces, arms, legs, underarms, back or bikini area for both men and women; repeated sessions usually result in permanent reduction of unwanted hair growth. Experienced technicians can significantly enhance its effectiveness for maximum effectiveness.
In Florida, any individual conducting electrolysis, laser and light-based hair removal must obtain a state licensed electrologist license. To become certified in Florida this requires at least 120 hours of classroom training and 200 hours of hands-on practice at an approved school and passing the state exam as well as receiving a Certificate of Completion from them. In addition, electrologists must achieve Certified Medical Electrologist (CME) status which tests advanced knowledge of needle and laser modalities – these technicians typically work at medispas, cosmetic surgery clinics or salons offering these services.
If a physician prefers not to perform laser and light-based hair removal or electrolysis treatments themselves, they can entrust these duties to an RN, PA, or NP who has undergone intensive training and certification in these areas. For laser treatments to take place successfully on site, however, the supervising physician must remain present while all protocols reviewed and signed off by them must also be strictly observed by them.
Although Florida Board of Medicine doesn’t mandate having a doctor present when offering aesthetic treatments at non-physician offices or med spas, physicians must still be present when injecting Botox and soft tissue fillers. A physician can have non-physicians provide these services within his/her primary office provided the physician provides appropriate explanation of benefits/risks to his or her patient prior to providing service.
Estheticians
Health care professionals licensed to practice electrology treatments such as needle and laser hair removal may use FDA-approved laser devices for cosmetic treatments as well. Unfortunately, physicians may only delegate use of such devices to PAs, NPs working under their protocol, master estheticians licensed under state regulations or master estheticians – PAs must also be present during laser treatments performed – this restriction doesn’t apply in med spas, aesthetic centers or non-physician doctors’ offices.
Medical estheticians receive extensive education and training not only in advanced makeup and skin care treatments, but also cosmetic laser procedures. Florida law mandates that prospective estheticians attend an accredited medical esthetician school and pass national and state licensing exams before becoming employed at medispas, beauty centers, cosmetic surgery clinics or doctor offices.
Electrologists in Florida had long been subject to direct physician supervision in order to perform laser hair removal services. Recently, however, both the Board of Medicine and state Electrology Council agreed on changing this regulation so electrologists may use laser and light treatments under telehealth supervision instead.
Cosmetologists, registered nurses (not licensed vocational nurses), medical assistants and estheticians may all use laser or light-based devices for wrinkle treatment as well as mole removal and other blemish removal in certain states. It’s wise to check with your state health care board regarding specific requirements in your region.
Many people associate laser treatments as being expensive; however, several sessions can provide long-lasting results at the same cost as waxing or shaving. Our medical esthetician can assist in managing your budget by suggesting less costly alternatives for treating unwanted hair. Laser treatment for unwanted hair growth on the face, underarms, legs and arms typically takes 4-6 sessions to reach optimal results – our physician assistant Holly Shipley will review your health history prior to advising the number of sessions that might best meet your needs during your initial appointment.
