How to Be an Aesthetician: Education, Licensing, and Career Pathways

What Is an Aesthetician?

An aesthetician (or esthetician) is a licensed skincare professional who specializes in improving the health and appearance of the skin through non-invasive cosmetic treatments.

Aestheticians perform facials, chemical peels, and other skin-enhancing procedures to help clients achieve clear, youthful, and healthy complexions. Many also work alongside physicians in medical spas, dermatology clinics, and aesthetic medical practices where advanced treatments like injectables and laser therapies are offered.

At the American Academy of Procedural Medicine (AAOPM), we train licensed medical professionals and advanced estheticians to safely perform aesthetic procedures that blend science, artistry, and clinical skill.

How to Become an Aesthetician

Becoming a professional aesthetician involves completing formal education, licensure, and hands-on training. The exact requirements vary by state, but the process typically follows five main steps.

Step 1: Meet Basic Aesthetician Requirements

Before enrolling in any aesthetician program, you must:

• Be at least 16–18 years old (depending on state).

• Hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

• Demonstrate interest in skincare, anatomy, and client service.

Some states require proof of immunization and background checks prior to licensing.

Step 2: Complete Aesthetician Schooling

Aesthetician schooling provides the foundational education needed for skincare practice. Programs are offered through vocational schools, community colleges, and cosmetology academies.

Typical Coursework Includes:

• Skin anatomy and physiology

• Sanitation and infection control

• Facials and exfoliation techniques

• Hair removal and waxing

• Makeup artistry and color theory

• Basic chemical peels and microdermabrasion

Most states require between 600 and 1,200 training hours to qualify for licensure, though this varies by location.

Step 3: Fulfill Aesthetician Education Requirements

Once you’ve completed your training hours, you’ll need to pass state-administered exams to earn your license.

These typically include:

• Written Exam: Testing theoretical knowledge of skin health and procedures.

• Practical Exam: Demonstrating hands-on skills in facial treatments and safety protocols.

After passing, you’ll receive your state esthetician license, which allows you to legally perform skincare treatments in spas, salons, or clinics.

Step 4: Gain Experience and Build Skills

Newly licensed aestheticians often begin in:

• Spas or wellness centers

• Dermatology offices

• Plastic surgery clinics

• Medical spas (under physician supervision)

Gaining real-world experience is essential to mastering techniques, building client relationships, and developing your personal brand as an aesthetic professional.

Step 5: Advance Your Career with Medical Aesthetics Training

Many aestheticians pursue advanced training to expand their skill sets and work in medical aesthetics — a field that bridges skincare and medicine.

Through AAOPM’s medical aesthetic training, licensed professionals learn to perform procedures such as:

• Botox® and dermal filler injections

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and microneedling

• Cosmetic laser and light therapies

• PDO thread lifting and collagen stimulation

• Advanced facial rejuvenation techniques

These programs are ideal for aestheticians working in collaboration with physicians, or for nurses, NPs, and PAs seeking to specialize in aesthetic medicine.

Recommended program: Comprehensive Facial Aesthetics Training

Aesthetician Education Requirements by State

While every state board sets its own standards, here are general guidelines for aesthetician schooling and licensing in the U.S.:

Always verify your local aesthetician requirements through your state cosmetology or health department before enrolling in training.

Aesthetician Career Opportunities

After completing schooling and licensing, aestheticians can work in various roles, including:

• Day spa or resort aesthetician

• Medical spa aesthetician (under physician supervision)

• Clinical skincare specialist in dermatology or plastic surgery

• Product specialist or brand educator

• Laser or cosmetic device technician (with advanced certification)

Those with advanced credentials through AAOPM can transition into aesthetic medical practice, offering higher-level procedures and earning significantly higher income potential.

Medical vs. Traditional Aesthetics

AAOPM’s programs prepare professionals to advance from traditional esthetics into medical-grade aesthetic procedures safely and confidently.

Why Choose AAOPM for Advanced Aesthetic Training

AAOPM offers more than just certification — it provides career transformation through accredited, physician-led education.

Advantages of AAOPM Training

• CME-accredited programs recognized nationwide

• Hands-on workshops with live models

• Comprehensive online modules and lifetime access to resources

• Taught by board-certified instructors

• Pathway to aesthetic mastery and business success

By combining scientific precision with artistic application, AAOPM helps practitioners elevate from skincare specialists to aesthetic medicine experts.

Take the Next Step in Your Aesthetic Career

Becoming an aesthetician is your first step toward a rewarding, creative, and in-demand profession. Take your expertise further with AAOPM’s advanced aesthetic medicine courses designed for licensed professionals.

? Explore available training dates on the AAOPM website.
Transform your passion for skincare into a thriving medical aesthetic career.

FAQs

1. How do I become an aesthetician?
Complete an accredited aesthetician program, fulfill your state’s required training hours, and pass licensing exams.

2. What are the aesthetician education requirements?
Most states require 600–1,200 training hours and successful completion of written and practical exams.

3. How long does it take to become an aesthetician?
Typically 6–12 months, depending on the program and state requirements.

4. Do I need a license to be an aesthetician?
Yes. All U.S. states require licensure through the state cosmetology or health board.

5. What’s the difference between an aesthetician and a medical aesthetician?
Medical aestheticians perform advanced procedures in clinical settings, often under physician supervision.

6. Can I train to become an aesthetician online?
Theory components may be available online, but state licensure requires in-person, supervised clinical hours.

7. What comes after aesthetician schooling?
You can specialize in medical aesthetics, laser technology, or anti-aging skincare.

8. What is the earning potential for aestheticians?
Average income ranges from $40,000–$80,000 annually, with medical aestheticians earning more.

9. Can nurses or physicians train in aesthetic medicine?
Yes. AAOPM offers advanced courses for licensed medical professionals.

10. Where can I find advanced aesthetic training?
At AAOPM — visit the Comprehensive Facial Aesthetics Training page for details.

References

• National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors & Associations (NCEA)

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Skincare Specialists

• American Academy of Procedural Medicine (AAOPM)