GUIDE: HOW TO GET WORK IN AESTHETIC MEDICINE

SO YOU WANT TO WORK IN AESTHETIC MEDICINE…

Aesthetic medicine is one of the fastest-growing specialties in Canada. In fact, every year, around 6 million anti-wrinkle (neuromodulator) treatments are administered around the world.

As a health care professional working in aesthetics, your responsibilities will typically include the assessment, consultation, treatment, and follow up of patients receiving cosmetic services. These services include the injection of neuromodulators (or neurotoxins such as Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, or Nuceiva®), dermal fillers (such as Juvéderm®, Restylane®, Teosyal®, or Revanesse®), the application of laser and light therapies, and topical skincare.

WHERE DO I START?

A great place to start is seeing if you can shadow an aesthetic provider near you for a half or full day. Not only will you make a new connection in the industry, but you will also get an idea of what the job entails and if it is the type of environment you can see yourself working in.

In Canada, to practice aesthetic medicine, you must be a medical professional. This means a licensed surgeon or physician, a nurse practitioner, a nurse (registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or registered practical nurse), and depending on your province, a dentist, naturopath, or pharmacist. Once you are licensed in your respective area, you can add more specialized skills in your chosen area.

Physicians and surgeons often specialize in this area using the title “aesthetic provider”, in addition to their physician qualifications. Nurses working in this field may have many titles such as aesthetic nurse, cosmetic nurse, or nurse injector. Nurses in this field must be overseen by a medical director (Physician or Nurse Practitioner) who must assess the client and write the order for the injectable treatment plan.

Currently, in Canada, there are no specific regulations or additional educational requirements for doctors or nurses to work in this area. Training courses are aimed at preparing new practitioners with BASIC skills to start on their aesthetic career. Some suggestions at qualities to look for in a training course:

The training course must be thorough and cover anatomy, complications, techniques, and ethical issues.
The training should consist of both theory and a guided in-person practical component.
The training should be conducted in a small group setting to allow for questions and close monitoring as you learn your basic skills.
The training course should be led by recognized experts in the industry.
Bonus* Take a course recognized by your licensing body if possible (ie: The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada or the Canadian Nursing Association).

Find a reputable course in your area that focuses on anatomy and has a hands-on practice component!

MAIA Injection Training is a leading aesthetic injection training institution in Canada. We are experienced in training surgeons, physicians, and nurses in a variety of settings and at a variety of skill levels. Our course offerings allow you to choose the skill sets that you want to focus on and meet you at the level you are at. Our intimate hands-on sessions offer a trainer/trainee ratio of 1:3 ensuring students have ample opportunity for questions with experienced industry professionals. We also offer 1:1 advanced training and mentorship opportunities.

I TOOK A FOUNDATIONAL COURSE, NOW WHAT?

Well, now you need a job! So what comes first – the course or the job? You can go either way! Many clinics will want an injector with some education and experience, but there are some that will train you “on-the-job”. It would be prudent to check with the clinics in your area that you are interested in working with what their expectations are and what training support they may offer.

As soon as you do your course, get injecting! It is an easy skill to lose or forget if you are not out doing it right away. Typically, when you first start out in aesthetics it is part time and building clientele can take a while, unless you are coming into a fully functioning clinic.

OK, NOW HOW DO I GET A JOB?

If you are a physician, surgeon, or a nurse practitioner you can add this skill into your current practice or start your own aesthetic practice. We recommend setting aside a specific day that you do only your injectables practice. Each of our course offerings contains modules that guides you through incorporating your new skills into your current practice. If you are a dentist, naturopath, or pharmacist (depending on your province), you may also start practicing independently.

If you are a physician assistant (PA), or a nurse (RN, LPN, RPN), you will need to be partnered with a medical director (physician, surgeon, or nurse practitioner) to oversee your practice. The regulations vary based on what province you are in. Some provinces require the MD to be on site, while others allow for the MD to be off site. Either way, the MD must assess each patient and write the initial medical directive/order. Check with your college to ensure you are practicing within your scope!

If you aren’t wanting to do independent practice and want to start with an established clinic, then apply, apply, apply! Even if clinics are not advertising that they are hiring, it is worth reaching out and making connections. If you leave a lasting impression you might be the first person they think of when they are hiring, or they may create a position for you, or maybe they are just not openly advertising!

Many clinics hire based on personality. At the end of the day, this is a bit of a sales job. I would highlight on your resume any sales experience, ability to build rapport (think long-term relationships with patients), and any artistic experience, beauty interest, etc. Or any other skills you think would be related back to this. For example, a makeup artistry course you once took – learning about beauty ratios, and contours is applicable in the administration of fillers, or working in the service industry, giving you excellent communication strategies along with and understanding how to manage difficult patrons.

Look for a reputable clinic that values training and education, and one that does not have high staff turnover. There are some real gems out there but there can also be some duds. I would recommend trying to work with a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon who values offering you more training and support. As you are first starting out, it may be a “take what you can get” situation. Ensure you feel safe, well-supported, and are practicing within your scope – and get that foot in the door!

Stay focused, stay on course, ask around, and do not give up on your dream! It may take some time to land that interview or hear back from your dream clinic but keep at it!! MEANWHILE: Educate yourself on aesthetic nursing and what it entails; watch youtube videos, read, go to as many training and networking events as possible, and do not hesitate to reach out to any local injectors for advice or job openings! Start attending those courses & networking!! Most injectors out there nowadays value community over competition and can be great support to you!

OMG, I GOT AN INTERVIEW

First things first – CONGRATULATIONS!!!! The best advice I can give you is to BE YOURSELF! Chances are if you are reading this post, you are PASSIONATE about this job, so TELL your potential employer how you are willing to go the extra mile to be successful! Tell them what drives you and WHY you are so passionate about this industry! For myself, I love helping people to look as good as they feel. I want them to project outwardly what they are feeling on the inside and help them to feel amazing in their own skin!

Dress the part! Remember this is AESTHETICS, so don’t be afraid to glitz up a little for your interview and on the job. Go on and get outta those scrubs!

Good luck, you GOT this!

AWESOME, NOW I AM PRACTICING IN THE FIELD (LANDED MY DREAM JOB)!

AMAZING, but it doesn’t stop here, my friend, this is just the beginning! Once you learn the basics it is about practicing and educating yourself as much as possible, I recommend taking any training that comes available to you. Reach out to your industry reps as there are often sponsored events and courses that you can take part in. This is an evolving industry and there is always lots to learn! Brush up on your facial anatomy and know it well.

Connect with your colleagues and your patients. This line of work is very personal and personable. Network. It is a hard industry to break into, but once you are in, it is a tight circle. Be nice and supportive to your colleagues, we are all after the same goal! Make friends, as you never know where you might end up and once you are experienced, there are endless opportunities. Social media is huge now, as soon as you get injecting, post before and afters, videos of injecting, personal stuff, whatever. You could even start some social media before you get in the industry. Just be careful as the college may have some strict regulations about what you can post.

Remember it takes TIME to build your practice and clientele. Most clinics will start you at one day a week or on a part-time basis. Some clinicians do not ever move to full-time aesthetics, it is a very flexible field! As you build your practice, you will likely be able to choose how much time you want to spend in this specialized field. I personally spend about 85% of my practice in aesthetics and still dabble a little primary care. Choose your own adventure!

Keep in mind, this is not always a glam job like it can appear. There is a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes, there is pressure to deliver results, educating clients, stress about potential complications, and emotional support delivered to your clients…. But if this is your dream, it is WORTH it all!

Do not forget additional insurance through your own company or college body!!!

DON’T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! This can be stressful industry. Make those connections, lean on your injector friends, form those tight bonds with your patients, and enjoy yourself as it is truly a wonderfully rewarding practice specialty!!