Medical Esthetician

Medical Esthetician
A medical esthetician is a skin care specialist who focuses on improving the appearance and health of the skin. They often work in a medical setting, such as a dermatologist's office or plastic surgery clinic. They may be responsible for providing a variety of skin treatments, including facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing. 

What Is Medical Esthetician?

Medical estheticians are skin care professionals who focus on improving the skin's appearance and health through various treatments and services. They may work in multiple settings, including medical spas, plastic surgery clinics, dermatologist offices, and other medical facilities.

Medical estheticians are responsible for providing a range of treatments to clients, including facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing. These treatments are designed to exfoliate, moisturize, and rejuvenate the skin and address specific skin concerns such as acne, rosacea, and sun damage. Medical estheticians may also provide advice on skin care regimens and products to help clients maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin.

In addition to performing skin treatments, medical estheticians may also be responsible for maintaining treatment records, ordering supplies, and managing inventory. In addition, they may work closely with physicians and other medical professionals to develop treatment plans for clients with specific skin conditions or concerns.

To become a medical esthetician, individuals must complete a formal training program and pass a licensing exam. In addition, many states require medical estheticians to hold a professional certification in medical aesthetics, which may be obtained through a professional organization such as the National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors & Associates (NCEA). Medical estheticians must also adhere to state and local regulations and professional standards of practice.

What Do Medical Esthetician professionals Do?

The daily duties of a medical esthetician can vary depending on the specific setting in which they work, as well as the treatments they are trained to perform. However, there are some everyday tasks that medical estheticians may be responsible for daily:

  1. Providing skin treatments: This may include facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing. Medical estheticians typically work with clients to determine the best treatment plan based on their specific skin concerns and goals.
  2. Advising clients on skin care regimens: Medical estheticians may recommend skin care products and techniques to help clients maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin. This may include advice on cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and protecting the skin from the sun.
  3. Maintaining treatment records: Medical estheticians may be responsible for keeping track of client treatments and progress and any relevant medical information. This may include taking before and after photos and noting any changes in the skin.
  4. Managing inventory: Medical estheticians may be responsible for ordering supplies and managing inventory, such as skin care products and equipment.
  5. Maintaining a clean and organized work environment: Medical estheticians must ensure that treatment rooms and equipment are clean and well-maintained to ensure the safety and comfort of clients.
  6. Staying up-to-date on industry trends and developments: Medical estheticians may attend continuing education courses or workshops to keep current on the latest treatments and techniques.
  7. Collaborating with other medical professionals: In some cases, medical estheticians may work closely with physicians and other medical professionals to develop treatment plans for clients with specific skin conditions or concerns.

Medical Esthetician School Requirements

To become a medical esthetician, individuals typically need to meet the following requirements:

  1. Complete a formal training program: Medical estheticians typically need to complete a training program in medical aesthetics, which can be found at vocational schools, community colleges, and some spas and salons. These programs typically last between six months and one year. They may include coursework in skin anatomy, physiology, and pathology and hands-on training in skin treatments and techniques.
  2. Pass a licensing exam: Many states require medical estheticians to hold a professional license, which can be obtained by passing a licensing exam. However, the requirements for obtaining consent may vary by state, so it is essential to check with your state's licensing board for specific requirements.
  3. Obtain professional certification: Some states require medical estheticians to hold a professional certificate, such as the Certified Medical Esthetician (CME) designation offered by the National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors & Associates (NCEA). Certification may require additional coursework and the completion of a certain number of hours of supervised practice.
  4. Meet continuing education requirements: Medical estheticians may be required to complete a certain number of hours of continuing education each year to maintain their license and certification. This may include attending workshops, seminars, and other educational events to stay current on the latest treatments and techniques in the field.

It is important to note that requirements for becoming a medical esthetician may vary by state, so it is essential to check with your state's licensing board for specific requirements.

Medical Esthetician School Cost

The cost of becoming a medical esthetician can vary depending on several factors, including the type and length of training program you choose and the location of the school or training facility. Some other factors that may affect the cost of becoming a medical esthetician include:

  1. Tuition: Tuition for medical aesthetics training programs can range from a few thousand dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the length and intensity of the program.
  2. Books and supplies: You may be required to purchase textbooks and other materials for your training program, which can add to the overall cost.
  3. Licensing fees: Many states require medical estheticians to hold a professional license, which may require an application fee and an exam fee.
  4. Certification fees: Some states may require medical estheticians to hold a professional certification, such as the Certified Medical Esthetician (CME) designation offered by the National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors & Associates (NCEA). Certification may require an additional fee for coursework and the completion of a certain number of hours of supervised practice.

It is essential to carefully consider the costs of becoming a medical esthetician and to budget accordingly. In addition, it may be helpful to compare the prices of different training programs and to research any financial aid options available to help offset the costs.

Medical Esthetician School School Program Length

The length of time it takes to become a medical esthetician can vary depending on your specific training program and your individual study pace. However, most medical aesthetics training programs take six months and one year to complete. These programs typically include classroom instruction and hands-on skin treatments, and techniques training.


In addition to completing a training program, individuals who wish to become medical estheticians may also need to pass a licensing exam and obtain professional certification. The requirements for obtaining a license and accreditation may vary by state, so it is essential to check with your state's licensing board for specific requirements.


It is important to note that becoming a medical esthetician involves more than just completing a training program. It also consists in developing the necessary skills and knowledge to provide safe and effective skin treatments and staying up-to-date on industry trends and developments. As such, becoming a competent and confident medical esthetician may take some time and experience.

Medical Esthetician School Curriculum

The curriculum for a medical esthetician school can vary depending on the specific program and training facility you choose. However, most medical aesthetics training programs include coursework in the following areas:

  1. Skin anatomy and physiology: This may include the structure and function of the skin, as well as the different layers of the skin and the role of each layer.
  2. Skin care and treatment techniques: This may include instruction in various skin care treatments, such as facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing. Students may also learn about different skin care products and ingredients and how to properly cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize the skin.
  3. Skin conditions and disorders: This may include coursework on common skin conditions and diseases, such as acne, rosacea, and sun damage, as well as how to identify and treat these conditions.
  4. Business and professional development: Many medical esthetician programs also include coursework on the company and professional product, such as how to market your services, manage a business, and build client relationships.
  5. Health and safety: Medical estheticians must ensure the safety and comfort of their clients, so training programs often include coursework on health and safety practices, such as infection control, sterilization techniques, and emergency protocols.

In addition to coursework, medical aesthetics training programs may include hands-on training in skin treatments and techniques and supervised practice in a clinical setting. This may involve working with clients under the supervision of a licensed medical esthetician or another medical professional.

How to Choose a Medical Esthetician School

When choosing a medical esthetician school, there are a few key factors to consider:

  1. Accreditation: Choosing a school accredited by a recognized organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), is essential. Accreditation ensures that the school meets specific standards for quality and can provide a high-quality education.
  2. Curriculum: Look for a school that offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers the topics and skills you need to become a competent and confident medical esthetician. This may include coursework in skin anatomy and physiology, skin care and treatment techniques, skin conditions and disorders, business and professional development, and health and safety.
  3. Faculty: Choose a school with experienced and knowledgeable faculty who can provide guidance and support as you learn and grow in your career.
  4. Location: Consider the location of the school and whether it is convenient for you to attend classes and clinical training.
  5. Cost: Look for a school that offers a program that fits your budget, and consider any additional expenses such as tuition, books, and supplies.
  6. Reputation: Research the importance of the school and its graduates to get a sense of the quality of education and training it provides. This may include talking to current or former students and looking for reviews or testimonials online.

Considering these factors, you can choose a medical esthetician school that fits your needs and goals well.

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